September 13, 2024
Many of our member institutions and organizations are in the early weeks of a new academic year. This week we witnessed what may be the final candidates debate ahead of our presidential election. We would like to take this opportunity to remind and support our membership to engage their campus communities in the important work of civil discourse, respectful dialogue and civic engagement among leadership, faculty, staff and most importantly among our students.
Our goals and calls for increased civil discourse, respectful dialogue and civic engagement are non-partisan. We are calling for engaged citizenship — being a citizen and exercising the right to vote transcends any political party. Being members of a civil society requires the art and skills associated with discernment. We are calling for all to be knowledgeable about the policy platforms, voting records and plans for governing presented by all candidates. We are calling for all to be engaged, and finally, we are calling for all to act — act with the power of the vote.
As professionals leading advocacy efforts for diversity, equity, and inclusion, we support you in your efforts to prepare our organizations and campuses to answer this call for action.
VOTE411 provides voters with non-partisan information needed to successfully participate in all elections — whether local, state or federal — and to learn more about the election process and the major platforms for candidates.
College Presidents for Civic Preparedness is a unique consortium that brings together college presidents from a broad range of institutions across the country who share and promote the values and actions associated with civic preparedness — providing college students with the civic skills they need to engage in productive conversations with those who hold different views; to actively engage in their communities; and to express themselves respectfully. Encourage college presidents and cabinet members to join.
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts offers classroom resources and activities on how to lead candid conversation on civility and respectful dialogue.
Educating for American Democracy shares classroom activities and information on how to discuss historical events and current public policy issues.