On Feb. 28, Drake University will host its annual Engaged Citizen Conference from 1:30–8 p.m. in Parents Hall, Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave. This year’s conference is free and open to the public. Registration for the conference is strongly encouraged.
The conference will feature a poverty simulation and several breakout sessions with nonprofit and organizational leaders, including Paul Turner from AMOS, Bethany Wilcoxen from the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Sarah Ramsey from the United Way.
The afternoon breakout sessions, all designed to be interactive and participatory, will include:
• Organizing to Make an Impact
• The Kink in the Link
• Fitting the Pieces Together
• Charitable Volunteerism and Philanthropy: Using Time, Talent, and Treasure to Create Change
• Legislative Advocacy: How to Advocate for Change
Additionally, the conference will feature an evening keynote panel co-sponsored by the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement and Pioneer Hi-Bred titled, “Pathways to Food Security: Environment, Economics and Equality.” This session will be facilitated by:
• Marc Gunther, editor-at-large, Guardian Sustainable Business and Guardian News & Media, who will serve as the panel moderator
• Darci Vetter, deputy under secretary for farm and foreign agricultural services, United States Department of Agriculture
• Ricardo Salvador, director and senior scientist, Food & Environment Program and Union of Concerned Scientists
• Sarai Rice, executive director, Des Moines Area Religious Council
• Chinh Dao, associate professor of biology, Drake University
• Cassie Edgar, director of platform operations, DuPont Pioneer
Engaged Citizen Conference
The Engaged Citizen Conference is part of Drake’s Engaged Citizen Experience, which aims to prepare students for responsible global citizenship. Through engaged citizen courses and programming, students learn to evaluate the mix of diverse values and interests that influence democratic decision-making, leading them to be active stewards working for the common good of local, national and global communities.
When: Friday, Feb. 28, 1:30–8 p.m.
Where: Parents Hall, Olmsted Center, 2875 University Ave.
Cost: Free and open to the public, but registration is strongly encouraged.
Registration: http://tinyurl.com/ECconference2014
Visit https://wwww.drake.edu/dc/engagedcitizenexperience/ for more information, or contact Art Sanders at arthur.sanders@drake.edu or 515-271-3172.