American Democracy Project National Meeting “Transforming Democracy and Civic Engagement at an Urban Research University “ Joseph K. Hoereth, Director, IPCE Saturday, June 4, 2011
University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Public Research University UIC was formed in 1982 by the consolidation of two U. of I. campuses. 27, 309 total student Urban setting
Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE) IPCE focuses on transforming democracy by creating a more fully engaged citizenry with more effective leaders. As a catalyst for learning and action, the Institute creates opportunities for scholars, concerned citizens, students, and government officials to actively participate in social discourse, research, and educational programs on policy issues and social trends.
A more informed and engaged citizenry IPCE Theory of Change Assumptions We believe that the levers of civic engagement are: Participation in public discourse Use of technology to facilitate education and discourse among government, citizens and other stakeholders Education on policy issues Education about government A more effective and responsive government Inputs To move these levers, IPCE needs: UIC staff, faculty , and students External partners External financial resources Access to technology Financial resources from university Research to inform our action Activities Key IPCE activities: Research and community engagement Civic Engagement @ UIC CivicSource web portal Education and leadership development for youth and adults Training for government Public discourse Outcomes Key IPCE Outcomes: New research on technology and civic engagement More citizens have engaged in dialogue on discourse Citizens have better understanding of policy issues Youth and young adults develop leadership skills Government staff and officials have increased capacity to use technology Impacts A more informed and engaged citizenry
Transforming Democracy at UIC Research Research awards Civic Engagement and technology E-Gov Engaging all communities Discourse Discourse awards Bringing research into public dialogue Public events with leading thinkers and ‘do’-ers Education CivicSource web portal ‘Translating’ complex policy issues/research Development of future leaders
IPCE CivicSource Civic Source is a web portal that hosts a wide range of civic engagement and policy information, learning tools, and opportunities to connect with civic engagement efforts. Official Launch Monday, April 18, 2011 Topical Learning Modules Research Products Blogs Civic Engagement Events ‘Find Answers’ Tools
CivicSource www.civicsource.org
CivicSource Social Media
IPCE Social Media
Contact Information Joseph K. Hoereth, PhD Director Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE) College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs University of Illinois at Chicago 1253 S. Halsted Street, Suite #310 Chicago, IL 60607 312 355 0096 (ph) 312 355 0545 (fx) www.ipce.uic.edu www.civicsource.org