Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. Engaged citizens promote the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. To be most impactful as an engaged citizen, important skills to develop include an ability to:
- Obtain and process information
- Verbally communicate with persons inside and outside an organization
- Work in a team environment
- Plan, organize, and prioritize work
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Have a mindset committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) is a resource to assist faculty and staff in supporting student skill development by providing access to:
- an extensive library of materials on service-learning, civic engagement, citizenship & democracy, and much more
- one on one meetings to discuss and develop community-based opportunities, projects, and partnerships
- assistance with incorporating civic engagement into curriculum, including developing course objectives; identifying community partners; and assessing learning activities.
- assistance with logistical support for community-based projects (including transportation!)
- workshops and trainings, including pre-service trainings and workshops for students
- resources for assessment and critical reflection
We are available for one-on-one consultations, to provide class presentations, or facilitate connections with community organizations, as appropriate.