Center for Democracy & Civic Life Affiliate Positions [PAID] Applications for 2024 - 2025 due April 4, 2024 The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is seeking undergraduate and graduate students to play leading roles in its 2024 - 2025 programs as affiliates with the Center. Affiliates include Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders (undergraduate and graduate students), ConnectionCorps participants (undergraduate and graduate students), and STRiVE coaches (undergraduate students only).

Applications for affiliate positions are due Thursday, April 4, 2024. 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 five-day immersive learning experience for undergraduate and graduate 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 2025 will take place during the week of UMBC’s Spring Break: March 17 - 21, 2025.

ASB 2025 will be developed by a team of student leaders organized and trained by Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff during weekly meetings in the fall 2024 and spring 2025 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 2024 semester, the winter 2025 term, and the spring 2025 semester. For specific meeting and program dates, see the application form.

ASB leaders receive a $1,250 stipend and a zero credit practicum notification (PRAC 121-03) on their transcripts for fall 2024 and spring 2025.

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


ConnectionCorps participants

ConnectionCorps is a training program for UMBC undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to build skills in facilitating conversations that encourage authentic connection and democratic participation.

During the fall semester, members of the ConnectionCorps cohort participate in weekly training sessions. They also have opportunities throughout the semester to hone their skills by facilitating small group conversations within Center programs. The overall time commitment for the fall portion of ConnectionCorps is approximately 30 hours over the course of the semester. For specific meeting dates, see the application form.

Fall ConnectionCorps participants will have an opportunity to apply to continue the program in the spring semester to further hone their skills by developing and facilitating their own dialogue programs in consultation with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life team. The application for the spring portion of ConnectionCorps will be released in November 2024.

ConnectionCorps participants receive a $250 stipend during the fall portion of the program. ConnectionCorps participants selected to be a part of the spring portion of the program will receive an additional $750 stipend.

All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply. (Important: This application is only for the fall portion of ConnectionCorps. Applicants do not need to commit now to applying for the second portion in the spring.)


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 2025 will take place from January 13 - 17, 2025.

STRiVE 2025 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 2024 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 2024 semester and winter 2025 term. 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 2025.

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 participant, and/or STRiVE coach for the 2024 - 2025 academic year. Again, applications are due Thursday, April 4, 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 and graduate students to play leading roles in its 2024 - 2025 programs as affiliates with the Center. Affiliates include... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/139566/guest@my.umbc.edu/ce53ba3fee42149721531b26c2df18bb/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://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/566/00ba8ffa310bdc3d3b0bdee9bbd6e1d1/xxlarge.jpg?1709587296 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/566/00ba8ffa310bdc3d3b0bdee9bbd6e1d1/xlarge.jpg?1709587296 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/566/00ba8ffa310bdc3d3b0bdee9bbd6e1d1/large.jpg?1709587296 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/566/00ba8ffa310bdc3d3b0bdee9bbd6e1d1/medium.jpg?1709587296 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/566/00ba8ffa310bdc3d3b0bdee9bbd6e1d1/small.jpg?1709587296 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/566/00ba8ffa310bdc3d3b0bdee9bbd6e1d1/xsmall.jpg?1709587296 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/139/566/00ba8ffa310bdc3d3b0bdee9bbd6e1d1/xxsmall.jpg?1709587296 3 0 true Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:21:50 -0500 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:13:49 -0400 RSVP for Change Makers Dinner | 3/6 5:30-7:30 p.m. A conversation about voting rights and voter protection
On Wednesday, March 6, the Center for Democracy and Civic Life will host the spring 2024 Change Makers Dinner. Members of the UMBC community will join for dinner to talk with leaders working to protect voting rights and ensure fairness in processes related to elections. This event will take place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (Harbor Hall: Multipurpose Room). The Center for Democracy and Civic Life will provide a free catered dinner.

