Civic Engagement
In the face of a social and political environment fraught with partisanship and intolerance, the act of civic engagement has gained new importance. What does it mean to be an active and informed member of a community when it feels that civic dialogue has disappeared behind a curtain of bigotry and prejudice? How can we simultaneously fight to protect democratic discourse and advocate for the political changes that we desire?
Why is this cohort important?
The Civic Engagement Cohort provides students with the opportunity to navigate these complex challenges. Over the course of the 2025-2026 school year, cohort participants will sharpen their civic dialogue skills through workshops and conversation events. They will then apply these skills to an engagement project in which they take part in a campaign, policy or issue of interest in the Portland area. Through this experience, participants will get hands-on experience with what it means to engage in civic dialogue and to make political or social change on a local scale.
How We Take Action
Civic Dialogue Events
Throughout the semester, cohort participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice civic dialogue skills. Participants will:
- Participate in an Advanced Dialogue Facilitation Workshop hosted by BridgeUSA, a national organization that “champions understanding, empathy, open-mindedness and a willingness to engage those who are different from us.” The workshop is three hours long and will occur in the fall of 2025.
- As a cohort, host a screening event of the film “Bring it to the Table,” a short documentary that aims to “bridge political divides and break down partisanship.” This screening event will be open to the greater LC and Portland community.
Engagement Project(s)
In addition to these civic dialogue activities, cohort participants will pursue an engagement project related to a specific campaign, policy or issue of interest in the Portland area. Participants can engage as a whole cohort, in small groups, or individually, depending on their interests. At the start of the year, the cohort will meet regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) to establish their engagement projects. Once participants begin their projects, the cohort will meet once a month to discuss progress and reflect on the experience. Examples of engagement projects include:
- Join a Portland City Advisory Body, which is a group of people that advises “city bureaus and special projects” on a range of topics, including police accountability, land use, parks, and much more.
- Join a NAACP Portland branch committee. The NAACP Portland “fights for justice, equality and community empowerment in Portland.” Committees meet on a range of topics, including housing, economic development, political action, health & wellness, education, environmental justice, and finance.
- Volunteer with Don’t Shoot PDX, “an arts and education organization that promotes social justice and civic participation.” Join the MLK planning committee, accessibility committee or children’s arts & social justice council.
- Get involved with Next Up Action Fund, an organization that “engages next-generation leaders to build political power and fight for a more just and equitable Oregon.” You could join the community action team, youth action team or participate in regular events.
- Get involved with Momentum Alliance, an organization whose “mission is to inspire young people to realize their power individually and collectively and to mentor future social justice leaders.”
- Engage with the Portland City Council, which works “together to create laws that improve living, working, and visiting Portland.” You can provide testimony about an agenda item, request a public communication spot or attend meetings.
Voter and Civic Engagement Information
We provide resources and information on nonpartisan voter engagement for L&C students. As a part of a long-standing tradition of exploring, learning, and working together, Lewis & Clark College values and protects the freedom of students, faculty, and staff to express political views, to exercise their right to vote, and to participate in the electoral process.
As a college student, you have the option of voting in Oregon or your home state. However, you cannot be registered in both locations. If you register to vote in your home state, you will need to sign up for an Absentee Ballot and regulations vary by state. Absentee ballots are available 45 days before the election. You have the right to vote in any state where you have a temporary or permanent residence.
The Ballot Bulletin
The “who, what, when, where, why, and how” to vote
Voting Overseas
Overseas citizens and U.S. military personnel can find information on how to register to vote and request an absentee ballot at the Overseas Vote Foundation. See this resource for step-by-step instructions on the process.
Request your overseas absentee ballot here. Depending on the state, you may have to physically print, fill out, and mail your absentee ballot to the United States from your host country. If you would like more guidance for overseas voting, check out this article.
Meet our Cohort Leads
Leslie Santiago Andres
Ben Korman (BK)