Civic Engagement Week at Oesterle Library
Get Involved at NCC
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Community-Engaged Learning at NCCCommunity-Engaged Learning (CEL) is an educational experience in which students collaborate with community partners to apply academic knowledge and critical thinking skills to meet societal needs. Check out this site to learn more.
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Center for Social ImpactThe Center exists as a place for any student interested in making an impact to come and be supported and empowered. Here you'll find the opportunities, resources, and support you need to become the change you wish to see in the world. Drop in at 40 E. Jefferson to learn more and get involved.
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Center for Social Impact Student Organizations & ProgramsThese student organizations are an essential part of the Center for Social Impact's mission and represent the 5 pillars: Advocacy, Scholarship, Social Entrepreneurship, Civic Engagement, and Service.
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Community Service and Social Action Student OrganizationsAdditional NCC social action organizations to consider.
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Office of Faith and ActionThe Office of Faith and Action provides resources and opportunities to guide students as they cultivate an ethical worldview, act purposefully, and change the world for good.
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How to Get Involved in Advocacy and Activism on CampusUse this flowchart for ideas on how to get involved at NCC.
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Ethical Leadership ProgramLearn how to obtain your Ethical Leadership degree at NCC.
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EnactusStudents from all majors join the Enactus team (formerly Students In Free Enterprise, or SIFE) to help small local and global entrepreneurs become financially sustainable.
Related Oesterle Library Research Guides
Activism and Civic Engagement
Interested in learning more about your role as a citizen and community member? Curious about how North Central College students have tried to make the world a better place? This guide will help. You'll find resources available at the library and tips for searching CardinalSearch, the digitized North Central Chronicle, and the digitized Spectrum (NCC's yearbook).
Definitions
It's important to distinguish activism from civic engagement more generally. Everyone can make a difference in their communities, whether they're comfortable with the "activist" label or not.
- Activism refers to "the policy of active participation or engagement in a particular sphere of activity; specifically the use of vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change," according to the Oxford English Dictionary.
- Civic Engagement is a more general term that means "working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes." See Thomas Ehrlich, ed., Civic Responsibility and Higher Education (Westport, CT: Oryx Press, 2000), available through i-Share.
Get Involved Locally
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Naperville Community EngagementLocal links to dialogue with Naperville's local government.
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League of Women Voters NapervilleLearn how to get involved, register to vote and more.
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Illinois Civics HubThe Resources and Curriculum Guides on this site are targeted to Illinois citizens and educators who are interested in learning and teaching about civics. Webinars, lesson plans and linked articles are available for free use.
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Better Government AssociationThe Better Government Association is a non-partisan, non-profit news organization and civic advocate working for transparency, efficiency and accountability in government in Chicago and across Illinois.
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Indivisible IllinoisIndivisible Illinois is part of the locally-led, people-powered Indivisible Project network. Indivisible Illinois reflects the Heart of the Midwest by promoting an equity agenda in pursuit of liberty and justice for all.
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Common Cause IllinoisCommon Cause Illinois wins concrete, pro-democracy reforms that break down barriers to participation, promote accountability and ensure that each of us has a voice.
