Citizenship experiences are those through which students develop a heightened sense of civic responsibility. To engage in citizenship activities 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. Activities may include active participation in the American Democracy Project, the Campus Compact, or any number of RSOs (Recognized Student Organizations) devoted to principles of civic engagement, such as the Young Democrats, College Republicans, or the Political Science Association, among several others.
The goals of a Citizenship Experience are to:
-
Recognize one’s role as a member of a larger social fabric and therefore consider social problems to be partly one’s own
-
Be willing to see the ethical and civic dimensions of issues
-
Learn to make and justify informed ethical and civic judgments
-
Take action on an issue when appropriate
How can a student benefit from citizenship experiences?
Students who participate in citizenship experiences will:
-
Likely witness an improvement in their academic performance.
-
Learn how to become better integrated into and informed about the issues affecting the communities in which they live and work
-
Actively contribute ideas and effort to making positive societal changes
-
Make contact with potential employers or individuals who may help them along their career path
-
Document knowledge, skills, and attitudes on the Clarion University co-curricular transcript
Why do employers value potential employees’ citizenship experiences?
Employers find that candidates with citizenship experience have a better understanding of the value of the community’s diversity and increased awareness and appreciation of the employer’s clientele. Engaged citizens demonstrate the commitment they will show their employer and a sense of personal responsibility for what happens around them.
