Courtroom CUBs - HANdbook

Written By Katherine R

Courtroom Cubs: The Advocacy Project Handbook

Mission Statement

America is in a crisis: a generation growing up with political misinformation, polarization, and a limited understanding of the systems meant to protect them. Courtroom Cubs is aiming to change that. Our mission is to introduce young students to their rights, the justice system, and the importance of civic understanding through interactive, age-appropriate workshops. We aim to empower kids with the confidence to ask questions, think critically, and advocate for themselves and their communities. 

We envision a future where every child, regardless of background, understands the basics of the legal system, can recognize unfairness, and feels capable of engaging with civic issues respectfully and responsibly. Courtroom Cubs hopes to inspire the next generation of lawyers, policymakers, and leaders while strengthening civic education to reduce division, increase empathy, and build a more informed society.

Our Core Values

  1. Integrity

  2. Justice

  3. Education

  4. Empathy


What we do

Courtroom Cubs is a student-led civic education initiative that brings basic legal and civic concepts into elementary and middle school classrooms through workshops, activities, and simulations. Chapters operate locally but follow a shared mission, ethical framework, and curriculum philosophy.

Courtroom Cubs is nonpartisan, educational, and student-driven. It does not promote political candidates or ideologies; instead, it focuses on rights, responsibilities, and respectful civic engagement.


Organizational Structure of a Chapter


Are you looking to start your own Courtroom Cubs chapter at your school? Each chapter is designed to be simple, sustainable, and student-led while maintaining accountability and quality.

Required Positions

  • Chapter President / Director
    Oversees the chapter, serves as the main liaison with schools and the national organization, and ensures workshops align with Courtroom Cubs values.

  • Vice President / Operations Lead
    Manages scheduling, internal organization, and workshop logistics.

  • Curriculum Lead
    Adapts and prepares lesson materials to ensure they are age-appropriate, accurate, and engaging.

  • Outreach & Partnerships Lead
    Communicates with elementary schools, community centers, parents, and potential partners.

Optional Positions

  • Treasurer / Finance Lead

  • Training Coordinator

  • Social Media & Communications Lead

Chapters should have at least 3 committed members to operate effectively.


Starting a Chapter: Step-by-Step

  1. Assemble a founding team of interested students.

  2. Obtain approval from your school (if required).

  3. Identify a faculty advisor or adult point of contact.

  4. Review the Courtroom Cubs mission, ethics, and curriculum guidelines.

  5. Reach out to a local elementary or middle school.

  6. Pilot your first workshop.

Roles & Responsibilities

All members are expected to:

  • Uphold Courtroom Cubs’ nonpartisan mission

  • Treat students with respect and professionalism

  • Be prepared and punctual for workshops

  • Maintain confidentiality and safety standards

Leadership members additionally ensure training, documentation, and continuity between school years.

Program Model & Workshops

Workshops typically last 30–60 minutes and are interactive rather than lecture-based. Common formats include:

  • Mock trials

  • Rights-based games

  • Scenario discussions

  • Role-playing civic decision-making

Workshops are designed to be engaging, inclusive, and discussion-driven.

Curriculum Guidelines

Courtroom Cubs curriculum should:

  • Avoid political persuasion or advocacy for specific policies

  • Focus on how systems work, not what to believe

  • Use clear language and real-world examples

  • Encourage respectful disagreement and questioning

Key topics may include:

  • What laws are

  • What courts do

  • Basic student and youth rights

  • Fairness and rules in everyday life

Community Partnerships

Chapters are encouraged to partner with:

  • Local elementary or middle schools

  • After-school programs

  • Libraries or community centers

  • Youth organizations

All partnerships must prioritize student safety and educational value.



Ethics, Safety, & Student Protection

Courtroom Cubs maintains a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Chapters must:

  • Never collect personal data from children

  • Avoid unsupervised one-on-one interactions

  • Follow school and district policies

  • Immediately report concerns to an adult supervisor



Measuring Impact

Chapters should track:

  • Number of workshops delivered

  • Number of students reached

  • Feedback from teachers or administrators

Impact is measured by understanding, engagement, and confidence, not political outcomes.



Branding & Outreach

Chapters should present themselves professionally and consistently. Use:

  • The official name is “Courtroom Cubs.”

  • Clear, neutral language

  • Age-appropriate visuals and materials


Sample Games


Katherine R