Civic engagement: Not just a buzzword

Civic engagement is more than just a buzzword; it's an important topic that allows college students to impact their communities, shape policy and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

From formal classes in policy and politics to volunteering and voting, to participating in campus organizations or attending events, University of Delaware students don't just enhance their college experience; they build a foundation for lifelong community impact.

UDaily shares this listicle ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election, exploring the many ways UD promotes civic engagement for the campus community. The list also includes UD resources that equip students with real-world skills, foster empathy and strengthen democratic values.

Vote!

UD's Student Voting and Civic Engagement Initiative is a collaborative effort involving students, faculty and staff members from various UD departments-including, but not limited to, Student Life and Academic Affairs. Launched in the fall of 2019, this initiative aims to foster a culture of informed civic participation among students, equipping them with the resources and knowledge necessary for meaningful engagement.

"For many of our students, this is the first major opportunity to exercise their civic rights and vote," said Matthew Creasy, co-chair of the initiative and associate director for leadership development in UD's Division of Student Life.

Creasy explained that the group seeks to equip students with the resources they need to know how to vote, where to vote, and how they can access information about their state's deadlines for absentee and early voting. "Knowing how to find the information about voting and making a plan to vote is just as important as knowing what you believe in and support with your vote," he added.

According to Creasy, engaging students across differences in civil discourse and dialogue in partnership with faculty and staff is another role of the committee.

The initiative organized a National Voter Registration Day event on The Green in September. At the event, student volunteers worked together to increase voter registration and participation rates among Blue Hens via TurboVote. This online service makes voting easy for collegiate communities by simplifying voter registration and education in one interface. All Blue Hens can use TurboVote to register to vote, change or check registration status, request absentee ballots, find polling locations, and more. Those who are under the age of 18 can use the service to pledge to vote when they become eligible.

Attend an event

The Division of Student Life, academic departments, and registered student organizations have organized election-related events. Upcoming highlights include:

• Engaging Matters: Hot Takes Over Hot Plates Discussion on Voting
  Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m. | Center for Intercultural Engagement (Perkins 261)
  Event Link

• Election Night Watch Party/Red, White and Blue Hen Night
  Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m. | Perkins Student Center

• Young Democratic Socialists of America Election Watch Party
  Tuesday, Nov. 5, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. | Center for Intercultural Engagement (Perkins 261)

As part of its commitment to unity and dialogue, UD is also preparing for the upcoming "Tolerance on The Green" art installation, scheduled for November. This initiative aims to leverage art as a medium for community engagement and conversation about important societal issues.

Throughout the fall semester, UD offered programs to strengthen civic engagement and enhance dialogue around the election, such as offering the Civic Chats and Chew series-a series of discussions about democracy and the economy held over lunch-as well as Democracy in Focus: Media's Role in the 2024 Election and Delaware Debates, both hosted by UD's Center for Political Communication.