Center for Democracy & Civic Life Affiliate Positions [PAID] Applications for 2023-2024 due April 3, 2023 The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate students to play leading roles in its 2023-2024 programs as affiliates with the Center. Affiliates include Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders (up to six positions), ConnectionCorps facilitators (up to eight positions), and STRiVE coaches (five positions).

Applications for affiliate positions are due Monday, April 3, 2023. Click here to apply. Read on for more information about the positions.

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Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a six-day immersive learning experience for undergraduate UMBC students organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. During ASB, participants explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore, spending most of the week in small groups focusing on a specific issue or challenge. ASB groups work with community partners, elected officials, and scholars, in part to help participants identify their own pathways to long-term community engagement. ASB 2024 will take place during the week of UMBC’s Spring Break: March 17 - 24, 2024.

ASB 2024 will be developed by a team of undergraduate student leaders organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff during weekly meetings in the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters. Together, the leaders will develop plans for a holistic, empowering ASB experience for participants. ASB leaders will work in pairs to develop small group experiences exploring social issues in Baltimore. Past ASB groups have explored challenges and solutions relating to equitable access to housing, nutritious food, and health care; disability justice; support for youth impacted by intimate partner violence; and a variety of other issues. Leaders can develop an experience relating to one of these topics, or to a new topic they propose.

The overall time commitment for ASB leaders is approximately 100 hours over the course of the fall 2023 semester (2 hour weekly meetings, plus participation in additional programs), the winter 2024 term (roughly 4 - 6 hours each week), and the spring 2024 semester (2 hour weekly meetings until Spring Break, plus participation in additional programs; all day during the week of Spring Break). For specific meeting and program dates, see the application form.

ASB leaders receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-03) on their transcripts for winter and spring 2024.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in ASB.


ConnectionCorps facilitators

ConnectionCorps is an initiative through which undergraduate UMBC students learn to foster democratic participation and authentic connection among participants in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s workshops and programs (e.g., Change Makers Dinners, Changing Maryland, and Dinners with Friends). ConnectionCorps facilitators participate in bi-weekly and ad-hoc training sessions to build community, develop facilitation and dialogue skills, and prepare for specific workshops and programs.  

The overall time commitment for ConnectionCorps facilitators is approximately 60 hours (1.5 hour meetings every other week, plus participation in programs and workshops as they arise) over the course of the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters (roughly 30 hours per semester). For specific meeting dates, see the application form.

ConnectionCorps facilitators receive a $600 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-05) on their transcripts for spring 2024.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in workshops or programs hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life or Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging (i3b).


STRiVE coaches

STRiVE is an immersive five-day leadership for public purpose program for UMBC undergraduate students organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with the Student Government Association. STRiVE helps inspire and support students in becoming more effective leaders and contributors to their communities, especially the UMBC community. STRiVE participants develop friendships; discover their strengths and values; learn how to work more effectively in groups; envision contributions they could make at UMBC; engage issues relating to identity, privilege, and systemic oppression; and tackle both simulated and real leadership and social change challenges. STRiVE 2024 will take place from January 8 - 12, 2024.

STRiVE 2024 will be facilitated by a team of staff and undergraduate student coaches organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff during weekly meetings in the fall 2023 semester. Together, the coaches will rehearse sessions and make plans for an intensive, engaging STRiVE experience for participants. Each student coach will be paired with a staff coach to facilitate activities for a closely-knit small group (a “pod”) that will meet regularly during STRiVE. Coaches will be trained to facilitate pod and large group sessions.

The overall time commitment for STRiVE coaches is approximately 100 hours over the course of fall 2023 semester (2 hour weekly meetings, plus participation in additional programs) and winter 2024 term (all day on January 5 and 8 - 12, 2024, plus one meeting after STRiVE). For specific meeting and program dates, see the application form.

STRiVE coaches receive a $1,000 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-04) on their transcript for winter 2024.

