UMB launched a civic engagement initiative offering communication and leadership programs in which students gained advocacy skills. The participating offices invite collaboration for future efforts.
This fall, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Office of Civic and Community Engagement and the Office of Student Success, Leadership, and Engagement have partnered to introduce a deeper exploration of civic engagement and civics at UMB. Together, the offices are expanding the definition of civic life — highlighting it as a core commitment and an essential component of both professional and personal development.
This collaborative initiative aims to support students’ holistic wellness and growth, not just in the classroom, but also throughout their broader university experience. At its heart is a commitment to preparing students to be civically minded professionals — individuals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to engage meaningfully with democratic institutions, make informed and ethical decisions, and contribute to the common good.
A central theme across this programming is the importance of communication in civic life. The first round of programs included:
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Community Engagement 101
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Civics 101
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Improv & Leadership
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Understanding Conflict (facilitated by Aisha Samples of the Francis King Carey School of Law’s C-DRUM)
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Compassionate Communication
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Non-Partisan Civic Engagement
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The Exchange — Civic Dialogue Series
These interprofessional offerings create space for students to learn and practice communication skills essential to engaging in civic life across sectors. One participant, Annabelle Tater, a Master of Social Work student, reflected on her experience in Understanding Conflict.
“I’ve never enjoyed conflict — while I know it’s necessary and inevitable in all relationships, I avoid it whenever I can,” Tater said. “But as someone entering advocacy and community organizing, I’ve come to realize that conflict is essential to creating large-scale change. Advocacy doesn’t happen in a vacuum; there’s always pushback. At the recent session, I was able to hear from other participants about their relationships with conflict, which helped me expand my views on its benefits. With the new knowledge I’ve gained, I hope to become more understanding and accepting of conflict, with the ultimate goal of feeling confident in challenging the hegemonic systems that plague our country.”
As the first round of programs wraps up, we’re excited to continue this work and deepen our engagement. We welcome opportunities to collaborate and host programs with faculty and student groups across UMB’s seven schools and look forward to offering future sessions that support student growth, interprofessional learning, and civic leadership.
We currently have a small civic engagement-focused workgroup of staff and faculty meeting quarterly and are eager to connect and collaborate with others.
If you are interested in connecting to share about civic-focused work you're doing, partnering on programs, or suggesting civic engagement initiatives you'd like to see at UMB, please reach out to Ebony Nicholson, civic and community engagement specialist, at ebony.nicholson@umaryland.edu and dl-ssle@umaryland.edu.