Innovations in Civic Participation (ICP) [2] has launched a new University Civic Engagement Initiative in partnership with Silatech [3]. The initiative is designed to provide the support and resources necessary to build and expand university civic engagement among students in the Arab world.
University civic engagement plays a critical role in empowering youth to address complex social, economic, and political challenges,” said Susan Stroud, ICP’s executive director. “Students who engage with their local communities through service improve their academic progress while acquiring real-life skills; they come to perceive themselves as active citizens capable of contributing toward the well being of their communities and their futures.
Recognizing the growing and vibrant student engagement in communities in the Arab region, Silatech and ICP launched this initiative to address the need to incorporate civic engagement as an institutional objective of Arab universities. In so doing, universities will develop or increase their capacity to respond to local community needs while cultivating in their students a lasting commitment to civic engagement.
The initiative’s focus has three core components: (1) hosting a two-day consultation on the integration of civic engagement on university campuses; (2) creating and implementing the first phase of a small grants program made available to universities in the Arab region; and (3) providing support for the capacity building of the Ma’an Alliance for Civically Engaged Arab Universities.
The primary goal of the University Civic Engagement Initiative is to document and analyze university civic engagement practices at target institutions. Additionally, the initiative will expand, strengthen, and consolidate the existing university civic engagement network, thus creating a sustainable regional community of practice for civic engagement that will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and resources across the region.
Innovations in Civic Participation facilitates the generation of opportunities for young people to change their communities for the better and build essential skills for future success through civic engagement. Based in Washington, DC, ICP works with individuals, organizations, and groups around the globe to support the development of innovative approaches to two civic participation strategies: national youth service and service learning.
Silatech connects young people in the Arab world with improved opportunities for employment, enterprise and civic engagement. Silatech does this by mobilizing knowledge, investment, technology, and networks, and by influencing mindsets and policies that are key to unlocking wider impact.