American Democracy Project
The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith And The American Democracy Project
Delivering America’s Promise
The American Democracy Project recognizes our role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens in our democracy.
The American Democracy Project (ADP) is a civic engagement initiative launched in 2003 as a collaborative effort of The American Association of State Colleges and Universities and The New York Times. Today, more than 230 institutions of higher learning share in the mission of this project.
American Democracy Project campuses share in three qualities that define our work and characterize our common commitments:
We are institutions of access and opportunity. We believe the American promise should be real for all Americans and that belief shapes our commitment to access, affordability and educational opportunity, and in the process, strengthens American democracy for all citizens.
We are student-centered institutions. We place the student in the heart of our enterprise, enhancing the learning environment and student achievement not only through teaching and advising, but through our research, discussion and public service activities.
We are “stewards of place.” We engage students, faculty and staff with the communities and regions we serve – helping to advance public education, economic development and the quality of life for all with whom we live and who support our work.
From ADP Civic Engagement 2.0 Literature
Throughout the academic year, our campus ADP committee recognizes Constitution Week (centered on Constitution Day, September 17) and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January 21). Additionally, we offer monthly “Food For Thought” discussions, voter registration drives, featured speakers and panel discussions and other events which focus on the themes of democracy.
The ADP Committee meets the Fourth Monday of each month thoughout the fall and spring semesters. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to attend our meetings and to participate in our events.
Mara Leveritt, author of "Devil's Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three," will speak Feb. 13 on the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith campus.
Leveritt's talk is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center. It is free and open to the public. A question-and-answer session and a book signing will follow. Her book is the basis of a feature film by the same name which stars Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon. For the full story click here.
UAFS/American Democracy Project Websites:
National American Democracy Project Websites:
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith/ American Democracy Project Contact:
- Amy Jordan, Ph.D.
- 204 Baldor
- 5210 Grand Avenue
- PO Box 3649
- Fort Smith AR 72913
- 479.788.7295
- Amy.jordan@uafs.edu
