Dole Institute sponsors 2011 Civic Engagement and KU Leadership
LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will sponsor Civic Engagement and KU Leadership, an annual campaign with more than two dozen events occurring on- and off-campus through Oct. 28.
Events are designed to bring awareness to students about civic opportunities available at the university as well as inform them on the overall impact of engaging in public service activities and the importance of pursuing civic responsibility.
“The Civic Engagement and KU Leadership campaign adds to the university’s strong tradition of promoting civic involvement by providing a variety of opportunities for public service and the potential for students to develop their leadership skills,” said Barbara Ballard, associate director of the Dole Institute of Politics and state representative from Lawrence’s 44th District. “We want to encourage students to explore the many avenues for making a difference in their communities, to understand how to apply true citizenship skills as they move out into the world.”
The calendar events for Civic Engagement and KU Leadership began with the KU Blood Drive, which runs through Oct. 21. Other events include Civic Duty: Register to Vote, taking place at Wescoe Beach tables Oct. 20-21 and 24-28, and volunteer opportunities through the Alternative Breaks organization on campus and at the Jubilee Café, United Methodist Church, 946 Vermont. More details on events can be found on the KU calendar, and a full listing can be found on posters across campus.
The Dole Institute began working with the University of Kansas community to promote civic engagement and leadership in 2004 based on findings of a research committee, tasked by then-chancellor Robert Hemenway, to explore new ways to prepare students for being well-rounded and engaged citizens. The committee was enacted to fulfill a part of the university’s mission “to prepare students for lives of learning and for the challenges citizens will encounter in an increasingly complex and diverse global community.”
Civic Engagement and KU Leadership is co-sponsored with Student Legislative Awareness Board, Student Union Activities, the Center for Community Outreach, Student Senate, Alternative Breaks, Commission on the Status of Women, Panhellenic Association, All Scholarship Hall Council and the Dole Institute Student Advisory Board.