The American Democracy Project at the State University of New York at Fredonia will present “Public Action & Awareness: Navigating Civic Engagement” to explore critical issues of civic participation.

The final panel in the series, “Democratic Setbacks and Civic Education,” will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 1 to 1:50 p.m., in Williams Center Room S204. Light refreshments will be served.

How democratic setbacks disproportionately impact students – especially undocumented and LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC and women – will be examined.

Panelists will discuss strategies for fostering inclusive, supportive environments that empower students to advocate for their rights. This discussion directly aligns with the Leadership Studies minor, which equips students with the skills to address social change, and the Ethnic and Gender Studies program, which focuses on understanding and addressing systemic inequalities.

“Encouraging students to see themselves as producers of knowledge helps them develop confidence as agents of change in their own local spaces,” said Dr. Jeanette McVicker. “That helps foster a life-long investment in civic engagement.”

Panelists include:

– Dr. McVicker, a professor of English and coordinator of the Ethnic and Gender Studies (EGS) program, who will discuss how faculty can incorporate critical social justice lenses and problem-solving skills into their courses to help students challenge systemic inequities.

– Mason Fuller – president of Students for Fredonia and who is active in civic engagement, will share insights on organizing student coalitions and institutionalizing advocacy efforts.

– Alex Bucknam – assistant news editor for The Leader, will reflect on the role of student media in activism and awareness.

– Marcia Merrins, a representative from the League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County, who will share insights on how a grassroots organization successfully passed the New York State Equal Rights Amendment and the local efforts involved.

Following the panel, a 45-minute interactive workshop, from 2 to 2:45 p.m., will provide attendees with a space for informal, solution-focused discussion. Topics include practical, nonpartisan methods for civic engagement, best practices for student advocacy and ways to sustain long-term activism on campus.

The workshop will also feature a postcard-writing session where participants can directly engage with state and national legislators on critical issues.

“This panel and workshop are designed to help students move from awareness to action,” said Department of Communication Associate Professor Angela McGowan-Kirsch, who also serves as ADP chair. “Civic engagement isn’t just about voting – it’s about creating a culture of participation and advocacy. We want to give students the tools to make a real difference.”

The event, co-sponsored by the American Democracy Project, the Leadership Studies minor and the Ethnic and Gender Studies program, is free and open to students, staff, faculty and community members. The event comes with support from the Carnahan Jackson Humanities Fund of the Fredonia College Foundation.