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Deliberative Dialogue new program has people talking.

Volume 5 • Number 1 • Spring 2022

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Deliberative Dialogues: New program seeks to depolarize opinions and connect students

Deliberative Dialogues are guided conversations on a variety of topics often difficult to discuss. The program uses issue guides from the National Issues Forum Institute (NIFI) to direct conversations among small groups. Participants practice conversational skills as they learn to respect and appreciate the perspectives of others.

Close-up image of a pennycress plant.

Team Pennycress: A cooperative of regional institutions takes on an important environmental and economic challenge

Genetics professor Dr. John Sedbrook and a cooperative of regional institutions takes on an important environmental and economic challenge through research on the pennycress plant.

From left to right photos of Wendi Whitman, Harriett Steinbach, Dr. Katy Strzepek, and Dr. Lance Lippert walking on the quad with additional graphics.

Studying service: Gaining real-world experience and broader perspective of service in the civic engagement and responsibility minor

Illinois State’s civic engagement and responsibility minor is for every student, representing five of the University’s six colleges, and encourages students to engage in community service.

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ReggieCon: University offers alternative, unique vehicle to discuss social issues

Illinois State offers an alternative and unique vehicle to discuss social issues through the establishment of ReggieCon, ISU’s home-grown comic convention with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion.

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Illinois State University receives national award for civic engagement

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has recognized Illinois State University with the organization’s 2021 Excellence and Innovation Award for Civic Learning and Community Engagement.

Portrait of Dr. Dawn Beichner

Campus hero: Dr. Dawn Beichner

In each issue Redbird Impact highlights an Illinois State faculty or staff member who exemplifies the University’s core value of civic engagement. The spring 2022 Campus Hero is Dr. Dawn Beichner, a professor in the Criminal Justice Sciences Department and Women’s, Gender, and Sexualities Studies program.

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Metcalf Elementary students learn about civic engagement

Metcalf Elementary students from Kim Carthans’ third grade class had the opportunity to learn about civic engagement while making cards for Carle BroMenn Medical Center.

Lizzy Carroll with students

Lizzy Carroll ‘17 makes a difference through nonprofit Lead With Love

Clara Barton Elementary School special education teacher Lizzy Carroll ‘17’s community outreach through her nonprofit, Lead With Love, is making a big difference in the Englewood and Auburn-Gresham communities in Chicago.

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Collaboration leads to cookware program supporting local students

A new cookware program, a collaboration between the School Street Food Pantry, Illinois State University, and Molina Healthcare, will provide students with a kitchen starter set and knowledge about nutritional information.