ENACTing Change

Explains the ENACT model of student civic engagement, empowers instructors to implement it, and shows them how to assess its impact.   ENACT: The Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation aims to teach college students about democracy through engagement with the state legislative process. Built on the values of knowledge, cooperation, justice, and integrity, ENACT is a national, intercollegiate nonpartisan network. The program empowers students to be active participants in democratic processes by connecting with policymakers and community organizations, conducting research and analysis, and informing public policy with evidence and expertise.  ENACTing Change introduces teachers to the philosophy and practice of the ENACT model—which includes workshops, courses, an online network, as well as pilot projects and other initiatives—while providing detailed guidance on how to incorporate the model into their courses, regardless of discipline or educational settings. The book offers instructors recommendations for developing and teaching courses that engage in state-level policy advocacy with a focus on learning outcomes. ENACTing Change takes instructors through each step of the course design process, from how to build the relationships needed to teach the class to the next steps for students to work in the community after ENACT.

Kathleen Cole is professor of political science at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota. Robert W. Glover is associate professor of political science and honors at the University of Maine. Richard J. Meagher is professor of political science at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. Katharine A. Owens is professor in the Department of Politics, Economics, and International Studies and the director of the Rell Center for Public Service at the University of Hartford.