All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in STRiVE.

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Use this form to apply to be an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leader, ConnectionCorps facilitator, and/or STRiVE coach for the 2023-2024 academic year. Again, applications are due Monday, April 3, 2024.

If you have any questions, you can contact us directly at civiclife@umbc.edu. ]]> The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate students to play leading roles in its 2023-2024 programs as affiliates with the Center. Affiliates include Alternative Spring Break... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/131445/guest@my.umbc.edu/c82889741e9e71200b677e7b9a8303c7/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/445/af49fbe02eecd79b731c45de4530ddd4/xxlarge.jpg?1677872393 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/445/af49fbe02eecd79b731c45de4530ddd4/xlarge.jpg?1677872393 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/445/af49fbe02eecd79b731c45de4530ddd4/large.jpg?1677872393 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/445/af49fbe02eecd79b731c45de4530ddd4/medium.jpg?1677872393 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/445/af49fbe02eecd79b731c45de4530ddd4/small.jpg?1677872393 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/445/af49fbe02eecd79b731c45de4530ddd4/xsmall.jpg?1677872393 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/445/af49fbe02eecd79b731c45de4530ddd4/xxsmall.jpg?1677872393 0 0 true Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:40:15 -0500 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 14:41:58 -0500 Black and Gold Rush: Stories of empowerment #BlackAndGoldRush concludes at 9 p.m. tonight! UMBC’s 2023 Black and Gold Rush concludes tonight at 9 p.m. Please consider supporting the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s programs today. Your gift will help us to extend and deepen our work of empowering and equipping UMBC students to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

For some inspiration, check out the stories below from UMBC students who had transformative experiences in STRiVE and Alternative Spring Break (ASB), two of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s programs. Support STRiVE, ASB, and our other programs here. Please also consider supporting other Division of Student Affairs programs and initiatives listed here.

Kayla Hegbe ’23: "Supporting other people in their goals and their dreams, that is something I really took away from [STRiVE] — being able to be my own leader in my own right, and having an impact, but my way."




Musa Jafri ’24: "Through that week at ASB [Alternative Spring Break] I got to meet an engaged community that made me feel welcome, made me feel like I mattered and belonged, which was very important."




Shawn Abraham ’24: "[STRiVE] taught me that change is always happening, and that change can happen if you put your mind to it."




Brianna Malbon ’24: "I thought I was just going to college to get my degree, but [through STRiVE] I found that I'm going to college to find my community. I'm going to college to change things."

]]> UMBC’s 2023 Black and Gold Rush concludes tonight at 9 p.m. Please consider supporting the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s programs today. Your gift will help us to extend and deepen our... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/131400/guest@my.umbc.edu/47445378724394ac70398f09d585026e/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life 1 0 true Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:09:44 -0500 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 14:11:10 -0500 Black and Gold Rush: Help us support and empower students #BlackAndGoldRush • March 1 - 2, 2023 Black and Gold Rush is here! Every year, hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends of UMBC pull together to support the programs that are helping them thrive.

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life empowers and equips UMBC students to make meaningful contributions to their communities on campus and beyond. Give to the Center for Democracy and Civic Life here. Your gift helps us to extend and deepen our work and create opportunities for UMBC students to lead the way in building and sustaining a thriving democracy.

Please also consider supporting other programs and initiatives in UMBC's Division of Student Affairs that help students to get involved, develop leadership skills, build thriving relationships and communities, and access support in challenging times. See this post for a list of these initiatives. Make a donation by visiting blackandgoldrush.umbc.edu.

