Ball State University Hosts 2025 Conference on Civic Studies & Democracy

​Ball State University's Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) invites changemakers, educators, and thought leaders to the 2025 Conference on Civic Studies & Democracy, themed “Character, Aesthetics, and Community.” Set for September 25–27, this interdisciplinary event explores how civic identity is shaped at the intersection of moral development, artistic expression, and communal life. With topics ranging from education and digital participation to public art and democratic architecture, the conference seeks to reimagine civic engagement through a multifaceted lens. Proposal submissions are open until June 15, 2025. Read more in the blog post below.

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​The Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State University has announced its 2025 Conference on Civic Studies & Democracy, themed "Character, Aesthetics, and Community: The Interplay Between Community, Art, Politics, and Civic Identity." This thoughtful gathering will bring together scholars, educators, and practitioners from September 25-27, 2025, to explore the vital connections that shape our civic landscape.

Addressing Our Civic Crisis Through Multiple Lenses

At a time when many communities experience fragmentation and disconnection, this conference tackles head-on the moral and relational challenges facing our democracy. The organizers have crafted a framework that examines civic engagement through three interconnected perspectives:

• Character and Civic Life: Exploring how moral formation within civic contexts can rebuild the foundations of community and democratic participation
• The Role of Aesthetics: Investigating how artistic experiences foster empathy and deeper community connections beyond transactional interactions
• Community and Democratic Practice: Examining how collective action and shared responsibility sustain vibrant civic life

A Call for Diverse Perspectives

The conference welcomes proposals from a wide range of disciplines, including political science, education, philosophy, sociology, and the arts. Potential topics include:

• Education's role in fostering community engagement
• How art shapes civic identity and influences political life
• Strategies for integrating character formation into public institutions
• The impact of digital platforms on democratic participation
• Architecture and urban design's influence on civic discourse

Presentations can take various formats—from lectures and panel discussions to interactive workshops—and range from 20 to 90 minutes in length.

Important Dates and Details

• Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: July 7, 2025
• Conference Dates: September 25-27, 2025

Building on a Tradition of Civic Learning

This conference follows CECL's successful 2024 Civic Learning Symposium, which focused on "Education, Dialogue, & Deliberation in Our Democracy." That gathering addressed polarization and division by emphasizing bridge-building across diverse perspectives.

For those interested in participating in the 2025 conference, proposal submissions should include presentation title, presenter names, format details, and technical requirements. Questions about the conference can be directed to CECL at [email protected].
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The 2025 Conference on Civic Studies & Democracy represents an important opportunity for dialogue practitioners, educators, and community leaders to explore how character development, aesthetic engagement, and community-building can strengthen our democratic foundations—making this an event that should be of particular interest to the NCDD community.

Conference website: www.bsu.edu/academics/centersandinstitutes/cecl/annual-civic-learning-symposium