NASPA Joins ADP and TDC to host 2015 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting

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The 2012 document, A Crucible Moment, from the National Taskforce for Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE), served as a national call to institutions of higher education to focus more cohesively on the civic mission of postsecondary education.  As a part of the national dialogue, NASPA launched the Lead Initiative, convening now almost 100 institutions as a part of a national network working on CLDE efforts on campus. In addition, for the last two years, NASPA has offered a conference focused on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement.

In 2015, NASPA is looking forward to continuing its commitment to CLDE, particularly as it works with partner organizations around the important topic of CLDE. NASPA is proud to partner with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ American Democracy Project (ADP) and The Democracy Commitment (TDC) for a joint Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement meeting from June 4^th through June 6^th. Joining the expertise of NASPA, ADP, and TDC members, the meeting promises to highlight curricular and co-curricular approaches to CLDE for diverse institutions.

The theme for this year’s meeting is “Stewardship of Place: A Civic Mission of Higher Education,” focusing on the role colleges and universities play in cultivating civic participation and care for communities of which they are a part. Located in New Orleans, the meeting is in an ideal location for exploring individual and institutional responsibilities to democracy as the nation commemorates the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina as well as the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act and the 50th anniversary of the Higher Education Act.

Michael Sanseviro, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at Kennesaw State University has attended every NASPA CLDE conference and the annual ADP conference for many years and knows the unique value both have offered. He believes that “The synergy of bringing these two powerful movements together is very exciting, and promises to maximize the collaboration between Student Affairs and Academic Affairs professionals on the campuses."

Melinda L. James, Vice President of Student Development at Waubonsee Community College is also looking forward to NASPA’s partnership with ADP and TDC. James noted, "Last year I attended both the ADP/TDC and the NASPA CLDE conferences.  Both conferences truly provided me with a wealth of ideas.  I think it is fantastic that both groups are joining forces.  This should make for a truly dynamic and informative opportunity for all of us engaged in the work of democratic engagement and civic learning".

NASPA, ADP, and TDC invite individuals and institutions to submit proposals for meeting programs both that address the meeting theme and that broadly relate to civic learning and democratic engagement topics. The call for proposals is open until February 8, 2015. Details on the conference theme and guiding questions for proposals can be found online, and program proposals can be submitted here.

We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans in June.

This post is part of the 15 Days of NASPA campaign. To learn more about this activity, as well as about the #NASPAshares Stipends, an opportunity for new professionals and graduate students to win registration and stipend money to attend the 2015 NASPA Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA, please see the blog announcement. 

Today’s key word of the day is “small”.