Democracy Commitment

Delta College is a member of the Democracy Commitment, a national community college initiative to develop and expand programs, projects and cirricula that engage students in civic learning and democratic practice. It is an initiative to empower students to become active and engaged citizens.

Delta has demonstrated a commitment to continuously evaluating how we can create a culture of civic engagement, the sense that this is a place where students are empowered to make an impact. Many initiatives are currently offered to achieve this goal. 

Campus initiatives

Pioneers Rising Student Club

The Pioneers Rising Student Club is a group of Delta students passionate about empowering their generation to affect positive change in the world. This club provides a venue for students to hone their civic leadership skills and be an example to their peers in how to develop the capacity to act civically.

Events

Delta Votes! Voter Registration Drive
During this three-day voter registration drive, students invite their peers to register to vote by participating in a little friendly competition.

Democracy Summits
Students are invited to speak with state and local lawmakers about issues of concern in their communities.

Change Your World Week
During this weeklong event, the halls of Delta College are filled with awareness campaigns created by students on their issues of concern. Participants are invited to take action on the featured issue, by signing a petition, sending a letter to a lawmaker, joining an interest group, etc.

State Lobbying Day
Each semester, students go to Lansing to meet with state lawmakers to discuss issues of concern in their communities.

Political Forums
Since 2007, the Delta Political Forum Series has held events featuring panels of experts on issues of concern. These panels have featured lawmakers, academics, lawyers, activists and more on both sides of the issue, providing a unique opportunity for audience members to hear a civil dialogue on heated political issues.

Projects 

Democracy in Motion
A mobile wall designed to generate a public dialogue about current political issues. 

DeltaVotes! Show Your Sticker voting incentive
Students can show their “I Voted” sticker and be entered to win prizes.

Human Library
This diversity and equality project challenges attendees to understand prejudice and dispel stereotypes. Participants talk with people – who pose as human “books” – from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences.  

Public Achievement
Public Achievement, a nationwide program that helps young people shape the world around them, is based on the premise that everyone can do the work of citizenship and that even though democracy is messy and frustrating at times, it allows citizens to work together and accomplish extraordinary things.

Excellence in Civic Leadership Award
This award is granted each year to a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership.

Voter-Friendly Campus Designation
Delta is serious about politically empowering its students. Through the Voter-Friendly Campus Designation, Delta hopes to become more intentional about voter registration, education and engagement efforts.