Building Bridges: How App State's Civic Literacy Initiative Empowers Student Leaders
Appalachian State University's comprehensive Civic Literacy Initiative is transforming how students engage with democracy, providing them with essential tools to navigate complex societal issues and become effective community leaders. Launched in fall 2024 under the direction of App State Student Affairs, this nonpartisan program focuses on three critical areas: dialogue across differences, voter participation, and free speech and expression (TODAY).
The initiative comes at a crucial moment when democratic participation faces significant challenges. As organizations like DemocracyReady NY have noted, "Too many young people leave school unprepared for the responsibilities that come with sustaining our democracy – they lack the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate today's complex information landscape and make informed decisions about their future" (DemocracyReady NY).
Creating Pathways for Meaningful Dialogue
At the heart of App State's approach is a recognition that effective civic engagement requires the ability to communicate across differences. "Our approach combines classroom learning with practical experience to create intentional opportunities for students to engage with different perspectives, understand civic processes and develop the essential skills needed to be effective as leaders in their communities," explains App State Interim Vice Provost of Student Affairs Jeff Cathey (TODAY).
To build these capabilities, the university's Office of Community-Engaged Leadership has partnered with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) to offer a structured dialogue program. CDI's Perspectives program, available to App State students, faculty and staff, blends psychological concepts with interactive scenarios to equip participants with skills needed for understanding different viewpoints and achieving healthy conflict resolution (TODAY).
The results speak for themselves. More than 77% of App State students who engaged with Perspectives report increased confidence navigating difficult conversations and communicating across differences, while 78% indicate the program helped them gain valuable professional skills (TODAY). During the 2024–25 academic year, 520 App State students, faculty and staff participated in the online Perspectives modules, demonstrating significant campus-wide interest in developing these critical abilities (TODAY).
Student Fellows: Democracy in Action
The Student Fellows Program represents another innovative component of the Civic Literacy Initiative. This paid leadership opportunity empowers students to play a pivotal role in promoting civic literacy and engagement across campus (Civic Literacy Fellows). Fellows organize and lead activities such as voter registration drives, voter turnout efforts, and educational presentations about democracy (Civic Literacy Fellows).
"The fellows work individually and collaboratively to engage the entire campus community in the ongoing mission of civic literacy on App State's campus by creating an informed, active and involved student body," according to program documentation (Civic Literacy Fellows). The program's core goal is to increase awareness and participation in democratic processes, with a particular focus on voter education and constructive dialogue (Civic Literacy Fellows).
This approach aligns with principles advocated by the Center for Ethics and Human Values (CEHV), which emphasizes that "We can make headway on the pressing problems that we face only if we're able to talk about them openly, vigorously, and respectfully – especially when we disagree" (CEHV). The center's Civil Discourse for Citizenship initiative similarly dedicates itself to promoting respectful debate across differences on campus and beyond (CEHV).
Connecting Campus and Community
The initiative extends beyond campus boundaries to create meaningful connections with the surrounding community. "The experiential learning opportunities created through App State's Civic Literacy Initiative partnerships provide valuable real-world experience while strengthening town and gown relationships. Students develop a stronger sense of place and purpose while contributing to the vitality of the Boone area," notes App State Director of Community-Engaged Leadership Heather Jo Mashburn (TODAY).
This community engagement component reflects a broader understanding that democracy depends on building civic trust through improved mutual understanding and shared problem-solving (CEHV). By integrating the Civic Literacy Initiative into existing student success programs, App State creates additional touchpoints for student engagement and support (TODAY).
The fall 2025 semester saw 391 members of the App State community engage with the Perspectives program, demonstrating continued momentum for these efforts (TODAY). This participation level suggests growing recognition of the value these skills bring to both academic and professional development.
Preparing Future Civic Leaders
The ultimate goal of App State's initiative extends beyond immediate campus impact. According to program documentation, the university aims "to prepare students for engagement as thoughtful participants who become adept at collaborating across differences, appreciate the increasing complexity of the challenges they will face and become civic leaders who embrace respectful, candid dialogue" (TODAY).
This mission resonates with broader educational efforts across the country. The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE), through publications like The State Education Standard, addresses education policy issues significant for state boards of education (Civic-Ready Students). This refereed journal includes articles by subject-matter experts and is guided by an editorial advisory board comprising state board members who review each major article prior to publication (Civic-Ready Students).
While the challenge of civic readiness "touches every corner of the state—urban, suburban, and rural areas alike—across all political lines" according to DemocracyReady NY, initiatives like App State's demonstrate how higher education institutions can play a vital role in addressing this need. By providing structured opportunities for students to develop dialogue skills, participate in democratic processes, and engage with their communities, universities can help cultivate the next generation of civic leaders.
Looking Forward
As App State's Civic Literacy Initiative continues to evolve, its focus on combining classroom learning with practical experience offers a promising model for other institutions. The program's emphasis on constructive dialogue skills addresses a critical need in today's polarized environment, where the ability to communicate across differences has become increasingly valuable.
The integration of voter education, dialogue training, and community engagement creates a comprehensive approach to civic literacy that prepares students not just for participation in electoral processes, but for thoughtful engagement with the complex issues facing their communities. By fostering these capabilities, App State is helping to ensure that graduates possess both the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to democratic society.
Through this initiative, Appalachian State University demonstrates a commitment to its role in preparing students for civic leadership. As the program continues to grow and evolve, it stands as an example of how higher education can respond to the challenge of civic readiness, helping to cultivate a new generation of engaged citizens equipped to navigate differences, build understanding, and work collaboratively toward solutions to shared problems.