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 * American Democracy Project (AASCU initiative) Civic Commitment

Introduction
The American Democracy Project(ADP) is intended to aid colleges and universities in preparing students to be engaged as well as active members in society. Started in 2003, the ADP has incorporated over 240 colleges in its mission. The Project wishes to prepare students to be active in their communities after graduation.

The Civic Comittment aspect of this initiative is geared towards learning how students can become engaged and active citizens after graduation. Winona State University will use a Civic Alum project to learn how the university has impacted graduates working in the public sector. Through interviewing former students of WSU who are currently working in the field of public service, information will be gathered that can help the university reach more of ADP's goals.

Process
To achieve the Civic Commitment initiative of the American Democracy Project Civic Engagement in Action Series, Winona State University is undertaking the Civic Alum project, which looks to highlight civically active graduates.

The university also is holding a National Issues Forum to help foster the practice of deliberative democracy in the university and the city of Winona, Minnesota. The National Issues Forum Institute is supported by the work of the Kettering Foundation in Dayton, Ohio, an independent, nonprofit research organization devoted to the examination and improvement of democracy.

The Winona State Chapter of the American Democracy Project is also supported by the research and data provided by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) Through examination and use of the CIRCLE research in conjunction with the American Democracy Project initiatives, Winona State is able to better prepare and execute Civic Commitment activities, providing an in-depth and targeted experience for participants.

In the theme of American Democracy, WSU supports a diverse cultural living environment by compiling stories from students who have has difficult experiences on campus and the community with racism and discrimination. These stories are submitted to the WSU administration for resolutions.