Selected campus-based activities during A Week of Action:

Cape Cod Community College (MA) addressed community issues during an Affordable Housing Symposium entitled “Working to Keep ‘The Locals’ Local; How Can Students Take Action?” The discussion was covered in a two-part series of Massachusetts Public Radio.

Princeton University (NJ) held a panel discussions on Youth and Politics and Careers in Government, as well as awareness drives about the UN Fund for Population Activities and a screening of a CNN Special on Teach for America with a Q&A session featuring Teach for America alumni.

Stanford University (CA) and Oklahoma State University (OK) students participated in a national videoconference about America’s role in the fight against terrorism.

Oklahoma State University (OK) sponsored a week of events, including a forum with nine veterans of foreign wars, including a former Governor Henry Bellmon who served in World War II. Over two hundred students participated in nine breakout sessions with the veterans on “Veterans Voice- Patriotism and Civic Duty.”

North Shore Community College (MA) had a breakfast forum with Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey where Cycle of Service Awards were given to students, faculty, and community partners for their political and volunteer efforts.

Tufts University (MA) President, Lawrence Bacow led a reflection with students, faculty, staff, and community partners about student service work and the root causes of the issues that are the focus of service activities.

Montana State University-Billings (MT) students sought to answer the question “Whose Responsibility is It?” sparked by large photographs depicting controversial subject matter (famine and hunger, military torture, environmental degradation) in high traffic areas around the campus. Students then wrote down who they felt were responsible for these issues on large sheets of butcher paper hanging next to the photos. Montana State University-Billings student leaders along with faculty then led campus dialogues around the issues.

Madonna University (MI) Office of Multicultural Affairs hosted a one-night activity promoting intercultural dialogue among students, staff and faculty during Black History Month. There was a cultural/artistic performance highlighting the contributions of different communities in the African Diaspora and their impact on U.S. society followed by a discussion forum entitled Current Diversity Issues in Metro Detroit: Is it Only a Black/White Thing? Students then explored how the current growth in diversity forces society to look at issues of race and ethnicity in non-traditional ways.

Lawrence University (WI) students and many community members gathered with Wisconsin Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and local public officials to discuss Women in Politics. In attendance to discuss their own experiences of the status and vision for women in politics were the local Brown County Executive and Former Mayor of Seymour/Brown County Board Member.

Oberlin College (OH) hosted a forum about The Fate and Future of Affirmative Action where the college President Nancy Dye, the Dean of Admissions, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and various Professors, discussed with students and community members their questions and concerns about affirmative action.

Indiana University-East (IN) students had the opportunity to have lunch with Richmond, IN Mayor Shelly Miller and County Councilman Ken Paust. Students and the local officials discussed public service, the state of politics and the importance of student involvement.

University of Maine at Augusta (ME) Civic Scholar invited students from various backgrounds to a forum discussing Racial and Ethnic Tensions. Participants addressed issues such as the concept of “Americanism,” the role diversity plays in the concept, and questions of how students can really make a difference with a silent majority.

University of North Texas (TX) student team partnered with the North Texas Debate Program to host a student discussion of capital punishment policy in the state of Texas.

Indiana University-East (IN) students, faculty and staff took part in a one-person performance addressing the question of multiculturalism in today’s society. The group discussed issues in the play, which presented eight characters all based on true stories and each representing a different cultural aspect of American society.

University of San Diego (CA) students hosted Angela Davis to speak on campus on February 17, 2003 and then held a Civic Engagement Fair to highlight ways for students to get involved locally, highlight their work, and provide information on current issues. Community partners and students represented organizations such as Students for Life, International Rescue Committee, Center for Policy Initiatives, National Lawyers Guild, the Islamic Leader Society, and the Republican Law Society.

University of Wisconsin-Parkside (WI) students, UW-Parkside Student Government Association and Wisconsin state Senators Cathy Stepp and Bob Wirch convened to discuss student engagement in politics and the current status of engagement on the Parkside campus.