Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Civics used to be a cornerstone of education, but today, many Americans feel disconnected from the very systems that manage their communities. In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with Gail Symons, a retired U.S. Navy officer and the founder of Civics 307, to discuss her statewide crusade to restore civic literacy and participation.
Gail shares her unique perspective on why "government is simply how a community manages itself" and outlines the ambitious goals of her e-learning platform. From understanding the specific duties of a county clerk to learning how to process aggressive campaign mailers, Gail provides practical tools for Wyomingites to become more effective, impactful citizens.
We dive deep into the data behind Wyoming’s primary elections, the impact of social media on civil discourse, and the vital importance of voting in local races—where decisions about snowplowing, public lands, and education are actually made.
Learn more about Gail’s work at: https://whyvote.vote/
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 – The Crisis of Civic Engagement in Wyoming
0:41 – Defining Civics: How Communities Manage Themselves
1:40 – The Evolution of Civics Education in Schools
3:39 – Bridging the Gap: What Every Citizen Needs to Know
5:11 – The Origins of Civics 307 and the Bill Tracker
6:53 – WhyVote.vote: A Resume for Political Candidates
10:12 – The Real-World Consequences of Civic Illiteracy
11:28 – The Pragmatics of Voting: 50% Plus One
13:29 – Finding Your Issue: How to Avoid Information Overload
14:14 – E-Learning: 15 Modules for the Wyoming Voter
16:36 – Understanding the Job Before You Hire a Candidate
17:28 – Disconnection: The Impact of Social Media on Discourse
19:32 – Ideology vs. Good Governance
21:27 – A Savvy Voter’s Guide to Campaign Mailers
22:24 – How to Talk to Candidates at Your Door
24:06 – Wyoming Election Data: Why the Primary is Key
25:53 – How to Get Involved with Civics 307
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
Civics used to be a cornerstone of education, but today, many Americans feel disconnected from the very systems that manage their communities. In this episode of Wyoming Chronicle, host Steve Peck sits down with Gail Symons, a retired U.S. Navy officer and the founder of Civics 307, to discuss her statewide crusade to restore civic literacy and participation.
Gail shares her unique perspective on why "government is simply how a community manages itself" and outlines the ambitious goals of her e-learning platform. From understanding the specific duties of a county clerk to learning how to process aggressive campaign mailers, Gail provides practical tools for Wyomingites to become more effective, impactful citizens.
We dive deep into the data behind Wyoming’s primary elections, the impact of social media on civil discourse, and the vital importance of voting in local races—where decisions about snowplowing, public lands, and education are actually made.
Learn more about Gail’s work at: https://whyvote.vote/
...
Chapter Markers
0:00 – The Crisis of Civic Engagement in Wyoming
0:41 – Defining Civics: How Communities Manage Themselves
1:40 – The Evolution of Civics Education in Schools
3:39 – Bridging the Gap: What Every Citizen Needs to Know
5:11 – The Origins of Civics 307 and the Bill Tracker
6:53 – WhyVote.vote: A Resume for Political Candidates
10:12 – The Real-World Consequences of Civic Illiteracy
11:28 – The Pragmatics of Voting: 50% Plus One
13:29 – Finding Your Issue: How to Avoid Information Overload
14:14 – E-Learning: 15 Modules for the Wyoming Voter
16:36 – Understanding the Job Before You Hire a Candidate
17:28 – Disconnection: The Impact of Social Media on Discourse
19:32 – Ideology vs. Good Governance
21:27 – A Savvy Voter’s Guide to Campaign Mailers
22:24 – How to Talk to Candidates at Your Door
24:06 – Wyoming Election Data: Why the Primary is Key
25:53 – How to Get Involved with Civics 307
...
With Wyoming PBS content you can delve into Wyoming history, explore the breathtaking beauty of our iconic national parks, and immerse yourself in the inspiring tales of Native American leaders, ranching life, the wonders of nature, and the many things to do in Wyoming. Whether you're seeking inspiring narratives or planning your next adventure in our beautiful state, WY PBS is your trusted guide.
Subscribe to our channel: youtube.com/wyomingpbs
Subscribe to our email newsletter: wyomingpbs.org/newsletter-signup-form
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/WyomingPBS
Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wyoming-pbs
