WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, the American Association of State
Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) The American Democracy Project (ADP) and The
Democracy Commitment (TDC) announced their partnership with icitizen, a leading
civic engagement app. Starting this January, the three groups will work to
“Engage the Election 2016;” this project will include comprehensive activities
throughout the year centered on enhancing student engagement through civic
technology.
“We’re excited to further
our partnership with icitizen,” said Anne Mandeville, director of corporate
partnerships at AASCU. “Our missions couldn’t be more aligned in encouraging
younger generations to take ownership of their civic lives and make their
voices count. This is the civic tech component our organization is now able to
provide to our members, and we’re grateful for this opportunity to work
together during the election year.”
The kickoff event,
headquartered at Illinois State University, will be a live-stream of President
Obama’s 2016 State of the Union address. Member institutions can host a viewing
party on their campuses, and students and faculty can participate via www.icitizen.com if they are unable to attend a watch party. This event will feature interactive polling, live
tweeting, and pre- and post-speech coverage designed entirely around advancing
the non-partisan political engagement of students. Members of all political
parties are encouraged to participate.
“This is a monumental opportunity
for all of our organizations,” said Russell P. Reeder, CEO of icitizen. “We’re
so happy to be able to work with ADP, TDC and their member schools. We are all
dedicated to driving civic engagement and providing all the resources we can to
help prepare the next generation of responsible, active citizens. This is only
the beginning.”
Other events in the
partnership include the 2015 Higher Education Government Relations Conference, co-hosted webinars, the Civic
Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting, presidential debate coverage on social media, and a
post-election wrap-up event.
To participate in the State
of the Union live-stream event, sign up here.
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The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a
Washington, D.C.-based higher education association of more than 400 public
colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and
teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student
populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their
regions’ economic progress and cultural development.