What issues matter most to you and how can we organize around them to enact social change? What kinds of events can connect students to the broader civic landscape? If you have an idea, we want to hear about it! We welcome proposals from WashU departments, schools, faculty/staff, students, student groups, and community organizations. Students and student groups are eligible to receive funding up to $500 to help execute their event.
Event proposal submissions for 2025 closed on Jan. 17.
Qualities of Successful Proposals
Encourage Civic Action
- civ·ic ac·tion (noun) – the capacity of human communities and groups to act cooperatively and collectively on common problems across their differences of view (definition from Open Democracy)
Demonstrate alignment with the Gephardt Institute’s values (Inquiry, Empathy, Collaboration, Integrity, Equity, and Action) and mission to foster a vibrant culture of civic engagement throughout Washington University by catalyzing student learning, participation, and impact in civic life.
Guidelines
- Event must occur on the campus or nearby
- Event must engage an audience of 10-50+ (students, staff, faculty, alumni, and/or community members)
- Event must be nonpartisan. They can pertain to politics but should focus on education, rather than advocating for a specific stance.
- Event must be supported by designated event planners. While individuals may apply, we encourage students to work together in the spirit of collective action as well as for logistical support, sustainability, and feasibility.
- Most student proposals will be funded up to $500. Please consider seeking out additional funding to support your proposal, such as from Student Union or campus departments, if your costs are expected to be over $500.
We Cannot Fund
- High-cost, big-ticket items (E.g. speakers)
- Speakers who are currently elected officials or candidates for an elected position
- Large group transportation
Examples of Past Civic Action Week Events
- Voter education and spray paint poster making workshop
- Panel discussions on voting rights restoration
- Pop up interactive display on accessibility on campus
- Metro ride demonstration with urban design focused student group
Event proposal submissions for 2025 closed on Jan. 17.