Civic Engagement

Professor Boudrot’s students work for a community organization or advocate for an issue they are passionate about, organizing others to get involved. They raise awareness of the issue using various tools, including social media, and contact elected officials regarding their issue. They document their work through a portfolio and journal. The project is individual-based.  

Professor Moore’s students may select from a myriad of activities, including working on political campaigns, observing local or state government, volunteering for community organizations or starting their own, observing court proceedings or shadowing lawyers. They may track a bill through the legislature and educate the Delta community about the bill through a poster presentation and brochure. The project is individual-based. 

Professor Klein’s students complete a class-wide project. Students may work toward raising awareness of preventable injuries in children, either through presentations, hands-on activities or fostering partnerships with the community. The goal of these efforts is to implement a Safety Town in Saginaw, a miniature replica of a city in which kids can practice bike and pedestrian safety, fire safety, etc. Students may also work in the Public Achievement program, in which they “coach” teams of elementary students to identify and address issues related to child safety and healthy living. 

Professor Ullrich’s students research an issue they are passionate about, volunteer with an organization addressing their issue in the community, and write a letter to an elected official and a local newspaper. They log their hours and submit a reflection paper at the end of the project. 

Professor Lawrason’s students learn skills for organizing others to affect a positive change on issues they are passionate about. Students research their issue individually, then work with a group of classmates to design an awareness campaign and bring the issue to the attention of elected officials. This includes conversations with lawmakers on campus or in Lansing. Students may also engage in voter registration and get-out-the vote activities.

One of our projects allows students to dive deep into history through historic research, writing, and reflection of points of conflict and civic engagement at specific times in Michigan’s past. Students can also intern at a local museum. Our projects show how history is done, the importance of history to American democracy, the various ways one gains a history education, and more. The experience cultivates skills that can be applied to numerous professional fields.