First Talloires 24 Student Discussion a Success

One June 17, the Talloires Network hosted our first in a series of student discussions on the Talloires 24 Discussion Forum. We addressed the introductory topics “What is civic engagement?” and “How can students initiate a civic engagement project?” The discussion was open to the Talloires Network Student Peer Advisors and any other interested students, with 23 students participating in this first discussion. Members of the Talloires Network Secretariat staff also contributed.

The students had a wide-ranging discussion about university civic engagement and how to implement it. Various definitions and facets of civic engagement were suggested. Civic engagement can be both individual and collective action to address a major concern for society, or to address the needs of a particular segment of the society. It should promote peace and social solidarity, a sense of belonging, and awareness among the communities served as well as those who are undertaking the civic engagement projects. The point was made that it should not just address symptoms of social problems, but root causes. Participants agreed that civic engagement may differ in practice from region to region based on local needs and resources, but that the same factors motivate civic engagement around the world, namely a sense of commitment to society and a desire to support the development of communities.

The participants also discussed things to consider when initiating a civic engagement project, including: Identifying the needs of the communities and one’s resources to address those needs, working to understand the society/community you wish to engage with, being realistic about how much time one has to devote to the project, developing a plan of action with specific goals, working with existing organizations and frameworks when possible, getting community buy-in and ownership for the project, planning for project sustainability and continuity, recruiting and training volunteers, and thinking about how to work with a community as an ‘outsider.’

This first Talloires 24 discussion was an auspicious start to the series, and we are looking forward to our next chat on July 20. Students who are interested in getting involved can visit our Student Initiative pages, Discussion Forum, Student Peer Advisor page, and Student Facebook Group. You may also contact Hannah Ayers or John Pollock with any questions.