Welcome!
Civic Circle is a framework to build an inclusive sense of belonging through responsible togetherness and strong civic engagement. It develops a greater sense of connection and purpose around issues that are important to equitable, thriving communities.
UWECI is committed to driving conversation & collective action to meet the community’s greatest needs. We believe a person who leads a civic life understands their social responsibility, advocates for a just & fair society, and, ultimately, can be a spark for meaningful change. And that’s where you come in! Our goal is to provide participants of the Civic Circle with the tools to make an impact, no matter how big or small.
We are partnering with Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, to pilot the Civic Circle initiative in Eastern Iowa. As a participant in the first run, you will help us evaluate the program and make improvements for future cohorts in the community, on college campuses, and with business partners.
Program Outline
• This is a nine-session bi-weekly program (November 3- March 8, with a short break during the holidays)
• All sessions will be virtual, unless noted in the schedule below
• Meets Fridays with the exception of holidays, from 8AM – 9AM
• We ask that you attend a minimum of eight sessions but please plan to participate in all sessions
• Each session will focus on a different civic engagement activity or action (topic & dates listed below)
o November 3 – Vote, meeting in-person
o November 17 – Purchase Power
o December 1 – Volunteer
o December 15 – Donate
Winter Break
o January 12 – Voice
o January 26 – Service
o February 9 – Social Entrepreneur
o February 23 – Work
o March 8 – In Action! Meeting in-person
• Each session will be 60 minutes which includes time to review your personal action plan
• One hour of pre-work before each session
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- UWECI will email pre-work assignments and magazine digests the week before each respective session.
- Participant will read an issue of “Civic Life Today,” a magazine digest that includes case studies and examples, features on people taking action, and resources and tools for deeper engagement.
- Participant will answer brief questions relative to that session’s civic act to develop their personal action plan.