We have confirmed the following Change Makers: 
  • Donald Sherman, Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
  • Kayvan Farchadi, Counsel, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
  • Kathryn Quintin, Deputy Director, Campus Vote Project, Fair Elections Center
  • Sarah Brannon, Managing Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Voting Rights Project
  • Catherine Fish, Managing Director, ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge
The theme of this semester's program is voting rights and voter protection. Change Makers Dinner is organized by UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with the Student Government Association, the Graduate Student Association, the Political Science Council of Majors, the Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs, the Department of Political Science, and the School of Public Policy.

Space at this event is limited, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible. Click here to RSVP. We will accept RSVPs until all spots have been reserved (but no later than Wednesday, February 28).

If you have any questions, please email us at civiclife@umbc.edu.
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Catch up on recent happenings and upcoming events from the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in the February 2024 issue of our newsletter! A few highlights:
  • Welcome Week open house
  • Photos and thoughts from STRiVE 2024
  • Presenting at the UMBC Faculty Development Center Reflection Retreat
- David, Ricky, Ann, Tess
]]> Catch up on recent happenings and upcoming events from the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in the February 2024 issue of our newsletter! A few highlights: Welcome Week open house Photos... https://civiclife.umbc.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/138718/guest@my.umbc.edu/1afbe49a1d80de5a862987fe79daf239/api/pixel newsletter 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/000/138/718/59f0f8e1a44506c21f5b40549d4987ff/xxlarge.jpg?1707237488 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/718/59f0f8e1a44506c21f5b40549d4987ff/xlarge.jpg?1707237488 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/718/59f0f8e1a44506c21f5b40549d4987ff/large.jpg?1707237488 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/718/59f0f8e1a44506c21f5b40549d4987ff/medium.jpg?1707237488 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/718/59f0f8e1a44506c21f5b40549d4987ff/small.jpg?1707237488 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/718/59f0f8e1a44506c21f5b40549d4987ff/xsmall.jpg?1707237488 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/718/59f0f8e1a44506c21f5b40549d4987ff/xxsmall.jpg?1707237488 2 0 false Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:40:10 -0500 Center for Democracy and Civic Life Welcome Week Open House Today from Noon - 2 p.m. in The Commons 2B24
Our Welcome Week Open House is just around the corner (… and behind some furniture)! Stop by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life office (The Commons 2B24, above the Bookstore) between noon and 2 p.m. to eat, make crafts, register to vote, and learn about what we have in store this spring.
]]> Our Welcome Week Open House is just around the corner (… and behind some furniture)! Stop by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life office (The Commons 2B24, above the Bookstore) between noon and... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/138614/guest@my.umbc.edu/ebff0d3c102f8b54237344ddafa8e393/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/000/138/614/4fb9a359446298e0b5912478808dc7e5/xxlarge.jpg?1706893413 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/614/4fb9a359446298e0b5912478808dc7e5/xlarge.jpg?1706893413 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/614/4fb9a359446298e0b5912478808dc7e5/large.jpg?1706893413 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/614/4fb9a359446298e0b5912478808dc7e5/medium.jpg?1706893413 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/614/4fb9a359446298e0b5912478808dc7e5/small.jpg?1706893413 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/614/4fb9a359446298e0b5912478808dc7e5/xsmall.jpg?1706893413 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/614/4fb9a359446298e0b5912478808dc7e5/xxsmall.jpg?1706893413 3 0 true Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:04:44 -0500 2024 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) Meeting Detroit, MI; June 5 - 7 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 2024 CLDE Meeting in Detroit (June 5 - 7)? 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/CLDE24Proposals for more information. All proposals must be submitted by Monday, February 5.
 ]]> 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/138314/guest@my.umbc.edu/e00a71e9c98168a88f8abd3fa431533c/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://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/314/d9018a44e638fbaac4c8b85fee7b23a7/xxlarge.jpg?1705940031 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/314/d9018a44e638fbaac4c8b85fee7b23a7/xlarge.jpg?1705940031 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/314/d9018a44e638fbaac4c8b85fee7b23a7/large.jpg?1705940031 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/314/d9018a44e638fbaac4c8b85fee7b23a7/medium.jpg?1705940031 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/314/d9018a44e638fbaac4c8b85fee7b23a7/small.jpg?1705940031 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/314/d9018a44e638fbaac4c8b85fee7b23a7/xsmall.jpg?1705940031 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/314/d9018a44e638fbaac4c8b85fee7b23a7/xxsmall.jpg?1705940031 1 0 true Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:14:30 -0500 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 12:58:29 -0500 RSVP for Dinner With Friends | Monday, 2/12 5:30-7:30 p.m. Guided Conversation Series
On Monday, February 12, the Center for Democracy and Civic Life will host the spring 2024 Dinner with Friends: an engaging, facilitated conversation that will connect you with other members of the UMBC community. This event will take place in UC (University Center) 312 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Center for Democracy and Civic Life will provide a free 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.

