This is an article from the fall 2018 issue of LSA Magazine. Read more stories from the magazine.
The Democracy in Action Fund awards grants to support students, faculty, and staff working toward our nation’s highest democratic ideals. Awards range from $500 to $2,500, and they’re intended to help people do the challenging work of advancing democratic engagement on campus.
Past submissions have included a podcast about diversity; a panel articulating students’ agency to implement change; a summit around student power; a voter turnout project; and a teach-in on fascism.
The projects can be initiated by students, faculty, or staff, but the focus is student-centric: All proposals must include students in either leadership or co-leadership positions in the design and execution phases of the project.
“This program helps ensure ongoing, in-depth, and frank discussions on activism, free speech, and diverse ideas and issues,” says Fiona Lee, associate dean of diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional development at LSA. “It’s a unique resource to empower faculty, staff, and students to develop and explore new angles and timely topics related to democracy and our campus climate, and I hope they will continue to make the most of what Democracy in Action offers.”
If you are a student, faculty member, or staff member who would like to learn more about how to apply for a Democracy in Action Fund grant, visit myumi.ch/lsadiafund. If you would like to learn more about LSA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan, including the Democracy in Action Fund, visit myumi.ch/lsadeiplan.
