Americans are not just subject of government–they’re owners. They have both the right and the responsibility to shape public policy and hold leaders accountable. They can also gather together to create positive change in their neighborhoods, cities, towns, state, and nation.
JOIN US IN THE UNIVERSITY GRILL ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13th, from 6:30-8:00PM to learn how to BE the change you want to see in the world.
This skills-based workshop on civic action and leadership will explain how to:
* Define the challenge you are seeking to address
* Identify the right decision-makers
* Build coalitions
* Communicate effectively with public officials
* Use media to amplify your message
* Navigating the political process
And more . . .
American Democracy Project Dr. Elizabeth Bennion will explain Bob Graham’s model for civic leadership before turning the mic over to Rev. Andre Stoner, a community organizer with We Make Indiana in St. Joseph County — a group that serves as an excellent case study of how ordinary people can band together to create social change. We Make Indiana is “a non-partisan organization that unites faith communities and people of conscience to make Indiana more safe, healthy, and whole.” We Make Indiana defines itself as a multi-racial, multi-faith movement that works with public officials to change policy to ensure every Hoosier can thrive. Building on the work of the St. Joe County chapter of Faith in Indiana, in 2024 organizers and leaders decided to launch a regionally rooted organizing project, We Make Indiana. The project “trains ordinary people to move from being victims, pundits, or spectators to being agents of change.” The tips and techniques explored are applicable to people and groups across the political spectrum.
This is the final event in a seven-part Civic Leadership Academy and can be attended as a stand-alone event or as part of the Civic Leadership Academy series. The event is free and open to the public. Students participating in IU South Bend’s Engage & Thrive Program can check in to earn $ for attending! (This event is the 4th event in Part 2 of the Academy. People who attend at least three events in Part 2 of this series and complete brief self-administered quiz online or ONSITE at Thursday night’s event will earn a Civic Leadership Academy Certificate recognizing their completion of Civic Leadership Academy Part 2: Engaging Decision-Makers to Make a Difference. All certificate earners are invited to join in a PHOTO wearing matching FREE t-shirts and certificates!
Folks who attended at least FIVE SESSIONS total may also be eligible for free t-shirts in addition to free mugs!
ATTENDEES AT THIS FINAL SESSION WILL RECEIVE FREE CIVIC LEADERSHIP ACADEMY MUGS!
Other events in Part 2 of this series included: The Legislative Process: Influencing State and National Policy Debates (Oct. 23), Local Policy Making: Influencing County and Municipal Policy Debates (Oct. 30), Political Protests: Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies for Success (Nov. 6). HANDOUTS FROM ALL SESSIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE NOVEMBER 13th EVENT.