Join a facilitated small-group conversation about one of the following discussion topics (you choose):
  • Building a welcoming and inclusive community at UMBC
  • Enhancing art and creative achievement at UMBC
  • Supporting mental health at UMBC
  • Fostering career readiness at UMBC
  • Engaging in the 2024 election at UMBC
  • Connecting and communicating at UMBC
This Dinner with Friends program is organized by UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life in partnership with the Graduate School, Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b), Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS), Retriever Integrated Health (RIH), the Student Government Association (SGA), the Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery Special Collections department, the Career Center, the Department of Political Science, the Office of Governmental Relations and Community Affairs, the Behavioral Risk Assessment and Consultation Team (BRACT), Campus Life, the Imaging Research Center (IRC), and the Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture (CADVC).

Space at this Dinner with Friends program is limited, so please reserve your spot as soon as possible. Click here to RSVP. We will accept RSVPs until all spots have been reserved (but no later than Friday, February 2).

If you have any questions, please email us at civiclife@umbc.edu.
]]> On Monday, February 12, the Center for Democracy and Civic Life will host the spring 2024 Dinner with Friends: an engaging, facilitated conversation that will connect you with other members of the... https://civiclife.umbc.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/138215/guest@my.umbc.edu/a5cd19e157e6fc3a623355100f7d17b4/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/000/138/215/725e84485b58783414112ea8935c45ad/xxlarge.jpg?1705437377 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/215/725e84485b58783414112ea8935c45ad/xlarge.jpg?1705437377 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/215/725e84485b58783414112ea8935c45ad/large.jpg?1705437377 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/215/725e84485b58783414112ea8935c45ad/medium.jpg?1705437377 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/215/725e84485b58783414112ea8935c45ad/small.jpg?1705437377 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/215/725e84485b58783414112ea8935c45ad/xsmall.jpg?1705437377 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/138/215/725e84485b58783414112ea8935c45ad/xxsmall.jpg?1705437377 4 0 false Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:56:37 -0500 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 17:01:24 -0500 News From the Center | December 2023 Our (mostly) monthly newsletter Catch up on recent happenings and upcoming events from the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in the December 2023 issue of our newsletter! A few highlights:
  • Preparing for STRiVE 2024
  • Presenting at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference
  • BreakingGround grant applications are open!
- David, Ricky, Ann, Tess

]]> Catch up on recent happenings and upcoming events from the Center for Democracy and Civic Life in the December 2023 issue of our newsletter! A few highlights: Preparing for STRiVE 2024... https://civiclife.umbc.edu/ https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/137552/guest@my.umbc.edu/379f2697f738b1c292c1c23ea19366fd/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/000/137/552/ea8bfd74684793660c2aca578210cba2/xxlarge.jpg?1701802579 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/137/552/ea8bfd74684793660c2aca578210cba2/xlarge.jpg?1701802579 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/137/552/ea8bfd74684793660c2aca578210cba2/large.jpg?1701802579 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/137/552/ea8bfd74684793660c2aca578210cba2/medium.jpg?1701802579 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/137/552/ea8bfd74684793660c2aca578210cba2/small.jpg?1701802579 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/137/552/ea8bfd74684793660c2aca578210cba2/xsmall.jpg?1701802579 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/137/552/ea8bfd74684793660c2aca578210cba2/xxsmall.jpg?1701802579 2 0 false Tue, 05 Dec 2023 15:08:46 -0500 Apply for STRiVE 2024 by this Monday, November 6
Applications to participate in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's STRiVE leadership for public purpose program are due on Monday, November 6 at 11:59 p.m. EST -- three days from today. Participating in STRiVE will connect you with other members of the UMBC community and support you in developing clarity and confidence about the contributions you want to make on campus and beyond.

