Civic Action Week

Monday, Feb. 17 - Sunday, Feb. 23

Civic Action Week 2025 is almost here! From Feb. 17 to 23, we're hosting and uplifting more than 25 great events to highlight civic engagement opportunities throughout WashU. From panel discussions to film screenings and art and crafting opportunities, on topics including immigration, research funding, healthcare, public policy, and advocacy (and many more), we have events to pique your civic interests!

Learn more and view the full event lineup below. Don't forget to RSVP, as spaces are filling up quickly! 

Amplify Your Voice: Best Practices for Effective State-Level Advocacy

_{Monday, Feb. 17, Noon - 1 p.m., Stix House}

Join us for an engaging student panel on state-level advocacy best practices and lessons. Hear from Bears Caucus student advocates as they share insights, strategies, and personal stories about navigating the state capitol with members WashU’s Government & Community Relations team. Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your skills, this panel is the perfect place to start building on civic action right now and years to come. Learn more and RSVP.

Campus Y: Connecting Campus to Community

_{Monday, Feb. 17, 2 - 4 p.m., DUC Fun Room}

Join Campus Y to explore opportunities to connect with the St. Louis community through volunteerism with the Mobile Y! The Lou and (Y)ou program partners with the Mobile Y to create safe spaces for youth by offering eSports, STEM, and sports activities. This event is a great opportunity to learn more about the collaboration between the St. Louis City Office for Violence Prevention and the Mobile Y, as well as find out how you can get involved and make a difference. Learn more and RSVP.

Interwoven Communities: An LGBTQ+ Advocacy Panel

_{Monday, Feb. 17, 6:30 - 8 p.m., DUC 234}

Come hear from staff members at St. Louis organizations PROMO and SQSH, as well as WashU students and staff members, about their work to create a just, equitable community for LGBTQ+ folks. Participate in active citizenship by learning about what is likely to change about the St. Louis civic landscape in the next couple of years. Engage in dialogue about LGBTQ+ advocacy work happening in the STL community, and leave inspired to support these organizations and their missions—or learn from their campaigns and begin civic projects of your own. Learn more and RSVP.

Vision: Film Screening & Panel Discussion

_{Tuesday, Feb. 18, 5 – 7 p.m., Steinberg Auditorium}

Join us and the Sam Fox School Office for Socially Engaged Practice for a screening and panel discussion of “Vision.” The film follows Louis, a 17-year-old visual artist from North St. Louis who meets a mysterious man who gives him a pair of sunglasses that empowers him to see the potential all around him. Louis must decide if he will use his newfound vision for his own purposes or for the greater good of the community around him. Learn more and RSVP and watch the trailer.

"Join or Die" Film Screening and Discussion

_{Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6 - 8 p.m., Louderman 458}

In the film "Join or Die", follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.  Following the screening, join a short debrief and discussion with staff from the Gephardt Institute. Learn more and RSVP.

Connect with Immigrants in Our Community: Conversations with EMPOWER Students at Delmar Divine

_{Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6 – 8 p.m., Delmar Divine}

Join an EMPOWER course and participate as a conversation partner with our students in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. By participating, you will connect with a newcomer to both the US and St. Louis. Conversation partners not only help students improve their oral English proficiency, but they also help our students feel connected to their community by meeting people outside of their small social circles. Learn more and RSVP.

Jefferson City Day with WashU Votes

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Jefferson City, Mo.}

Join WashU Votes on a trip to Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Speak with your state representatives, learn about the statehouse and Missouri politics, observe legislative proceedings, and ask questions about policies affecting our communities. Participants will leave WashU around 7 a.m. and return around 5 p.m. on Feb. 19. Transportation and lunch are provided by the Gephardt Institute. This trip is full, but you can join the waitlist.

Perspectives on the Policy Process

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Stix House}

Join Pi Sigma Alpha, WashU’s Political Science Honors Society, and the Political Science Department for a panel discussion on the intricacies of policymaking at the local, state, and federal levels. This event will bring together distinguished experts, including Daniel Freeman, a constitutional law scholar with extensive experience in government policymaking, and additional faculty members with expertise in legislative processes, public policy, and governance. Learn more and RSVP.

Defend the Dream: ACLU Volunteer Drive

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Danforth University Center}

The Association of Black Students is partnering with the American Civil Liberties Union of Missouri to recruit volunteers. The ACLU’s five areas of focus include freedom of speech, voting rights, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and the school to prison pipeline. Join us at the DUC from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to sign up for volunteer opportunities with the ACLU on their work of advancing constitutional freedoms in Missouri. Learn more and RSVP.

