Civic Learning Network Mission

The Civic Learning Network is a collaboration of GVSU students, staff, faculty, and community partners working together to strengthen civic learning on campus and in the west Michigan community. Civic learning refers to the formal and informal processes by which people learn how to translate democratic principles into everyday practices that "nurture social responsibility" (NAPSA: Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Focus) and create agency for change. The Network synthesizes resources for all community members and offers credentialing pathways for students interested in focusing on civic learning in their studies at GVSU.

Our Focus

• Building a network of faculty, staff and students to support and develop civic learning initiatives at GVSU
• Creating curricular opportunities for students and faculty to engage in
• Providing new avenues for communication and collaboration with all stakeholders

CIVIC CHANGE AGENT UNDERGRADUATE BADGE

The Civic Change Agent Undergraduate Badge aims to inspire students to align democratic ideals and civic commitment with deep knowledge of context, history, and policy. It teaches students the values and practices required to sustain democracy through formal curricula, project learning, and co-curricular activities. A badge is a digital record of achievement that recognizes completion of a coherent and meaningful academic experience. You can link your digital badges to online résumés and portfolios, career websites, or social media. This gives you a way to share experiences, competencies, or knowledge with current and future employers, professional and community organizations, recruiters, and graduate programs.

TALKING TOGETHER

Tired of the toxic level of polarization in the U.S.? Interested in talking with people whose perspective differs from your own in ways that stay constructive? We invite you to join us for a year focused on creating a culture of conversation rather than division. 

The Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, Kaufman Interfaith Institute, Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, and WGVU Public Media are pleased to partner for Talking Together: Strengthening our Communities through Conversation, a dialogue initiative aimed at interrupting polarization and investing in the principles of civil discourse and respectful conversation. Each month will feature at least one structured activity for students, staff, faculty, and community members to engage in conversation with one other across differences in perspective, identity, and life experiences.