Training and Courses

Institionalizing Civic Engagement through Organizing

For two decades, the Center for Democracy and Citizenship has led in the field of civic engagement by using theory-based practices to make democracy a way of life. These proven practices have been used in academic and community settings around the world.

The center offers courses and customized training designed to bring democratic purpose into workplaces, classrooms, and communities.

On College and University Campuses
Citizen students have the skills and confidence to be public problem solvers on campus and in the community. They realize accountability is crucial for public work, and they know how to build strong relationships with instructors and administrators, community members, and other students.

In Schools
Citizen teachers have the skills and confidence to be part of addressing community–school challenges. They are facilitators of learning and see young people as civic resources. Citizen teachers serve as powerful role models for students and other staff, feel less isolated, and report greater job satisfaction.

In Communities
Addressing complex public problems requires the skills, ideas and work of a diverse group of people. A core team that includes young people and representatives from local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, faith groups and schools can effectively coordinate community-based action–if they have strategies for identifying and building relational power and working across differences.

For Professionals
Citizen professionals use their expertise and place in the community to solve problems with–not for–others. They do this by developing relationships with a wide network of people and seeking to understand their needs, interests and skills, When a citizen professional wants to change something, or is asked to change something, she knows how to organize people in her network to take action.

For Trainers
When individuals in your organization have the skills to teach and mentor others, your organization’s commitment to public work will be more sustainable and effective. Trainers are able to connect action on a particular issue to larger themes of democracy and civic engagement in a way that inspires. They facilitate the process of issue development and reflection and engage in problem-solving with action teams.

Customized Training
Our trainers work with educators, student and neighborhood groups, businesses and nonprofit and professional organizations. Workshops and presentations are interactive and designed around each group or organization’s goals. Our training staff is available to provide site visits or longer-term coaching. Our fees include needs assessment, planning, facilitation, and materials.

In the past we have provided training and developed materials for:

• Colgate University
• Longwood State University Student Leadership Retreat
• University of Minnesota Graduate and Professional Student Association
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College
• Augsburg College
• National Wildlife Federation
• Association of Public Management Professionals of Minnesota
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Education Society of Malopolska (Poland)
• Clear Vision (Eau Claire, Wisc.)

Public Achievement
Public Achievement was developed by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship in 1990 as a way to engage young people in addressing issues that are important to them. Today, Public Achievement is used in schools, universities, and communities across the United States and in nearly two dozen countries.

Community of Practice  
The Center for Democracy and Citizenship develops and identifies best practices and incorporates them into training and materials to support Public Achievement teams, coaches, and site coordinators.

Courses

Staff of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship teach graduate and undergraduate organizing courses at the University of Minnesota under the Public Affairs course designator. Contact the instructor for more information or a permission number.

Fall 2010
Community Organizing for Effective Public Policy
PA 5920-03 (2 cr, S/N only)
Instructor: Dennis Donovan
6:00 to 8:45 p.m., Mondays (9/7/10 – 12/15/10)
Room 220 Blegen Hall, University of Minnesota West Bank Campus
– Through hands-on practice, gain confidence and skills to be an actor in the public arena.
– Identify critical elements of broad-based organizing and learn to build diverse public relationships through one-to-one meetings.
– Reflect on your place in the world and acquire greater clarity about your self-interest in order to act powerfully.
– Develop and implement an organizing plan.

Watch this five-minute video to hear students describe the class and what they learned.

Spring 2011—to be confirmed
Community Organizing Skills for Public Action
Public Affairs 1401-01 (3 cr, A-F only)
Instructors: Harry Boyte, Dennis Donovan
*meets University of Minnesota Liberal Education requirement for Citizenship/Public Ethics Theme
– Understand the differences between mobilizing and organizing.
– Identify critical elements of broad-based organizing and learn to build diverse public relationships through one-to-one meetings.
– Reflect on your place in the world and acquire greater clarity about your self-interest in order to act powerfully.
– Research a community organization.

National Civic Agency Initiative with AASCU Schools
The Center for Democracy and Citizenship is drawing on its two decades of work to coordinate the Civic Agency Initiative with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). After launching the project in fall 2008, 10 AASCU member institutions have begun to adapt Public Achievement as a means for students, staff, and faculty, as well as community partners, to develop their civic skills. In Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is working with several schools to integrate Public Achievement into the curriculum and school culture. At Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, Public Achievement is being used with local middle school students.