American Democracy Project Gathers to Reimagine Civic Engagement at Compact26

​The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is hosting American Democracy Project (ADP) at Compact26 on March 15-16, 2026, in Chicago, strategically scheduled before Campus Compact's annual meeting to strengthen coalitions and share strategies across organizations committed to democratic engagement and civic learning in higher education. ADP, which has worked with nearly 300 state colleges and universities for over 20 years to prepare informed, active citizens who engage constructively across different viewpoints, is seeking proposals by January 5, 2026 for poster sessions and ignite talks showcasing innovative campus projects on topics ranging from election reform and student voice to digital civic engagement, navigating difference, and sustainability as democratic practice. The conference promises facilitated discussions, opportunities to shape ADP's future, professional development for civic educators, and space to build community, embodying NCDD's principle that addressing complex democratic challenges requires bringing diverse voices together through sustained relationships and shared commitment.

---

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is convening a pivotal gathering for civic educators and campus leaders committed to strengthening democracy through higher education. On March 15-16, 2026, AASCU's American Democracy Project (ADP) will host a focused day-and-a-half conference in Chicago, strategically scheduled directly before Campus Compact's annual meeting. This collaboration reflects a growing recognition that partnerships across sectors and institutions are essential for meeting the urgent challenges facing democratic engagement today.
​
For more than 20 years, ADP has worked with nearly 300 state colleges and universities to prepare informed, active citizens who engage constructively across different viewpoints and perspectives. As democratic institutions face significant change and challenge, the need to reimagine and recommit to civic engagement missions has never been more pressing. ADP at Compact26 offers space for the vision, collaboration, and connection required to meet this moment.

Strategic Alignment for Greater Impact

The decision to convene alongside Campus Compact's annual meeting represents more than convenient scheduling—it's a strategic alignment grounded in shared values. Both organizations are committed to democratic engagement, full participation through civic learning, and the public purposes of higher education. By gathering together, participants gain access to both a tightly focused ADP community and the expansive national Campus Compact network, creating opportunities to strengthen coalitions, share strategies, and support one another's work in meaningful new ways.
​
The conference builds on momentum from the 2025 American Democracy Project Summit, where 90% of participants reported feeling more connected to their colleagues and 95% rated the relevance of topics as excellent or good. This gathering aims to deepen that connection while moving from reflection to collective action.

A Call for Voices and Innovation

ADP is actively seeking proposals for poster sessions and ignite talks that showcase innovative campus projects, share transformative ideas, and inspire colleagues working to shape the future of civic engagement in higher education. Proposed topics span a wide range, from election reform and political innovation to student voice in civic renewal, from digital civic engagement and emerging technologies to strategies for creating belonging and navigating difference in democracy work.

The call for proposals recognizes that strengthening democracy requires diverse approaches and perspectives. Whether focusing on sustainability as democratic practice, measuring impact and sustaining engagement, navigating state and federal legislation affecting campus civic work, or building on institutional foundations to envision democracy that works for everyone, presenters are encouraged to interpret themes broadly and creatively.
​
Poster sessions offer visual, conversational opportunities to share work during the March 15 reception, while ignite talks provide high-energy five-minute presentations on the main stage using 20 auto-advancing slides. Both formats create space for connection and cross-pollination of ideas among faculty, staff, students, senior campus leaders, student affairs administrators, and community partners.

Building the Next Era Together

ADP at Compact26 promises facilitated discussions with invited speakers, opportunities to collectively shape ADP's future, professional development for civic educators and leaders, and space to reflect, recharge, and build community with colleagues equally committed to advancing democracy in higher education. For dialogue and deliberation practitioners working within or alongside regional public universities, this gathering represents an important opportunity to connect civic learning theory with campus-based practice and to strengthen the networks that sustain this vital work.
​
The convening embodies a fundamental principle that resonates throughout NCDD's network: that addressing complex democratic challenges requires bringing diverse voices together, creating intentional spaces for collaboration, and recognizing that the work of strengthening democracy happens through sustained relationship and shared commitment.

Learn more about AASCU's American Democracy Project at Compact26 and submit proposals by January 5, 2026 at: https://www.aascu.org/programs/american-democracy-project/compact26/