The Political Engagement Project wants to inspire active involvement in the processes that help create a more just and humane society. They want to support a wide variety of political events, curricula, and research from all political perspectives and they want YOUR help!
Brainstorm Over Brew is an opportunity for you to share ideas you may have that engage students and the broader University community in events, curricula, or research that have some relationship to politics, the democratic process, and/or civic engagement. These events will be held on Thursday, January 12th; Thursday, February 9th; and Thursday, March 16th from 2:30 to 4:00pm in the University Center room 116. Free Starbucks will be provided from all attendees.
Below are some examples of course activities that have been funded by the Political Engagement Project.
Communication:
Students analyzed federal legislation proposals in the area of veteran affairs and participated in a debate about the legislation as if they were representatives of our government deciding on U.S. policy. Students participated in the Cesar E. Chavez Social Justice march, celebration, and community lunch in Grand Rapids.
Healthcare:
Students conducted research and discussed bills that may have an effect on long-term care providers or the elderly.
Mathematics:
Students first examined questions such as: Should the minimum wage increase with inflation? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this? Who benefits and who loses? How does one’s political ideology or political supporters impact one’s position on this issue? Students then participated in a political simulation in which they debated and then voted on a bill to tie the minimum wage to inflation.
Economics:
Funds were used to purchase course materials to assist students in their study of political economics.
For more information, please contact the PEP Program Assistant, Shana Schadler, at 231-591-3846 or at .