What It Is

Legislative Aide is a computer based game that integrates service learning and computer gaming with Youth Map’s social networking capabilities. The software and curriculum are based on research done at the University of Wisconsin Center for Communication and Democracy, and was developed by two companies, Community Knowledgebase, LLC and EFGames, LLC, in partnership with CIRCLE, the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University.

Legislative Aide is designed to help students in exploring their community, its resources, and their role in civic life. With Legislative Aide, students work in small groups to play legislative aides to a simulated elected official. As a part of the game, players conduct one-on-one interviews with real-life members of their community. Then, within the context of Legislative Aide, players use Youth Map in order to see how resources and information are linked within the community.