Civic Learning & Action
As they work together with members of the William & Mary and broader community, students in W&M Civic & Community Engagement programs develop the following skills and perspectives - along with many others - and grow to center and prioritize community now and throughout their lives.
Ways of Being
IntegrityAligning actions and values with commitment to community |
Cultural HumilityReflecting on one’s own identities and perspectives to more deeply respect the dignity and expertise of others and more effectively challenge bias and power imbalances |
Civic IdentityUnderstanding oneself as an agent of positive social change |
Ways of Thinking
Root Cause AnalysisUnderstanding the underlying, interconnected conditions and systems that foster or undermine the flourishing of individuals and communities |
Critical ReflectionExamining experiences, relationships, knowledge, and beliefs to better understand and guide future action |
Sustainability MindsetAppreciating the fundamental interdependence between self, others, society, and nature and working to improve the well-being of all |
Ways of Taking Action
Building CommunityFostering relationships that are characterized by mutual respect, care, trust, and shared commitments |
Engaging DifferenceUsing inevitable disagreement and discomfort in relationships as opportunities for valuing others’ lived experience and growing together |
Democratic PracticesSharing power and responsibility equitably with others, recognizing that all people have knowledge and capacities to contribute to processes affecting them and their communities |
Collective ActionActing collaboratively within a community for the common good |
Our Civic Learning & Action Goals were developed in a co-creative and democratic process with multiple rounds of ideating, creating, and editing with students, community leaders, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
