About Civic Voices Institute
Civic Voices Institute is dedicated to empowering students and promoting civic engagement. Our organization provides a platform where high school and college students with experience in writing, debate, or public speaking can apply to become volunteer coaches, offering mentorship to elementary and middle school students. We aim to improve the writing and debate skills of young learners through various programs such as writing feedback, debate coaching, and public speaking practice. Civic Voices Institute is committed to creating a nurturing environment for students to develop their voices and express their ideas.
Our Story
Joy Goh saw a growing problem developing in the Bay Area: students find themselves amidst waves of information and data, but they are often never taught how to engage with information, express themselves clearly, or hold a civil discussion. With so many schools with limited funding, public conversations becoming increasingly charged and polarized, too many young people feel that they do not have the power (or resources) to share their ideas, advocate for change and engage in their communities.
Having studied debate and writing herself, Joy understood that these skills can dramatically impact a person's academic performance, leadership, confidence, and civic engagement. Motivated to help bridge this gap, she founded Civic Voices Institute—the students' foundation to develop writing skills, structure their arguments, and communicate clearly, respectfully, and intentionally. Today, Civic Voices Institute supports students to be confident writers, effective debaters, and reflective leaders who engage on the issues that matter.
Our Goals
Empower Students
Foster Civic Engagement
Promote Inclusivity