Lunch and Learn: Approval Voting Explained

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, Noon – 1 p.m., Farrell Teaching and Learning Center, Holden Auditorium (WashU Med Campus)}

The Health Professional Student Leadership Council (HPSLC) invites students, faculty, and staff to join us for an engaging and informative lunch session on approval voting. Participants will learn the breakdown of what approval voting is, how it works, and why it’s important. Dan Butler, Professor of Political Science, will discuss the importance of voting in primary elections and the ins and outs of approval voting. Professor Butler’s talk will equip voters with the knowledge and confidence to use approval voting in upcoming St. Louis City elections. Learn more and RSVP.

Understanding Federal Research Budgets: A ProSPER Panel

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m., Compton 241}

Hosted by WashU Promoting Science Policy, Education, and Research (ProSPER), a panel of three WashU faculty will provide insight into how the federal budget affects research funding among agencies (e.g., NIH, NASA, NSF) that fund WashU research, how it changes as new legislators and executive administrations come and go, and how researchers can advocate for science funding that affects them. Learn more and RSVP.

Beyond the Headlines: Executive Orders and Presidential Power

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4 – 5:30 p.m., Bryan Cave Moot Courtroom, Anheuser-Busch Hall 310}

Hear from law faculty on the power and limits of executive orders. Speakers include: Travis Crum, Professor of Law, speaking on Constitutional Law and Birthright Citizenship; Andrea Katz, Associate Professor of Law, speaking on Constitutional Law and Presidential Power; Pauline Kim, Daniel Noyes Kirby Professor of Law, speaking on Anti-discrimination Law and the Future of DEI; Greg Magarian, Thomas and Karole Green Professor of Law, speaking on Constitutional Law and Freedom of Expression; and Katie Herbert Meyer, Professor of Practice; Director, Immigration Law Clinic, speaking on Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Law. Learn more.

Civic Café: The Initiative Petition Process: Representing the Will of the People on the Ballot

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Stix House}

Join us for a special Civic Action Week edition of Civic Café as we learn about initiative petitions with the Respect Voters Coalition. Katherine Floyd and Toni Easter of the Respect Voters Coalition will give a seminar on the initiative petition process in Missouri. You will learn about the process: starting from the initial drafting of the petition, all the way to the ballot box. You will also view current initiative petitions (including ones for LGBTQ rights), learn about volunteer opportunities with petitions, and register to vote. Learn more and RSVP.

Welcome Hour with Welcome Neighbor STL

_{Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6 – 7 p.m., Simon Hall 17}

Come learn about Welcome Neighbor STL! This local organization partners with refugee families relocating to St. Louis through driving lessons, English classes, family outings, supper clubs, and more. During the event, students will have the opportunity to write letters to refugee families that will be included in “welcome home kits” as you hear experiences of refugee and immigrant families locally and abroad. Learn more and RSVP.

Civic Threads: Apparel Advocacy

_{Thursday, Feb. 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Etta's Market in Steinberg Hall}

Join us for a creative and impactful event during Civic Action Week! Students will have the opportunity to print empowering designs and inspiring quotes about civic action and engagement onto t-shirts. This hands-on activity is a fun way to take home a personalized piece of civic pride. Learn more and RSVP.

Tote-ally Sustainable: Crafting with Purpose

_{Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Tisch Commons}

Join the Student Sustainability Board (SSB) and the Student Environmental Council (SEC) in the Tisch Commons for a discussion about the environmental and social impacts of single-use plastic waste. We’ll transform old T-shirts into no-sew personal tote bags as we think about small, meaningful steps we can take toward more mindful consumption patterns that respect and better protect Earth and all its inhabitants. Learn more and RSVP. 

Borderland: The Line Within Film Screening

_{Thursday, Feb. 20, 5 - 8:30 p.m., Brown 116}

This screening and conversation will explore the complexities of immigration, identity, and the human experience at the U.S.-Mexico border. Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the filmmakers, fostering dialogue and reflection on these critical issues. The event will also provide resources to connect participants with the Immigration Coalition in St. Louis, offering pathways to engage in advocacy, volunteer opportunities, and community support. Learn more and RSVP.

Naturalization Ceremony with WashU Votes

_{Friday, Feb. 21, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Eagleton Courthouse, Downtown STL (Directions)}

Join WashU Votes in celebrating new citizens at a Naturalization Ceremony and helping them register to vote! Participants will leave for the courthouse at 9:30 am, watch the ceremony, celebrate the new citizens, and assist in voter registration. Training and transportation will be provided. No prior experience required.  Learn more and RSVP.

