Mission Statement:
The American Democracy Project for Civic Engagement is a national, multi-campus initiative that seeks to foster informed civic engagement in the United States. The project seeks to create a greater intellectual understanding and commitment to participate in the civic life of the United States.
Focused on undergraduates at public colleges and universities, the American Democracy Project has created a collaborative network of 166 public colleges and universities, representing more than 1.5 million students that are member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The three-year project, sponsored by AASCU in collaboration with The New York Times, will provide opportunities for participating campuses to engage in activities and projects designed to increase the number of undergraduate students are committed to meaningful civic actions. (http://www.nytimes.com/ref/college/collegespecial2/coll_aascu_mission.html)
What is civil engagement?
Part of NGCSU's strategic vision is to create engaged citizens. According to NGCSU's Strategic Plan 2008-2013,
"Effective citizens are active participants in their communities, knowledgeable about issues and inspired by an ethic of social responsibility and service to others. The development of engaged citizens requires practice and involvement beyond the classroom that extends into the community. Experiential learning opportunities associated with community life are essential to this civic objective. We must provide students with structured activities that encourage participation and organized reflection on these experiences. We must also provide students with basic knowledge of ours and others’ history and with the range of positions on key public issues." (NGCSU's Strategic Plan 2008-2013, p. 11)
ADP is committed to promoting civic engagement at NGCSU as both a vehicle of communication about campus activities and through ADP initiatives designed to generate interested in student involvement in democracy.
Why is it important to be an "engaged citizen?
Democracy depends on informed and active participation.
ADP hopes to provide opportunities for students to become aware of political issues
and to participate in the political process.
There are a number of ways students can become informed and involved at NGCSU including:
Student Associations: Student Government Association, Student Activities Board, Greek Organizations
These organizations provide opportunities for students to be directly involved in campus life. By joining one of these organizations you are making your first step as an "engaged citizen". These organizations typically offer lots of opportunity for volunteerism as well.
Political Organization: Political Science Student Association, Crossfire Lunches, Young Republicans, Young Democrats
These organizations offer students an opportunity to become informed of current events and discuss political issues. These organizations are a wonderful resource for students who are considering a political career or simply want to be informed of current political issues.
**Please note that the above list is only a sampling of the opportunities available in campus. If your organization is not featured here please contact Maria Albo Carabelli (mjalbo@ngcsu.edu) to be added to this list.
What activities are ADP Planning?
The American Democracy Project hopes to become an active presence on campus during the 2009-2010 school year.
We are hoping to bring a variety of activities to NGCSU in order to encourage civic participation on campus and in the local community.
Constitution/ Citizenship Day
Thursday September 17th, 2009!
NGCSU sponsors a campus wide initiative in honor of Constitution/Citizenship Day. Lots of fun activities are planned!
Each year ADP sponsors an essay contest designed to discuss current political events.
Three students will be awarded up to $125 in prizes!
Our topic this year will relate to the current healthcare debate raging throughout the United States:
“Does the promotion of general welfare imply that the government has an obligation ensure citizens' access to healthcare?
Why or why not"-What do you think??”
Entries are due Monday, September 14, 2009
CLICK HERE FOR 2009 CONSTITUTION DAY CONTEST DETAILS
Be sure to attend the Student Healthcare Forum where you can learn all about the current healthcare debate with the PSSA Crossfire Group!
Click here for more information
Some of the past essay questions have included:
"Should the Bill of Rights Apply to Illegal Immigrants."/// "Is the United States ready for a female President?"
2009 Honors Day
ADP is responsible for the "Great Debate" held annually on Honors Day.
Last years speaker was retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré.
Check back for an update on 2010's speaker!
Movies
We are working on putting together a series of free films for students that will highlight the importance of participating in the democratic process--check back for details!
Careers in Public Service
Are you interested in a career in public service? Check out the Political Science/Criminal Justice Department webpage. The department offers several undergraduate degrees in addition to two graduate programs!
Jobs with the Federal Government.
Jobs with the State of Georgia.
**Links coming soon**
Get Informed! The media is a great resource for obtaining information--just remember that bias does exist!
Use media to keep informed but seek out the truth on your own!
CNN
Fox News
Fact Check
Slate Magazine
**Links coming soon**
ADP Contacts:
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