Conclusion
Community colleges have always been more than institutions of learning. They are neighborhood anchors, economic engines, and鈥攁t their best鈥攑laces where democracy can be both studied and practiced. Today, that civic role has become more difficult because of funding cuts and political polarization; it is also more important than ever.聽
Whether community colleges are striving to protect their civic fundamentals or aiming to become innovative leaders in participation, adopting a broader definition of their civic role can provide an effective guiding framework. In this case, becoming a Participatory Campus means viewing civic education and engagement as core parts of the curricula鈥攁nd an essential piece of how schools govern themselves. This vision blends a wide spectrum of civic practice, including everything from get-out-the-vote campaigns to experimental adoptions of models like civic assemblies.聽
The Participatory Campus Framework is broad in nature because at its core, this approach is about customization, offering pathways for how students and staff can harness the democratic process in ways that are effective and appropriate for their institutions and their broader communities.聽
If more schools are able to implement these strategies, their students, staff, and neighbors would benefit greatly, as would our nation. To invest in the civic potential of community colleges is to invest in American democracy at large鈥攖o commit to the never-ending work of realizing and perfecting the idea of a country powered by its people.