Thank you! #BlackAndGoldRush
]]> Black and Gold Rush is here! Every year, hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, and friends of UMBC pull together to support the programs that are helping them thrive. The Center... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/131338/guest@my.umbc.edu/94b1970f6aa142067afb836eff8bc7f1/api/pixel blackandgoldrush Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/338/338316340ed22bdaf47a50d6efd83d24/xxlarge.jpg?1677684779 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/338/338316340ed22bdaf47a50d6efd83d24/xlarge.jpg?1677684779 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/338/338316340ed22bdaf47a50d6efd83d24/large.jpg?1677684779 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/338/338316340ed22bdaf47a50d6efd83d24/medium.jpg?1677684779 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/338/338316340ed22bdaf47a50d6efd83d24/small.jpg?1677684779 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/338/338316340ed22bdaf47a50d6efd83d24/xsmall.jpg?1677684779 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/131/338/338316340ed22bdaf47a50d6efd83d24/xxsmall.jpg?1677684779 0 0 true Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:34:17 -0500 Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:22:14 -0500 REPOST: Community Engagement & Social Change in South Africa Study Abroad -- Applications due February 28th
A message from Jessica Cook, Associate Director, Sondheim Scholars Program.

Public Affairs (PUB) 300: Global Community Engagement & Social Change in South Africa
July 27 - August 13, 2023
3 credits

Course description: PUB 300 will engage students in academic, experiential and intercultural learning in and about South Africa. The course will focus on contemporary social challenges and the strategies that government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and citizen activists are using to address them.

Course activities include:
  • Service-learning with local NGOs
  • Meetings with activists, NGO leaders and government officials
  • Visits to sites of historical and cultural significance, including Parliament, the District 6 Museum, Table Mountain, and the surrounding Western Cape region
  • Experiential learning activities including language, culture and cooking workshops
  • A safari and overnight stay at the Aquila Game Reserve

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, February 28. Click here for more information and a link to apply.
]]> A message from Jessica Cook, Associate Director, Sondheim Scholars Program. Public Affairs (PUB) 300: Global Community Engagement & Social Change in South Africa July 27 - August 13, 2023... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/131029/guest@my.umbc.edu/a3c011d202448b335b4496856bef53d5/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life 1 0 true Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:20:43 -0500 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:21:04 -0500 REPOST: Have a say in what you pay! Proposed mandatory fee increases
A message from our colleagues in Student Business Services. Original post here.

Students are invited to attend the annual Fee Forum on February 15th at noon.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about the proposed mandatory fee increases for the upcoming academic year and to provide your feedback.  Don't miss out on an opportunity to have your voice heard.

The meeting will take place in the first floor lecture hall in the Administration Building.  Free pizza will be served!! ]]> A message from our colleagues in Student Business Services. Original post here. Students are invited to attend the annual Fee Forum on February 15th at noon.  This is a great opportunity to... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/130912/guest@my.umbc.edu/3823cc34981d35695a512c94d376a9ff/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life 1 0 true Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:25:47 -0500 RSVP for Dinner with Friends (Thurs., 2/23, 5 - 7 p.m.) On Thursday, February 23, the Center for Democracy and Civic Life will host a Dinner with Friends: an engaging, facilitated conversation that will connect you with other members of the UMBC community. This event will take place in University Center Room 312 from 5 - 7 p.m. The Center will provide a catered dinner.
 
At Dinner with Friends, you’ll share stories, learn about each other’s experiences, and discuss how we can move forward together on a topic of your choice (see below). Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participate in Dinners with Friends report that they have wonderful experiences.

Dinner with Friends is organized by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in collaboration with Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b), Retriever Integrated Health, and the Student Government Association.
 
Please use this link to RSVP no later than February 16. Choose to join a facilitated small-group conversations around one of the following five discussion topics:
 

