Civic Literacy Initiative

The Civic Literacy Initiative seeks to foster a nonpartisan, civically engaged, and informed campus community. Through Student Affairs and Academic Affairs collaboration, we will help our students examine complex questions and learn to discuss them with confidence and respect for differences in thought, belief, opinion, and background. With a strong commitment to student success, freedom of expression, institutional neutrality, academic freedom, and nondiscrimination, we seek to support all students as they develop into leaders who can skillfully navigate complex conversations, increase democratic engagement, and build strong community ties through experiential learning. In doing so, we will foster a university community that is welcoming to all and an academic culture of collaboration and respect.

Freedom of Speech
Freedom of Speech

Explore how protecting free speech fosters a dynamic learning environment where ideas thrive and opinions are valued. App State upholds free expression as essential to a robust academic environment because safeguarding free speech contributes to a thriving and dynamic educational landscape.

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App Votes
App Votes

Discover how advocating for and exercising voting rights empowers communities and fortifies our democratic society. App State understands the critical role that voting plays in civic engagement in shaping leadership and policy.

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Dialogue Across Difference
Dialogue Across Difference

Delve into the tactics for navigating complex conversations. Explore how embracing differing perspectives strengthens our academic community. Learn to foster a richer, more inclusive learning environment through productive dialogue.

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Dialogue Programs

At Appalachian State University, dialogue across differences is a core value. To support this, we've partnered with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) to equip Mountaineers with skills for constructive dialogue—a form of conversation where people with different perspectives strive to understand each other without sacrificing their own beliefs. CDI’s online program, Perspectives, integrates psychological concepts with interactive scenarios to teach healthy conflict resolution. The program includes six 30-minute online modules, completed asynchronously, with an optional three peer-to-peer conversation activities for skill practice. Benefits of the program include improved handling of roommate disagreements, classroom debates, project collaborations, and maintaining diverse friendships. Research shows that over 80% of students feel more confident navigating difficult conversations and 84% gain valuable professional and life skills. To implement Perspectives for your group, contact Summer Wisdom, Associate Director in the Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, at wisdomss@appstate.edu.

Preview the Perspectives modules

Voting Information

Voting process and important dates

Civic Literacy Presentations

Peer leaders trained in nonpartisan voting education are available to provide interactive civic literacy presentations about voting logistics. Presentation length can be adapted to fit the needs of your class or meeting.

Location: We visit your location

Request a Presentation

Contact

Ashley Vinson
vinsonab@appstate.edu
828-262-2545

Upcoming Events

Opportunities for You and Your Students to Engage

  • NC Trusted Elections Tour
    Aug. 21, 2024 / 6:30 - 8 p.m.
    PSU Room 420 (Parkway Ballroom)

    During this non-partisan town hall event, you will hear from election experts about the upcoming election ballot and secure voting. This event is in partnership with the Watauga County Board of Elections, The Carter Center, and App State Government & Justice Studies.

  • Democra-Sweets
    Sept. 17, 2024 / 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    Sanford Mall

    To celebrate Constitution Day & National Voter Registration Day, grab a sweet treat, update your voter registration, and get your voting questions answered!

  • Constitution Day
    Sept. 17, 2024 / at 12 p.m.
    Front steps of the Plemmons Student Union, facing Sanford Mall

    Join faculty, staff, students and community members in a public reading of excerpts from the U.S. Constitution on Sanford Mall.

  • Film Screening, Join or Die
    Sept. 30, 2024 / 7 - 9 p.m.
    IG Greer

    “Join or Die” is a 2023 documentary film that explores the decline of civic engagement in the United States and how it has contributed to a national crisis. The film follows Harvard professor and social scientist Robert Putnam as he explores three questions: what makes democracy work, why American democracy is in crisis, and what can be done about it.

  • Elections Unmasked: A Campus Dialogue Series

    Facilitated, small-group dialogue sessions designed to ensure all voices are heard in a nonpartisan setting

    • Part 1: Your Voice, Your Vote: The Power and Importance of Voting
      Sept. 25, 2024 / 6 - 7:30 p.m.
      PSU Room 420 (Parkway Ballroom)

      This session will highlight the importance of voter participation, covering civic responsibility, the impact of young voters, and the role of voter registration in shaping the future at local, state, and national levels.

    • Part 2: Navigating the Ballot: Overcoming Voting Fears and Anxiety
      Oct. 28, 2024 / 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
      PSU Room 415 (Rough Ridge)

      This session will focus on educating students about the voting process, addressing common fears and anxieties associated with voting, and promoting voter engagement and confidence.

    • Part 3: Moving Forward Together: Bridging Divides Post-Election
      Nov. 12, 2024 / 6 - 7:30 p.m.
      PSU Room 415 (Rough Ridge)

      This session will focus on healing divisions within the campus community post-election, fostering constructive dialogue, and promoting unity and collaboration regardless of political differences.

  • Climate Solutions: Building Literacy for Effective Action
    Oct. 2, 2024 / 6 - 7 p.m.
    PSU Room 201 (Blue Ridge Ballroom)

    A dinner and dialogue hosted by Dr. Tatyana Ruseva from Government and Justice Studies and Dr. Dave McEvoy from Economics.

  • Smithsonian Exhibit – Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
    Ongoing, Oct. 22 - Dec. 2, 2024
    PSU Room 222 (Wiseman’s View Lounge)

    Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. This Museum on Main Street adaptation will have many of the same dynamic features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

  • Party at the Polls
    Oct. 30, 2024 / 12 - 3 p.m.
    Sanford Mall

    An event to bring students together with food, music and fun activities to celebrate making their voices heard at the ballot box

Important Dates

  • Sept. 17
    Constitution Day
  • Sept. 17
    National Voter Registration Day
  • Oct. 7-11
    National Voter Education Week
  • Oct. 7-11
    National Voter Education Week
  • Oct. 11
    Regular Voter Registration Deadline
  • Oct. 17
    Early Voting Begins
  • Oct. 29
    Vote Early Day
  • Nov. 2
    Early Voting Ends
  • Nov. 5
    General Election Day