Civic Engagement Lunch Talk – “Lessons from the Ed Write Collab on the Importance of Critical Love in Civically-Engaged Communities”

The Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement (IPCE) is very excited to announce our next Civic Engagement Lunch Talk! On April 17th from 12-1pm in Daley Library R.1-470, Civic Engagement Research Awardee Rebecca Woodard, PhD, will present her research, “Lessons from the Ed Write Collab on the Importance of Critical Love in Civically-Engaged Communities” with her research partners, Andrea Vaughan, PhD, and Kristine Wilber. 

Follow this link to RSVP: https://go.uic.edu/LunchTalk

Although educators are well-positioned to critically analyze the systems in which we work, there are numerous impediments preventing our engagement in public conversations about education. With discussion platforms that drive public policy being overwhelmingly led by men, we need more teachers--particularly those who identify as women and People of Color--serving as thought leaders about education.

The Chicago Area Writing Project convened a group of 21 educators to do civically-engaged writing that employs a public voice, advocates civic engagement or action, and argues a position based on reasoning and evidence (National Writing Project, nd). This group, called the EdWrite Collab, included higher ed, out-of-school, elementary, and secondary educators. Group members identified primarily as women, but there were also some men and non-binary participants. Approximately a quarter of the group identified as People of Color.

Each participant in the collaborative attended a series of “Writing to Change the World” workshops where participants articulated areas of expertise and drafted an op ed (The OpEd Project, nd). In this talk, Dr. Woodard and team will share preliminary findings about how teachers in their collective understood the power of participating in a teacher collaborative focused on writing for civic engagement.

Lunch will be provided! We hope to see you there!

UIC is committed to maintaining a barrier-free environment so that individuals with disabilities can fully access programs, services, and all activities. For accessibility accommodations or more information, email ipce@uic.edu or call (312) 355-0088.