CLP Announces Upcoming Conferences, Volunteer Opportunities, Mock Trials and More

The new school year is well underway, and CLP is excited for the start of competition season, beginning with a “Mini-Mock” Mock Trial competition on October 31st hosted at the University of Portland!

Fall is full of opportunities for educators, students, and community members. Read on to learn more about how to register for the Oregon Civics Conference, coach a We the People team, judge a Mock Trial competition, or attend a Courthouse Experience Tour.

Oregon Civics Conference Registration Open

The Oregon Civics Conference brings educators together with civic and legal leaders, community partners, educational leaders for a day of learning, networking, and inspiration. This year’s theme is “Democracy and Change: Engaging Questions of Change Through Civil Discourse and Shared Inquiry.” Click here to register today.

Friday, December 4, 2026
8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Salem Convention Center | Salem, Oregon

Educator scholarships are available! Scholarship application information is here. Additionally, workshop proposals are accepted from educators, civic and community organizations, and representatives of Oregon’s state and local government who can help K–12 educators deepen their understanding of state government. Proposals should connect to this year’s theme and offer educators practical ideas, resources, or perspectives they can bring back to their classrooms.

Get Involved in the We the People Program

We the People gives students the opportunity to participate in a simulated congressional hearing on today’s biggest constitutional questions. The program develops constitutional knowledge, critical thinking, public speaking, and other essential skills.

Serve on a judging panel, listen to student testimony, ask follow-up questions, score student responses with a rubric, and provide feedback. Training and materials are provided, no qualifications necessary. Volunteers will be needed on January 23, 2027 in Portland, Oregon for the Regional Competition and on February 6, 2027 in Portland, Oregon for the State Competition. To volunteer, please register here.

Team registration is open through December 18th:

Click here for Demonstration Team (Non-Competitive) Registration– January 23, 2027, Portland, Oregon.
Click here for Regional Team Competition Registration – January 23, 2027, Portland, Oregon.

If you have questions, please contact Competition Coordinator, Emily Stewart.

Mock Trial Team and Volunteer Sign Ups

Sign ups have begun for the 2026-27 Mock Trial season! Mock Trial teaches students about the judicial branch through taking on the roles of attorneys and witnesses, preparing both sides of a fictional legal case and arguing in front of judges from the CLP community.

We provide teachers everything needed to get started. New and returning teams: register for the competition season here by December 18th.

Of course, Mock Trial isn’t possible without volunteer judges and coaches. Judges across the state are needed to help at our seven Regional Competitions in Portland, Hillsboro, Oregon City, Eugene, Medford, Bend, and La Grande on February 20th & 27th, and at the State Finals in Portland on March 13th & 14th. Roles are available for legal professionals as well as members of the broader community, and training is provided.

To volunteer as a Mock Trial judge, go to our Volunteer Hub.

Teams in Portland, Medford, Sherwood, and Central Point need coaches! Coaches volunteer several hours a week alongside classroom teachers to prepare students for competition. Sign up to coach here.

For questions, contact Competition Coordinator, Emily Stewart.

Building Blocks of Change: Democracy in Practice

Join Civics Learning Project for a full-day professional learning experience focused on translating Oregon’s 2024 civics standards and SB 513 requirements into meaningful classroom practice. Applications due by October 15, 2026.

Participants will explore strategies for fostering thoughtful civic discourse, engaging students with multiple perspectives and evidence, and creating opportunities for authentic civic learning. The day will also feature an Applied Civics Lab and dedicated planning time to help educators adapt new strategies and resources for their own classrooms.

October 30, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, Pacwest Center | Portland
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided, along with substitute reimbursement of up to $276.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.