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at civiclife@umbc.edu. ]]> On Thursday, February 23, the Center for Democracy and Civic Life will host a Dinner with Friends: an engaging, facilitated conversation that will connect you with other members of the UMBC... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/130765/guest@my.umbc.edu/2c99822becaa3fb47f7fd2e54fde9285/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/765/912a5c5978ebf1e452a4ed30658aa102/xxlarge.jpg?1675879889 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/765/912a5c5978ebf1e452a4ed30658aa102/xlarge.jpg?1675879889 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/765/912a5c5978ebf1e452a4ed30658aa102/large.jpg?1675879889 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/765/912a5c5978ebf1e452a4ed30658aa102/medium.jpg?1675879889 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/765/912a5c5978ebf1e452a4ed30658aa102/small.jpg?1675879889 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/765/912a5c5978ebf1e452a4ed30658aa102/xsmall.jpg?1675879889 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/765/912a5c5978ebf1e452a4ed30658aa102/xxsmall.jpg?1675879889 0 0 true Wed, 08 Feb 2023 13:12:00 -0500 Welcome Dr. Ricky Blissett, Associate Director We are thrilled to share that Ricky Blissett ’11 (he/they) has joined the Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff team as associate director. In their role, they develop and coordinate Center programs and initiatives, including holistic evaluation and strategic communication.

Ricky has served as a faculty member in educational leadership and policy at the University of Georgia, Seton Hall University, and Vanderbilt University; the coordinator for the Just Education Policy Institute; section chair for the Policy and Politics division of the American Educational Research Association; and principal investigator for the Democracy and Equity in Education Politics research group. They have also conducted and published research exploring citizen, activist, and policymaker ideologies in educational justice, democratic and equitable approaches to evaluation and methodology, and student advocacy and power. They received their Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy Studies at Vanderbilt University, and they are an alumnus of UMBC with a B.S. in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. During their time as a UMBC student, Ricky was a participant in the first STRiVE leadership for social impact retreat in 2009, coordinator for an education service organization through the Shriver Center, and active member of UMBC’s Student Government Association both as director of academic affairs and executive vice president.

Outside of their work at UMBC, Ricky volunteers, manages a dog with a lot of opinions about her management, conducts independent research, and collects as many different varieties of mint plants as they can fit in their house.

Please join us in welcoming Ricky to the Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff team. You can reach them by email at rblissett@umbc.edu or by phone at 410-455-3457.
]]> We are thrilled to share that Ricky Blissett ’11 (he/they) has joined the Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff team as associate director. In their role, they develop and coordinate Center... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/130488/guest@my.umbc.edu/09a65887ae259ff13aaa21532c7eead5/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/488/781eb45c38a1022eecd2f67ebbbe5b7a/xxlarge.jpg?1675175814 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/488/781eb45c38a1022eecd2f67ebbbe5b7a/xlarge.jpg?1675175814 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/488/781eb45c38a1022eecd2f67ebbbe5b7a/large.jpg?1675175814 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/488/781eb45c38a1022eecd2f67ebbbe5b7a/medium.jpg?1675175814 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/488/781eb45c38a1022eecd2f67ebbbe5b7a/small.jpg?1675175814 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/488/781eb45c38a1022eecd2f67ebbbe5b7a/xsmall.jpg?1675175814 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/488/781eb45c38a1022eecd2f67ebbbe5b7a/xxsmall.jpg?1675175814 18 6 true Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:37:55 -0500 2023 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) Meeting Boston, MA; May 31 - June 2 Each year, UMBC sends a delegation to the national Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) Meeting to share thoughts and connect with students, faculty, and staff from other institutions. Would you like to be part of UMBC’s delegation to the 2023 CLDE Meeting in Boston (May 31 - June 2)? Contact us at civiclife@umbc.edu. Funding may be available to support your participation in the conference. Please also let us know if you are interested in submitting a proposal to facilitate a conference session; visit tinyurl.com/CLDE2023Proposals for more information. ]]> Each year, UMBC sends a delegation to the national Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) Meeting to share thoughts and connect with students, faculty, and staff from other institutions.... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/130366/guest@my.umbc.edu/fa675dc38802b2da4a73149ba2ecccc3/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/366/bfa4bae511fe2ec50da6f6e666b104d9/xxlarge.jpg?1674680211 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/366/bfa4bae511fe2ec50da6f6e666b104d9/xlarge.jpg?1674680211 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/366/bfa4bae511fe2ec50da6f6e666b104d9/large.jpg?1674680211 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/366/bfa4bae511fe2ec50da6f6e666b104d9/medium.jpg?1674680211 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/366/bfa4bae511fe2ec50da6f6e666b104d9/small.jpg?1674680211 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/366/bfa4bae511fe2ec50da6f6e666b104d9/xsmall.jpg?1674680211 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/130/366/bfa4bae511fe2ec50da6f6e666b104d9/xxsmall.jpg?1674680211 1 0 true Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:59:34 -0500 Apply by 11:59 p.m. today (Dec. 2): Collegetown Underground Dive deep into Baltimore: January 13-16, 2023 A message from Baltimore Collegetown:

