Darien Civic Engagement Project
Experience Politics
For the upcoming fall 2024 semester, students can register for the 1.5 credit 790:250:Topics in Political Science: Darien Civic Engagement Project. Enrolled students will work together with the Eagleton Institute of Politics and CYPP staff on RU Voting, a non-partisan effort to register, mobilize and engage Rutgers University students to participate in politics and vote in local, state and national elections.
In conjunction with their coursework, Darien students will meet in-person at the Eagleton Institute of Politics on Thursdays between 12:10 PM and 1:30 PM, to discuss and implement the best practices of encouraging young adults to increase their civic engagement.
Students may count TWO 1.5 credit classes toward the elective requirement of the political science major or minor. For the major, 250 and 251, or 250 and 253 (Topics in Political Science) can combine to satisfy one of the requirements in R7. Alternatively they can combine to satisfy one course requirement for the minor.
Special Note: All enrolled students must participate in-person voter registration and voter mobilization events during the semester. Students must enroll in Special Topics in Political Science 790:250 to participate in the program.
Applications for the fall program have closed.
Benefits
- Assisting with RU Voting, specifically in leading in-person voter registration and mobilization drives
- Develop leadership & presentation skills
- Gain research skills on youth voting behavior
- Participate in special events!
- Engage with Eagleton staff and Rutgers students in a meaningful way
- Earn 1.5 credits from successful completion
Qualifications
- Current Rutgers University undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Eager to engage in-person with current Rutgers University-New Brunswick students on the importance of elections
- Detail-orientated and responsible attitude
- Ability to participate in voter registration and mobilization events across the Rutgers-New Brunswick campus
Civil Discourse Expectations
Classes, programs and other events convened by the Eagleton Institute of Politics are premised on the belief that, in order for our democracy to work, we need to be able to talk to each other. Students and other program participants are expected to engage in open and civil discourse, recognizing that meaningful exchange of ideas from different perspectives requires reasoned deliberation based on shared facts and conducted with respect and curiosity, and with affirmation of the humanity of all people irrespective of their historic marginalization, identity or socioeconomic status. In addition, like all Rutgers students, students at Eagleton are expected to comply with the Rutgers University Code of Conduct.
Students exhibiting behavior in class or online that conflicts with the Civil Discourse Expectations of the Eagleton Institute of Politics or with relevant sections of the University Student Code of Conduct may be removed from a class, given a failing grade for the course and/or terminated from the Darien Civic Engagement.
Application Process
Complete the Darien Civic Education Project application by April 5, 2024.
For more information about the program, please contact Sophia Alexis at Sophia.alexis@eagleton.rutgers.edu.
A special thank you to:
The Darien Fund for the U.S. Constitution, Citizenship, and Civic Engagement