Civic Engagement at UW-L
“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. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” - Tom Ehrlich
Civic engagement is a component of both the UW-L Strategic Plan and the UW System Mission Statement. The latter states that "Inherent in this broad mission are methods of instruction, research, extended training and public service designed to educate people and improve the human condition. Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth." Whereas UW-L's mission statement includes the assertion "The University shall serve as an academic and cultural center, providing service and professional expertise, and meeting the broader educational needs of the region." This Web site gives examples of how UW-L is involved in Civic Engagement.
The American Democracy Project is a multi-campus initiative that seeks to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement in the United States in the 21st century. The project targets undergraduates enrolled at institutions that are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The project grows out of a concern about decreasing rates of participation in the civic life of America in voting, in advocacy, in local grassroots associations, and in other forms of civic engagement that are necessary for the vitality of our democracy.
UW-L's Service with the Community
