Programs & Events

The Center for Civic Engagement promotes films, seminars, and events geared towards gaining better insight into civic engagement.

Election Events

Local Candidate Open House

On Wednesday, March 22, 2023 voters are invited to meet the candidates running in the April 4th election. The open house-style event (come and go as you wish) runs from 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. and allows you to meet and ask questions of the candidates running for Bloomington City Council, Normal Town Council, Unit 5 school board, District 87 school board, Normal Library Board, and the Heartland Community College board of trustees. This event takes place in the Bone Student Center Brown Ballroom and is led by WGLT, Bloomington-Normal’s Public Media in the NPR Network, and co-sponsored by ISU’s Center for Civic Engagement, the McLean County League of Women Voters, and the Bloomington-Normal NAACP.

Remember to visit the Redbird Voter Guide for all of the election information.

Civic Engagement Celebration

The Civic Engagement Celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 11 in the Bone Student Center - Circus Room. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. for poster presentations, snacks, and mingling. The formal awards program will begin at 3 p.m. All campus and community members are welcome to join and celebrate civic engagement. There is no registration for this event.

Community Service

Service Projects

Remember to "spring into service". We offer several service projects throughout February, March, and April. We also keep a running list of local opportunities so that individual students and RSOs can volunteer throughout the community with organizations of interest to them.

Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks give you an amazing opportunity to travel across the country or around the world and make a #RedbirdImpact through service. Space is still available for a spring break trip. Don't miss your opportunity! See the Alternative Breaks website for more information.

Deliberative Dialogues

The Center for Civic Engagement is excited to offer Deliberative Dialogues on campus!

Deliberative Dialogues are guided conversations on a political or controversial topic. This model of conversation removes polarizing positions and one-sided lectures by simply asking participants to investigate specific solutions to an issue through the help of an issue guide and facilitator.

Learn more about the Deliberative Dialogues program and request one for your class or group.