3rd Annual National Civics Bee (in Buena Vista)

Who We Are

The Buena Vista Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Civics Bee, and has long been a cornerstone for building a stronger, more vibrant community in Chaffee County. We believe in fostering environments where people of all ages feel empowered to engage in civic life, creating a ripple effect that benefits every resident. Partnering with the League of Women Voters of Chaffee County on the National Civics Bee project, we are building spaces where voices are heard, ideas are celebrated, and our community thrives.

What We Do

As part of our mission to strengthen civic dialogue and community engagement, we host the National Civics Bee—a unique, interactive experience that brings the values of citizenship and community service to life for young people. Our work goes beyond supporting local businesses; it’s about building a connected community where everyone is valued, especially the next generation.

What is the National Civics Bee?

The National Civics Bee is a competition for middle school students, encouraging them to identify a problem or challenge within the community, write an essay about their concerns, and propose a solution. From these submissions, 20 finalists are selected to participate in a live local event, where they answer multiple-choice questions and engage in thought-provoking dialogue with judges. The Bee isn’t just about the competition—it’s a celebration of youth voices and their power to create meaningful change in Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and beyond.

Success Stories: Joseph Drexler’s Inspiring Journey

One of our proudest moments came with the success of Joseph Drexler, a middle school student from Buena Vista’s DPCA. Joseph placed in the top three in our local competition, went on to win the state competition in 2024, and is now headed to Washington, D.C., to represent Colorado in the National Civics Bee Competition this November. Joseph’s journey highlights the transformative power of the Civics Bee—not only for him but for the entire community. His dedication, curiosity, and voice have inspired his peers, and his story exemplifies what we’re striving to achieve: empowered youth who feel capable, confident, and ready to participate. We also believe in fostering a culture of listening, where adults take youth concerns seriously and work together to create a better community. When we act on the issues that matter to our youth, we build trust and show them that their voices and ideas make a difference, laying the foundation for a stronger Chaffee County.

Opportunities it Unlocks for Kids

This competition is an empowering journey for young people. It’s an opportunity to think critically, articulate their ideas, and feel the encouragement of a supportive community. By participating in the Civics Bee, students gain confidence, develop problem-solving skills, make connections, and begin to see themselves as celebrated members of the community. These are lifelong qualities that shape them as leaders and engaged citizens, creating lasting impact for themselves and for all of us.

How it Improves Life in Chaffee County

Civic engagement has been on the decline nationwide for decades, and as we face modern challenges, the need for thoughtful, informed dialogue has never been greater. The Civics Bee is our way of cultivating a community that values and upholds open, respectful civic discourse. By investing in our youth’s civic education, we’re fostering a culture in Chaffee County where everyone, from our youth to our elders, feels empowered to contribute to the well-being of our community.

Why Support the Buena Vista National Civics Bee 

Your support for the Civics Bee helps us continue to elevate the visibility and voices of youth in our community. Middle school students from the entire region are welcome to participate. The Civics Bee allows us to create an empowering environment where young people can thrive and be recognized. With your help, we can show students that their ideas matter, that their voices are valued, and that they have the community’s support in taking their place in civic life.

How to Support Us

By donating through Chaffee Gives, you’re directly supporting the future of safe and celebrated space for civic engagement in our community. Your contribution will help us bring this powerful program to life for local students. Your gift today has the power to inspire young leaders, strengthen our community, and ensure that Chaffee County continues to thrive. Please join us in celebrating and supporting this legacy of civic engagement by making your contribution today.

Conclusion

Together, we can create safe and celebrated space for civic dialogue and solve the most pressing challenges our community faces. Thank you for standing with us, empowering youth, and investing in a brighter future for all of Chaffee County and beyond.