Read more about STRiVE and apply by visiting http://tinyurl.com/STRiVE2024UMBC. For some inspiration, check out the stories below from three UMBC students and alums who had transformative experiences as STRiVE participants.

From 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."


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


From 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."


]]> Applications to participate in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life's STRiVE leadership for public purpose program are due on Monday, November 6 at 11:59 p.m. EST -- three days from today.... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/136789/guest@my.umbc.edu/ae851670c5127bfdb6bbd3d1bfdd8295/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://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/789/230caa6f0b3df74afb6098528bec36f4/xxlarge.jpg?1699029790 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/789/230caa6f0b3df74afb6098528bec36f4/xlarge.jpg?1699029790 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/789/230caa6f0b3df74afb6098528bec36f4/large.jpg?1699029790 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/789/230caa6f0b3df74afb6098528bec36f4/medium.jpg?1699029790 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/789/230caa6f0b3df74afb6098528bec36f4/small.jpg?1699029790 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/789/230caa6f0b3df74afb6098528bec36f4/xsmall.jpg?1699029790 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/789/230caa6f0b3df74afb6098528bec36f4/xxsmall.jpg?1699029790 2 0 true Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:46:05 -0400 Welcome Ann Tropea, Assistant Director We are delighted to share that Ann Tropea, Esq. (she/her) joined the UMBC community today as Assistant Director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. Ann will serve as the principal advisor to The Retriever and support the Center’s civic education and engagement initiatives.

Ann brings many years of professional editorial, communications, and legal expertise to her position. She is a published author, experienced public speaker and interviewer, and podcast co-host. Most recently, Ann served as the editor-in-chief of Seapower magazine, the flagship publication of the Navy League of the United States. She is also the former communications director at Career Valet, a woman-owned professional services firm. A licensed attorney in Louisiana and the District of Columbia, Ann has represented a variety of individual and multinational clients in both federal and state court litigation. Her additional writing and publishing experiences include: managing editor and food & lifestyle writer for online news website TheLatest; editor and publisher of a community cookbook for the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem; managing editor of the Law Journal for the Loyola University Chicago School of Law; editor-in-chief of New York University’s Department of Culture and Communication magazine Medium Cool, and associate publisher and nightlife editor for New York City’s GO Magazine.

Ann holds a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and graduated magna cum laude in mass media communication studies from New York University. She is proficient in French and approaching proficiency in Italian. Ann currently lives in the Hamilton neighborhood of Baltimore City with her husband, two children, and rescue dog.

Please join us in welcoming Ann to UMBC and to the Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff team. You can reach her by email at atropea@umbc.edu. ]]> We are delighted to share that Ann Tropea, Esq. (she/her) joined the UMBC community today as Assistant Director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. Ann will serve as the principal advisor... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/136502/guest@my.umbc.edu/bd6831c59d75f71da6b560ba8a860085/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/000/136/502/39e9e5e92991945be325572956a17b1e/xxlarge.jpg?1698179157 https://assets3-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/502/39e9e5e92991945be325572956a17b1e/xlarge.jpg?1698179157 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/502/39e9e5e92991945be325572956a17b1e/large.jpg?1698179157 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/502/39e9e5e92991945be325572956a17b1e/medium.jpg?1698179157 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/502/39e9e5e92991945be325572956a17b1e/small.jpg?1698179157 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/502/39e9e5e92991945be325572956a17b1e/xsmall.jpg?1698179157 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/502/39e9e5e92991945be325572956a17b1e/xxsmall.jpg?1698179157 21 0 true Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:39:15 -0400 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:39:24 -0400 Apply for Alternative Spring Break (ASB) 2024 (Waitlist) UMBC students exploring systemic change in Baltimore
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day immersive learning experience in which UMBC undergraduate and graduate students explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in Baltimore. Participants build connections with local leaders, organizations, and policy makers and develop a sophisticated understanding of available resources and challenges. The program helps participants identify pathways to long-term community engagement.

