Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement as part of the collegiate experience
April 27, 2016
Each generation must work to preserve the fundamental values and principles of its heritage…to narrow the gap between the ideals of this nation and the reality of the daily lives of its people; and to more fully realize the potential of our constitutional, democratic republic. We can emerge from this civic recession, but to do so will require a full-scale national investment from every level of government and every sector of society.
The NASPA Lead Initiative began in 2012-2013 as NASPA’s response to The National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement’s Call to Action. This endeavor started with three primary goals:
- First, the initiative was seen as a way to advance the institutionalization of Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) work in student affairs divisions and postsecondary institutions more broadly.
- Second, we wanted to facilitate peer-to-peer sharing and collaboration across the participating colleges and universities.
- And finally, we sought to increase the awareness of student affairs’ overt contributions to students’ citizenship development, civic learning, and community engagement.
Since 2012, this endeavor has grown significantly, and it has done so with the commitment, knowledge, and expertise of the 150 campuses that have participated in this endeavor. But there is still much work to be done. After the first four years of our efforts, we have engaged in dialogue, expanded national partnerships, and enhanced a national conference. As we continue to enrich this work on our campuses, we’d like to urge our colleagues to consider applying for the NASPA Lead Initiative for the 2016-2017 year.
By being a part of the NASPA Lead Initiative, institutions and educators will receive:
- A pre-conference workshop FREE of charge at the NASPA Annual Conference,which will focus on advancing civic learning and democratic engagement initiatives at your institutions, in your communities, and in the larger landscape of higher education.
- A repository of promising practices and opportunities to advance CLDE work on your campus(es), such as becoming a Designated Voter Friendly Campus (Interest forms are due May 13, 2016).
- Professional development opportunities in the NASPA Online Learning Community for FREE. Some of the live briefings and course offerings currently available and relevant to campus civic engagement initiatives are:
Additionally, we’d like you to be aware of your colleagues that are current members of the NASPA Lead Initiative and the work they are doing:
- College of William and Mary: Civic Dialogue Series Invites Discussion of Controversial Topics Across Campus and Community
- Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC): The Value of a Co-Curricular Transcript
- Illinois State University: Dialogue and Empathy: Necessary Skills in Civic Engagement
As we transition into year five of this initiative, we are again seeking connection and engagement with NASPA members and NASPA institutions committed to CLDE work on their campus. Whether you are just beginning efforts to stimulate campus work in this space, or are a seasoned nationally recognized campus leader in CLDE work, NASPA hopes you will consider joining the Lead Initiative for the 2016-2017 year. Applications are due June 30, 2016. You can apply here.
Additionally, please browse the wealth of Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement resources available as a part of the CLDE focus area, featuring research and publications, relevant and timely posts, and updates on upcoming events or conferences.
If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Reynolds, Assistant Director of Knowledge Communities and CLDE Initiatives - NASPA, at [email protected].