Civic Engagement

In his inaugural 2010 convocation, President John Fry emphasized our university’s mission to become a leader in civic engagement nationwide. At its core, civic engagement is “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.” (Excerpted from Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000, Preface, page vi.). Our committee is dedicated to embodying this spirit by fostering connections between Drexel and the wider Philadelphia community, including Mantua and Powelton Village.

Civic Engagement is one of the most outward-facing committees within USGA. Our goal lies in providing opportunities for Drexel students to engage meaningfully with the community around us. Members of this committee have worked on projects like Octavius Catto’s Day of Civic Service to promoting volunteering on Election Day, and initiatives such as Light Up the Neighborhood and Neighborhood Clean-up’s, aimed at improving the lives of our neighbors. More recently, our commitment has extended to providing hygienic resources to local residents through our Sanitation Kit Packing events.

Currently, we’re focused on strengthening our environmental sustainability efforts, ensuring our campus and community remain green. Our aim is to foster robust, positive relationships with local residents, acknowledging that strong communities thrive on communication and inclusion.

As Chair for Civic Engagement, my role centers on upholding the values central to our mission: diversity, inclusion, and community spirit. Every student’s voice matters, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that all perspectives are not only heard but included in critical conversations. In today’s context, these conversations are of immense importance as we turn concerns into sustainable, data-driven solutions that will create lasting impact. By empowering Drexel students to engage with our neighbors in Philadelphia, we hope to foster social consciousness and inspire the next generation to leave their city better than they found it.

We can’t achieve these goals alone. Please feel free to reach out sharing your concerns, ideas, and suggestions at jj987@drexel.edu.