Rebuilding American Civics 
Sam Scinta teaching Rebuilding American Civics.jpeg

At a time when civics engagement and civic education are more important than ever, the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University has partnered with the City of La Crosse Parks and Recreation Department to offer their popular series of Rebuilding American Civics classes once again, which are free and open to the public.  Facilitator, Sam Scinta designed this program to provide civics education and discussion for community members. 

Dates and Times

  • Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 23, 30, and Nov. 11 
  • Noon–1:15 p.m.

Location: Black River Beach Neighborhood Center, 1433 Rose Street, La Crosse

Recommended age group: Adults 18+

Cost: Classes are free and open to the public. 

Registration deadline

Register one day prior to a session by calling 608-789-8640. Sessions are offered a la carte; feel free to attend one or more sessions.

  • Minimum # of participants required to hold the class: 2

  • Maximum # of participants: 30 

Curriculum
​​​​Session 1

Sept. 25 – An historic time for American Government: 2000-2024 
Oct. 2 – The importance of state and local government    
Oct. 9 – Ideologies 101: Conservatism and Liberalism 

Session 2

Oct. 23 – The Executive Branch and Its Powers
Oct. 30 – 2024 Election Preview
Nov. 11 – 2024 Election Recap (in partnership with LEADERETHICS) 

Civics and Cinema

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Tuesday, Oct. 22
7:00 p.m. (doors open) 7:30 (movie starts)
Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria, 117 4th St. N.  

Civics and Cinema is a new program devoted to sharing classic movies, bringing the community together, and fostering civic conversations. The program is sponsored by the Rivioli Theater, Rebuilding American Civics, and the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University. Join Sam Scinta and Rick Kyte for a brief introduction to the classic Frank Capra film, followed by a viewing and conversation

Meet the Facilitator

sam scinta.jpg

Sam Scinta, Founder of IM Education
Adjunct Professor, Viterbo and UW La Crosse

Creator, Rebuilding American Civics

Sam Scinta is the publisher of Fulcrum Publishing, a leading independent book publisher. He received his JD from the University of Denver and worked as a public finance attorney, before joining Fulcrum as associate publisher; soon thereafter, he was named president and publisher. In 2015, Sam founded IM Education, Inc., a nonprofit focusing on education programming. He is a lecturer in the Servant Leadership Program at Viterbo University and the Political Science Department at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. He currently serves on several boards in the Western Wisconsin region.

    What Participants Are Saying

    “Every morning I watch the news, and after participating in these classes, I understand nuances and complexities that I had not even noticed before.”

    "Instructor Sam Scinta’s ability to tie together current events and history is something you won’t want to miss!"