CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire Bar Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Martha Madsen, Ed.M., M.S.W, as the organization’s new Law Related Education (LRE) Coordinator. Madsen, who will assume the role in early January, will be responsible for the development, coordination, and support of the NHBA’s LRE programs, which aim to strengthen the state’s legal education efforts and empower citizens to become informed, engaged participants in our democracy.
Madsen was involved with the organization NH Civics for a decade, serving in several capacities. During her tenure as executive director, NH Civics quadrupled in size, won multiple national grants, and implemented the award-winning New Hampshire’s Kid Governor program, now in its seventh year. Madsen was also instrumental in initiating and building the NH Civic Learning Coalition, a diverse group that led in advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 216, which expanded civics education requirements for the state’s elementary and middle schools.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Martha on board,” said NHBA Executive Director Sarah Blodgett. “Her wealth of experience coupled with her passion for civics education will make her a real asset to the organization. I look forward to watching our programs flourish under her guidance.”
As LRE Coordinator, in addition to developing and implementing new programs, Madsen will oversee the NHBA’s current LRE programs, which include We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution, Beyond High School, Project Citizen, and A Lawyer & Judge in Every School. Information on these programs can be found at nhbar.org/law-related-education/. Additional responsibilities will include maintaining a network of attorney volunteers, teachers, and schools and developing marketing and promotional materials to increase program engagement.
“I am excited to work on behalf of attorneys to grow the programs within LRE that are already working, and to adopt and adapt new ones as needed and as required by SB 216,” said Madsen. “I love teachers, students, and civics education, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work on this critical issue statewide.”