Week of Civic Leadership encourages W&M community to engage in service

As part of the Year of Civic Leadership, William & Mary is hosting a Week of Civic Leadership Sept. 12 to Sept. 19. Photo by Timothy D. Sofranko

Civic leadership is an idea that can only be perfected through action. This action can take many forms, rooted in service and integrity. William & Mary students will soon have the opportunity to build their civic leadership with unique events across campus.

As part of the Year of Civic Leadership, William & Mary is hosting a Week of Civic Leadership Sept. 12 to Sept. 19. The week includes a series of concentrated opportunities available for students and other members of the campus community to engage in service and learning.

"My hope for the week is that our community will engage in a civic action for the benefit of the common good," said Mike Patterson, associate vice president for student engagement and leadership. "Whether that be taking a moment to learn about civics, volunteer or do an act of kindness for others, those collective actions make a big difference in making William & Mary and the great community stronger."

A highlight of the week will be a live taping of NPR's "Left, Right & Center" podcast on Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Phi Beta Hall's Glenn Close Theatre. Hosted by veteran journalist and former NPR Morning Edition host David Greene, the podcast brings together voices from across the political spectrum to examine the issues shaping our country. Rather than asking participants to set aside their differences, the program creates space to explore those differences, challenge assumptions and better understand what is at stake.

Greene will be joined at William & Mary by regular contributors Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service, and Mike Dubke, for a timely conversation about politics, public life and the value of engaging across ideological divides. The event is being cosponsored by the Year of Civic Leadership, Alma Mater Productions and the W&M Student Assembly.

"We're incredibly excited to bring 'Left, Right & Center' to William & Mary for a live taping," said Lindsay Blount, senior director of outreach & engagement for military & veteran affairs. "What makes this event especially meaningful is the involvement of our students - not only as members of the audience, but in helping to plan and produce the evening. With AMP and Student Assembly serving as sponsors, this has truly become a campus-wide effort."

The week of festivities plays a part in the larger Year of Civic Leadership, which celebrates William & Mary's enduring commitment to service, public stewardship and leadership in service of the common good. The university has led several initiatives on civic leadership since its launch in February, including a symposium for military spouses, a panel on leadership from W&M's current and former presidents and civic action scorecards for students to engage in leadership.

In addition to the taping of "Left, Right & Center,", the Week of Civic Leadership includes:

Service Saturday & 9/11 Day of Service (Sept. 12, all day)

Led by Civic & Community Engagement, this event is a one-time service project to volunteer in our broader community and reflect on this national day of service. Transportation and coordination provided. Projects will be posted on the event listing as they become available, often in the three weeks leading up to the day of service.

Sparking Civic Joy/Civic Joy & Color (Sept. 14, noon - 2 p.m)

Hosted by the Civic & Community Engagement team on the Sadler Center Terrace, attendees can add to civic coloring posters to celebrate shared public life. Attendees can take the opportunity to ask what relationships, experiences, actions, legacies and dreams for the future make them excited about civic leadership.

National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 15, all day)

Visit the National Voter Registration Day Information Booth at the Sadler Center and Miller Hall to be ready for Election Day in November. Connect with W&M's Voter Engagement Committee, the City of Williamsburg Voter Registrar and the local chapter of the League of Women Voters for snacks and information about voter preparedness.

Student Assembly in Action (Sept. 15, 7-9 p.m.)

The Student Assembly Senate will meet on Tuesday for a conversation on what civic engagement looks like at the university level. Participants will meet in Chesapeake Hall at Sadler Center. Free pizza will be provided.

Left, Right & Center Podcast Live (Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m.)

Hosted by NPR Morning Edition host David Greene in Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall, the "Left, Right & Center" podcast will record a timely conversation about politics,and the importance of engaging across ideological divides. Registration in advance is required and tickets are available in limited quantities. Sign up at the event listing.

Handwrite the Constitution (Sept. 17, multiple sessions)

Celebrate Constitution Day by handwriting America's founding document. Writing sessions will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Sadler Terrace and 1 p.m. at Swem Library. Free copies of the Constitution and snacks will be provided.

Family Weekend Open Classes (Sept. 18, multiple classes)

Ever wonder what life as a William & Mary student is like? Family members will be able to attend a class to get the full experience. No registration required, and a list of available classes will be published one week before Family Weekend on the Family Weekend website.

Student Advocacy Showcase (Sept. 19, noon - 2 p.m.)

Hosted on the Sadler Center Terrace, attendees can view a showcase of student clubs that are committed to civic action and advocacy. Come visit, learn and engage in civic action through the student lens across a wide array of William & Mary student voices.

Family Weekend Featured Lectures (Sept. 19, 10 a.m - 3:45 p.m.)

Choose from a selection of presentations from nationally recognized faculty and staff across disciplines. Presentations including "Living and Learning Democracy" and "Wait … Conflict Can be Good?" will give families a chance to experience multiple one-hour presentations centered around William & Mary's Year of Civic Leadership. More information can be found on the Family Weekend website.

William Oster, Communications Specialist

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