Spring Break
The American Democracy Project Comes to WNMU
Avelino Maestas
Issue date: 8/26/04 Section: Politics
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At the beginning of August four representatives from WNMU attended the annual conference for the American Democracy Project. Sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, ADP is a three-year program designed to increase civic engagement and political participation by America's undergraduate students.
ADP was developed in collaboration with the New York Times and other organizations. Focusing on the development of informed graduates who become engaged citizens, the project hopes to promote a new culture of learning on campuses throughout the country.
The Project came about in recent years as a result of declining indicators of social activity in America. Recent literature, like the book Bowling Alone, has contributed to a discussion of community involvement.
In addition, research conducted by the Pew Research Center, the Higher Education Research Institute, and Harvard's John F. Kenney School of Government, shows that young people around the nation are less involved in their communities and in the political process. This research supports service and involvement as positive influences on grades, retention, and overall academic performance for college students.
Dr. Faye Vowell, WNMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs initiated Western's involvement in ADP.
"I believe that education should nurture personal growth as well as give people knowledge and skills. I hope the students, faculty and staff will engage in a discussion of what it means to live in a democratic society and how to be a good citizen working to make the world a better place - starting with Silver City and Grant County and expanding to New Mexico, the nation and the whole world. Everyone can make a difference in his or her community." Vowell continued, "As an Hispanic-serving institution with a diversity that reflects a 21st century America, I think WNMU is uniquely positioned to be a role model for the state and the nation in regard to the American Democracy discussion."
ADP was developed in collaboration with the New York Times and other organizations. Focusing on the development of informed graduates who become engaged citizens, the project hopes to promote a new culture of learning on campuses throughout the country.
The Project came about in recent years as a result of declining indicators of social activity in America. Recent literature, like the book Bowling Alone, has contributed to a discussion of community involvement.
In addition, research conducted by the Pew Research Center, the Higher Education Research Institute, and Harvard's John F. Kenney School of Government, shows that young people around the nation are less involved in their communities and in the political process. This research supports service and involvement as positive influences on grades, retention, and overall academic performance for college students.
Dr. Faye Vowell, WNMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs initiated Western's involvement in ADP.
"I believe that education should nurture personal growth as well as give people knowledge and skills. I hope the students, faculty and staff will engage in a discussion of what it means to live in a democratic society and how to be a good citizen working to make the world a better place - starting with Silver City and Grant County and expanding to New Mexico, the nation and the whole world. Everyone can make a difference in his or her community." Vowell continued, "As an Hispanic-serving institution with a diversity that reflects a 21st century America, I think WNMU is uniquely positioned to be a role model for the state and the nation in regard to the American Democracy discussion."
