The grant, part of Community-Engaged Alliance’s “Strengthening Campus and Community Election Engagement” initiative, will support an innovative new endeavor, “Cardinals Vote!”—a partnership project to advance non-partisan civic engagement across the University and our surrounding community.
This collaborative effort brings together the expertise of multiple offices and individual faculty and staff members at Ball State, including: Dr. David J. Roof, director of the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL); Abby Haworth, Director of Student Life; and Kelli Huth, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement.
CECL will leverage its commitment to promoting the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of engaged citizenship. By fostering civic engagement, the project seeks to empower individuals to make informed decisions and actively contribute to their communities.
“We are proud to embark on this collaborative journey with the Office of Student Life and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State,” Dr. Roof said. “CECL is dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a global society. This partnership allows us to extend the reach of our current initiatives, creating a lasting impact on both our campus and the broader community.”
Key components of the “Cardinals Vote!” partnership project include:
- Online Resources: An online hub where Ball State students can access informative materials and resources for engaging in local and national elections.
- Partnerships: Collaborations between local government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders to amplify the campaign’s reach and impact.
- Measurement and Evaluation: The campaign’s success will be evaluated through various metrics, including voter registration rates, turnout, number of educational events hosted, and the level of engagement in community-based activities. Regular assessments will provide insight into the effectiveness of the campaign’s initiatives.
“Cardinals Vote!” will leverage innovative strategies, outreach programs, and educational initiatives to equip Ball State students and the local community with the knowledge and resources necessary to engage meaningfully in local, state, and national elections.
'Cardinals Vote!’ represents a collaborative effort between the University and our community partners to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions in the democratic process,” Ms. Huth said.
By creating a platform for open dialogue and information-sharing, Ball State aims to inspire a new generation of active and informed citizens.
“We look forward to the positive impact ‘Cardinals Vote!’ will have on our campus and in the community, fostering a sense of responsibility, awareness, and pride,” Ms. Haworth said.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
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About Community-Engaged Alliance
Community-Engaged Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering collaboration between educational institutions and their surrounding communities. Through grants, programs, and initiatives, the Alliance strives to strengthen the bonds between campuses and communities, promoting civic engagement, social responsibility, and positive change.
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