American Democracy Project 2nd Annual National Conference

June 16-18, 2005, Portland, Oregon

The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a multi-campus initiative that seeks to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement for undergraduates enrolled at institutions that are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The goal of the project is to produce graduates who understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy.

The 2nd Annual National Conference was designed to recognize colleges and universities that have created innovative and successful approaches to community-based learning and civic engagement. This year Portland State University was recognized as a leader in these fields and was asked to facilitate the conference.

Please browse the following excerpts from the ADP National Conference:

• Oregon University System Interim Chancellor George Pernsteiner's opening address.

"Our partners will tell you that we don't always get it right, that we are not consistent, and that we have to constantly reinvent ourselves...But we have confidence that we can connect, we can partner, we can succeed with our communities. It is not a straight line or a steady journey. Instead, it is about daily efforts, about people, about personalities and temperament; but also it is about shared dreams..."

• George Mehaffy, Vice President for Academic Leadership and Change (AASCU) discusses the integral role that Portland State plays in fostering civic engagement and building community.

"...I believe historians will look back to institutions such as Portland State University (PSU) and Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) as the leaders who redefined institutions of higher learning, no longer as ivory towers separated from their communities but instead as institutions of their communities..."

• A panel of PSU faculty, staff and students present a PowerPoint presentation on the "Institutionalization of Civic Engagement at PSU."

Over 7,800 students, 400 faculty, and 600 community partners are involved in community-based learning annually at PSU.

• Bilbliography of Resources for the PSU Institutionalization plenary address.