This year’s ASB program will take place from Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22, 2024.  ASB participants spend much of the program in small groups (co-led by undergraduate students trained by the Center for Democracy and Civic Life) focused on exploring a specific topic in depth. ASB 2024 groups will focus on:
  • Educational Justice for LGBT+ Youth (co-led by Madison Brown and Musa Jafri)
  • Immigrant Health Justice (co-led by Simone Acquaye and Kina Soberano)
  • Improving Life After Prison (co-led by Aidan Hunter and Alberta Ndille)
To apply for a waitlist spot in ASB 2024, complete the application.

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life hosts ASB. More information on this program is available below.

__________________

ASB: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is Alternative Spring Break (ASB)?

ASB takes place in March during UMBC’s Spring Break. ASB 2024 will take place from Monday, March 18 - Friday, March 22, 2024. To participate, you must be available to attend the entire program.

Where does ASB take place?

We are planning to host ASB 2024 in-person at the Holiday Inn Express in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. Participants will stay in hotel rooms. Some activities will happen on site, while others will happen in community spaces in Baltimore with partners from local and regional organizations. Round trip bus transportation will be provided.

How much does it cost to participate in ASB?

UMBC covers most of the cost of each participant’s attendance. However, each participant pays a $125, non-refundable contribution toward the program’s cost. Financial assistance is available. If you are selected to participate in ASB 2024, we will send you a form that includes an opportunity to request financial aid. We do not want the $125 contribution to be a barrier to anyone’s participation.

Do I have to be an “involved” student to participate in ASB?

Absolutely not. ASB will be helpful to any student regardless of previous involvement or leadership experience. No prior experience is necessary. We are looking for a diverse group of students committed to developing their social change and civic engagement skills and applying them to create positive change in the local community.

Can I participate in ASB again if I have participated before?

Yes, we welcome previous ASB participants to participate again. However, first-time applicants will be prioritized in the application review process.

How do I apply to participate in ASB?

Applications to participate in ASB 2024 are due on Monday, November 20, 2023 by 11:59 p.m. EST. All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply. Complete the application by clicking this link. All applicants will receive emails in early December letting them know about the status of their applications. For additional information, please contact Ricky Blissett at rblissett@umbc.edu.

]]> Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a five-day immersive learning experience in which UMBC undergraduate and graduate students explore the systemic and human dimensions of complex social issues in... https://beta.my.umbc.edu/api/v0/pixel/news/136300/guest@my.umbc.edu/640ac5362734bff85d62f0ac93d79279/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/000/136/300/b4a0063d0c951732285ff462a03e2dc1/xxlarge.jpg?1697469672 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/300/b4a0063d0c951732285ff462a03e2dc1/xlarge.jpg?1697469672 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/300/b4a0063d0c951732285ff462a03e2dc1/large.jpg?1697469672 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/300/b4a0063d0c951732285ff462a03e2dc1/medium.jpg?1697469672 https://assets1-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/300/b4a0063d0c951732285ff462a03e2dc1/small.jpg?1697469672 https://assets2-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/300/b4a0063d0c951732285ff462a03e2dc1/xsmall.jpg?1697469672 https://assets4-beta.my.umbc.edu/system/shared/thumbnails/news/000/136/300/b4a0063d0c951732285ff462a03e2dc1/xxsmall.jpg?1697469672 9 0 true Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:22:57 -0400 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:13:30 -0500