Baltimore Collegetown’s Collegetown Underground program is an opportunity for students to explore the Baltimore area outside the classroom. The program seeks civic-minded students who want to learn more about the Baltimore region. 2023's theme is focused on food and will expose students to unexpected tastes and connect them with community leaders and local historians.

Program Dates: MLK Weekend, January 13 - 16, 2023.

Cost: $250 (if accepted, this fee covers meals, lodging and transportation)

Apply here for the four-night overnight experience. Applications are due on Friday, December 2 by 11:59 p.m. If you have questions or concerns about the program cost, please contact Molly Hayeslip at molly@baltimorecollegetown.org. ]]> A message from Baltimore Collegetown: Baltimore Collegetown’s Collegetown Underground program is an opportunity for students to explore the Baltimore area outside the classroom. The program seeks... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/129522/guest@my.umbc.edu/fffdb05c19d267a34379eb84549bfc0a/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life 0 0 true Fri, 02 Dec 2022 09:33:34 -0500 Participate in Maryland’s Civil Rights Leadership Program Next opportunity: March 2 - 5, 2023 (virtual) A message from the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights:

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Leadership Program (CRLP) is a free three-day academy designed to provide training and insight to emerging leaders by fostering a comprehensive and supportive educational environment wherein program participants will engage with experienced Civil Rights leaders, scholars, and practitioners in order to learn more about career paths and opportunities in the field. Students interested in careers in EEO (equal employment opportunity), civil rights, and fair housing are encouraged to apply.

The program will be held virtually on March 2-5, 2023. Topics covered will be, but not limited to:


For more information, click here. Applications are due by February 1, 2023. Early submission is highly encouraged. ]]> A message from the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights Leadership Program (CRLP) is a free three-day academy designed to provide training and insight to... Flyer https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/attachments/b843aa7abef62bfeb171c30521d0b983/69f38675/news/000/129/456/04f96707a1f4072b49f674efb42fd78e/unnamed.jpg?1669830038 https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/129456/guest@my.umbc.edu/28fd3d0bef66a0324f37721cb40f0fdf/api/pixel Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://beta.my.umbc.edu/groups/civiclife https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/original.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xlarge.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/large.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/medium.png?1554944150 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/small.png?1554944150 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xsmall.png?1554944150 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/avatars/groups/000/001/462/3559ec2c1c4f29266d1c1eb0f1164549/xxsmall.png?1554944150 Center for Democracy and Civic Life https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/456/95e06ecf6ace497c1fd68b0dbaf429b1/xxlarge.jpg?1669830009 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/456/95e06ecf6ace497c1fd68b0dbaf429b1/xlarge.jpg?1669830009 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/456/95e06ecf6ace497c1fd68b0dbaf429b1/large.jpg?1669830009 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/456/95e06ecf6ace497c1fd68b0dbaf429b1/medium.jpg?1669830009 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/456/95e06ecf6ace497c1fd68b0dbaf429b1/small.jpg?1669830009 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/456/95e06ecf6ace497c1fd68b0dbaf429b1/xsmall.jpg?1669830009 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/129/456/95e06ecf6ace497c1fd68b0dbaf429b1/xxsmall.jpg?1669830009 1 0 true Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:40:50 -0500 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 12:41:53 -0500