When world leaders or the person next to us talks about civic engagement or being civically engaged, we often respond: “Yes! What a great idea!” and commend his or her actions. But what exactly does it mean to be civically engaged?
According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonprofit that works to inform the public and stimulate civic life, civic engagement can mean adding one’s voice to community conversations. It can be advocacy on the behalf of others. It can be participation in public life or the encouraging of other people to participate in public life. It can also mean joining in common work that promotes the well being of everyone.
As an institution, part of Bluffton’s mission is to prepare students for responsible citizenship and for service to all peoples. Throughout Bluffton’s history, civic engagement has been quietly woven into the curriculum and residentia
l learning experience. Beginning with the 2007-08 academic year, Bluffton is increasing its mission-emphasis on civic engagement and responsibility by adding a campus-wide theme. This year’s theme is “Environmental Stewardship: Living in the Natural World,” bringing one form of civic engagement—advocacy for environmental awareness—into the spotlight.
By adding a campus-wide theme, Bluffton’s teaching faculty are raising the bar for connecting academic study to national and global issues. This year, a variety of visiting speakers and special events are helping the campus community engage issues of environmental stewardship and explore what it means to be “civically engaged.”
In the following pages, you’ll meet a few of the many faculty and students who are exploring the meaning of civic engagement. As you read, you’ll learn more about the way they understand and practice civic engagement through learning, teaching, service and advocacy.
-Jill A. Duling
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