Declining rates of civic literacy and decreasing participation in civic and community engagement plague our nation. The once pervasive American ethos “to get involved” has waned among the general population; and, unfortunately, Millennials are displaying some of the highest levels of disinterest of any generation to date. However, research shows that the earlier a person embraces civic knowledge, as well as experiences community service, the more likely one will become civically aware and engaged through voting and volunteerism throughout their lifetime. Education is central to increasing civic and community engagement while working to ensure the “public good,” especially among young people.

It is for this reason that a group comprised of faculty and staff from The Democracy Commitment, Foundation for California Community Colleges, and College of the Canyons have joined together to organize the California Community Colleges Civic and Community Engagement Student Summit.

This event will be held on May 4 at College of the Canyons located in Santa Clarita, California, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The theme of the Summit is See the Need. Be the Change: Empowering Our Next Generation of Civic Leaders. This gathering follows a successful faculty civic engagement summit organized last October which welcomed over 100 participants from across the state. Our goal is to provide a similar experience for students, including panel discussions, resource tables, and keynote presentation.

We would like to invite you to attend this event, as well as set-up a resource table, if desired.

This is especially welcomed if your organization has worked directly with College of the Canyons’ Community-Based Learning students. Students are encouraged to visit tables from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., as well as meet College of the Canyon students who have served with various organizations. We also hope to generate an interest among young people not only to work with non-profits, but to consider joining a local chapter of a long-standing voluntary association.

Our planning team is excited about his new venture, and we hope that the date of May 4 will fit well with your schedule. Feel free to join us for part or all of the day. (Breakfast and lunch served.)

Please contact me for more information regarding the California Community Colleges Civic and Community Student Engagement Summit.

R.S.V.P. confirmation to patty.robinson@canyons.edu and more information will follow.