The first real governing structures in Colonial America were the New England towns of the 17th century, and the nation owes many of its present ideas of local self-governance to these organizations. From the hallowed town meeting to the election of citizens to individual offices and boards, town government—in one form or another—spread south and west to several mid-Atlantic states and most of the Midwest, and many of the Constitutional ideals of an engaged, knowledgeable, and self-determining citizenry stem from the foundations of these early organizations. Today, local politics in the New England states is characterized by a mixture of competing philosophies, from libertarianism to socialism. This program looks at the evolution of these different viewpoints, and how they give rise to varying social structures.
Learning Objectives
Places and Activities
This program is flexible and can be offered in 5, or 7-day itineraries.Through site visits to the Maine Center of Entrepreneurs and local legislators and activists, we learn about the vibrancy and innovative spirit of Southern Maine.
Traveling along the famed Route One to meet with local fishermen, continuing on to inland Maine for a nature hike and time learning about the history of conservation efforts in Maine.
Continuing onto Burlington, Vermont, learning how this state’s populace embodies both strong socialism and rugged individualism.
Discussing what was learned about governing institutions, local economies, and environmental conservation.
Let’s work together
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“I don’t think it is possible to pull a trip like the Amazon and the many activities that you directed without the sense of purpose you have, without your drive for experiential learning for teenagers. All our experiences with the Envoys team were amazing!”
— Angela , Traveling Faculty, RoundSquare Colombia 2015“Envoys was at the top of their game from start to finish. What initially interested me was their focus on curriculum during pre-departure meetings and the program itself. Envoys cares deeply about the experience of the participants and faculty. [They] constantly ask for constructive criticism and make changes when necessary.”
— Joe Vogel , Executive Director, Global Education Benchmark Group“The Envoys staff has been amazing. I have bonded with each of them in different ways and they made the trip to Colombia nicer that I expected. Envoys helped me open myself up to interacting with the locals wherever we traveled!”
— Illeana G. , Student, Deerfield Colombia 2014