Civic Action at Work with the Center for Career Engagement

_{Friday, Feb. 21, 1 – 2 p.m. on Zoom (Link Provided at Registration)}

Connect with and hear from alumni who engage in Civic Action professionally, advocating on issues of democracy and rights through their work in government, policy and nonprofits. Learn about the myriad professional paths that allow you to continue making a difference on the issues that matter most to you.. Learn more and RSVP. We’ll be joined virtually by alumni who advocate for reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, voting rights, religious freedom and more, and students will be given a chance to connect with them in small groups. Learn more and RSVP. 

Translating Research to Policy

_{Friday, Feb. 21, 2 – 3 p.m., Brown Lounge + Zoom Webinar (Link Provided at RSVP)}

In this hybrid Zoom event, students will learn how research can be translated to policy that contributes positively to change efforts. This is a unique opportunity to understand and learn how to overcome the culture clash between researchers and policy makers who are both interested in making an impact. Learn more and RSVP.

Run24 Mindful One-Miler

_{Friday, Feb. 21, 3 - 4 pm, Meet up at the Clock Tower on the South 40} 

The Run24 Mindful One-Miler is an opportunity to recharge and reconnect. Running even just one mile can boost your mood, reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance mental well-being. Join us for a lap around campus and embrace the potential of a single mile. Learn more and RSVP.

Ageism and End-of-Life Care Panel

_{Monday, Feb. 21, 5 – 7 p.m., DUC 234}

Join us for a panel discussion on the holistic dimensions of aging and end-of-life care as part of WashU’s Civic Action Week. Hosted by the WashU Palliative Care and Hospice Club, this event features perspectives from St. Louis professionals across end-of-life care teams, including chaplains, social workers, doulas, researchers, clinicians, and nurses. Learn more and RSVP.

DemocraSING!

_{Friday, Feb. 21, 7 – 9:30 p.m., Stix House}

After our votes are cast, the work we do to engage our communities happens in the relationships we build. Throughout history, music has been used as a tool for political engagement, social change, and building the connections that promote it. Join us and the WashU Grad Center in hosting our first ever DemocraSing, where we’ll come together to explore joy, music, karaoke, and community building as tools for building a strong democracy! Come early for a special performance by the WashU Choir. Note: This event is for graduate and professional students. Learn more and RSVP.

Activism Through Art

_{Saturday, Feb. 22, Noon – 1 p.m., Risa Commons}

Art has been a powerful force for change, shaping movements and inspiring action throughout history. Join us for an exciting panel featuring activists from ItGetsBetter, Human Rights Campaign, and The Transgender Leadership Council Committee (NTLLC) as they explore how art continues to drive queer progress today. Learn more and RSVP.

The Story of Black St. Louis: An Engage STL Bus Tour with 4theVille

_{Saturday, Feb. 22, 2 - 4 p.m, Bus Tour Around St. Louis}

Join us and 4theVille for an Engage STL Day highlighting the Stories of Black St. Louis. This bus tour is an introduction to the rich Black history of the City of St. Louis from its founding in 1764 to contemporary times. The tour visits 6-9 landmarks of Black resistance and activism throughout downtown, midtown and North St. Louis City. For this bus tour, students should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and shoes. Transportation to and from campus will be provided. Learn more and RSVP.

Books and Basketball

_{Sunday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Risa Commons}

Join Books and Basketball for an opportunity to engage in academic enrichment activities with students from KIPP Victory Academy and North City Blues Program. Students will participate in educational Jeopardy games, receive personalized tutoring in math and reading comprehension, and engage in a hands-on engineering workshop. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Parents, club advisors, and other educators are invited to attend the event. Sign up quickly as space for WashU students is limited! Learn more and RSVP.

South Grand Excursion: MetroLink + Bus with AccessSTL

_{Sunday, Feb. 23, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Meet at Big Bend MetroLink station at 12:30pm.}

Access STL will be guiding a tour of South Grand from WashU via a MetroLink to MetroBus connection. Students will have the chance to split up into groups and explore different landmarks on and around South Grand, Tower Grove Park, and the Botanical Gardens. Check out spots like Steve’s Hot Dogs, The Gelateria, Terror Tacos, MoKaBe’s Coffeehouse, Poke One, etc. Learn more and RSVP.