Civic Engagement at Bates
The Harward Center encourages and equips all members of the Bates community to participate actively in the many communities to which they belong. Just as a healthy campus community depends on the energy and input of all members of that community, so too does a thriving democracy.
At Bates, we understand civic engagement to include the many ways citizens work to make a difference in their community. This certainly means voting in elections (Your vote is your voice!), but it also means being aware of yourself as a citizen with the capacity and responsibility to work with others to advance the greater good; being mindful of the impact of your choices on different individuals and communities, including the planet; collaborating with diverse others to define public problems and enact constructive approaches to address those problems; and advancing the full participation of all people in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities.
The Harward Center for Community Partnerships offers a multitude of civic engagement opportunities. From voter registration drives and public forums to a wealth of curricular, co-curricular, and volunteer programs, we invite members and friends of the Bates community to cultivate intellectual discovery, social justice, and informed civic action in pursuit of thriving communities and a sustainable planet.