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… But first, some reflective writing!  In the middle of the semester in classes like this, I like to take a moment to recap what we’ve discussed so far and try to get a sense of the connections we see, especially when it’s a class I’m teaching for the first time. So I’d like us to…

The key to creating a social media package is to think about what will save time and make your life (and the lives of anyone on your team) easier when creating a post, or series of posts, quickly. Dealing with civic issues often means dealing with news events, which means pumping out content quickly as…

This week, we’re moving from thinking of how we interact with and use traditional media sources to how social media has become one of the main sites for young activists to share their voices. This does not negate the power of traditional civic genres like speeches and op-eds (which we’ll tackle in a couple weeks);…

So as part of our consideration of engaging with the media, we’ll be writing an op-ed later this semester, which is an important genre in civic engagement. Before we get there, though, I want to give you more time to develop your thinking about a topic you’re like to address. Press releases and op-eds aren’t the only…

Take a look at NJ.com (If you don’t have an account, you can use mine to get around the “subscriber only” paywalls – email: erin.andersen@centenaryuniversity.edu ; password: Centenary123 ) Click around some of the main stories. Then read through some of the stories listed under Warren County in the “News By County” section. What kind…

So as we discussed last class, the next step in pitching a project is making sure you have an accurate budget. This is also an essential part of grant proposals. While this is not the sexiest part of writing for civic engagement, I want to take this detour because budgeting is connected to so many other…

Take a look at the scenarios below. Work with a group to identify the stakeholders, both direct and indirect. Name as many as you can, and explain briefly why you  think each person/group belongs on the list as a direct or indirect stakeholder You’re developing a new storytime program as part of a collaboration between…

Pitches, in the context we’re talking about them, are quick, flexible summaries of a program, initiative, etc.  What can pitches do? They can be presented to multiple audiences  They are usually meant to be flexible in length so you can adjust them from a 2 minute pitch to a 15 minute pitch or longer They…

Grant Writing Resources Here are a few pages and handouts I’ve found helpful! USDA Grant Writing Handout UNC Chapel Hill Writing Center Handout: Writing Research Grants Nonprofit grant writing advice from GrantsPlus Amber Melanie Smith nonprofit grant writing YouTube playlist 1/31 Exercise: Grant Proposal Sample Analysis  For our in-class work today, take a look at…

Please get into groups of three and discuss the following questions about our readings: So… IS the US a republic or democracy? Or both? Or some kind of hybrid? Explain your group’s thoughts. How does looking at the US from these different perspectives change the way you might approach different communications? Come up with potential…