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South Middlesex Times

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Rutgers University launches Democracy Lab focusing on civic engagement

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Jonathan Holloway President of Rutgers University | Rutgers University Official Website

Jonathan Holloway President of Rutgers University | Rutgers University Official Website

Rutgers University has announced the launch of a new initiative, the Rutgers Democracy Lab, aimed at bolstering civic education and engagement. The lab will be part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics and is set to foster a community informed by research on citizenship, political participation, and civil discourse.

The Democracy Lab seeks to engage university students, faculty, researchers, and community members in addressing challenges facing American democracy. Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway stated that the goal is "to encourage democratic participation at every level" and equip future generations with necessary tools for civic involvement.

Elizabeth C. Matto, director of the Eagleton Institute and acting director of its Center for Youth Political Participation, emphasized that "the Rutgers Democracy Lab is a meaningful extension" of their mission to prepare students from all disciplines for democratic citizenship. The lab promises to inspire civic leadership among students while instilling a commitment to public service.

Scheduled to launch officially on the New Brunswick campus in January 2025, with plans for expansion across all Rutgers campuses, the lab's initiatives include creating a Think and Do Tank where students collaborate with faculty and community partners on complex issues. Students participating in these activities will receive stipends and academic credit opportunities.

Additional efforts involve integrating civic learning into Rutgers' academic culture through hands-on activities and internships supported by stipends. The expansion of Scarlet Service aims to offer year-round paid internships promoting public service.

A Social Media and Democracy Research Hub will also be established within the lab to analyze social media's impact on civic engagement. This hub will support various programs across Rutgers with data-driven insights.

John J. Farmer Jr., former director of the Eagleton Institute, highlighted that this development continues Eagleton’s long-standing commitment to fostering open dialogue: "I believe it has the potential to help transform the nature of civic engagement."

Funding for this initiative comes from Robert W. Gottesman and Trudy Elbaum Gottesman due to their appreciation for Rutgers' dedication to cultivating civic responsibility. Robert W. Gottesman noted that "Rutgers University has all the essential ingredients" needed for this endeavor: an engaged student body, accomplished faculty, and a tradition of democratic dialogue.

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