Civic Learning

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Critically-Engaged Civic Learning (CECL)

A group of students on a city block in front of a mural

Critically-engaged civic learning is an approach to civic engagement work that uses a stakeholder cloverleaf in which constituents from all four stakeholder groups (community members, community organizations, students, and educational institutions) equitably co-design, implement, and evaluate CECL initiatives. This approach places the needs of students on an equitable power axis alongside the needs of all other invested stakeholders. The center co-created the CECL framework as a replacement for traditional service-learning and is the lens for the center’s professional development opportunities.

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Critically-Engaged Civic Learning Inventory for Social Change (CECL-ISC)

In addition to the CECL framework, the center also co-created a correlating assessment tool: The CECL Inventory for Social Change (CECL-ISC). CECL-ISC is designed to measure incremental and holistic change among stakeholders and in their communities. This instrument is unique in that it measures both student learning and the impact of CECL work in the community.

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Civic Engagement Minor

This new minor is 15 credits and includes the following required courses: Introduction to Civic Engagement and Directed Field Experience in Civic Engagement or Directed Study in Civic Engagement. This minor provides students the flexibility to choose three courses from the following areas: politics/policy, communication and advocacy skills and social justice/social change, which include courses provided by departments across the university. Learn more about the civic engagement minor.

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Salem State Civic Fellowship

This unique fellowship provides students with the opportunity to explore their strengths, values and passions in order to begin forming their civic identity and individual role in working towards social change. The fellows meet twice a month for meetings, service projects, advocacy opportunities, leadership training and a chance to build a sense of community amongst the cohort. Please contact the center for more information on how to get involved.

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