We define civic engagement as "working to make a difference in community life through collective, public problem-solving," and we recognize that individuals must develop knowledge, skills, values, and motivations to do civic engagement work effectively—in a way that brings about a more just world for all people.  

Our work is to help the Drexel community develop knowledge and skills through educational programs (including courses, research, workshops, and other learning opportunities), to engage with communities through service, volunteerism, and relationship-building, and to explore and cultivate justice-oriented values and motivations through personal reflection. We strive to include these three elements—learning, engagement, and reflection—in all of our programs and events.

As a unit within the Office of University & Community Partnerships, we also strive to align our programming with the strategic goals of the University.

Mission statement:

The Lindy Center for Civic Engagement fosters a culture of civic responsibility through learning, engagement, and reflection opportunities as well as mutually-beneficial partnerships that empower Drexel students, faculty, and staff to contribute to a more just society.

Vision Statement:

The Lindy Center for Civic Engagement exists to fulfill Drexel University’s vision as a comprehensive, progressive university with a deep commitment to civic engagement. While we serve as a nexus to catalogue the university’s civic engagement activities as consistent with the strategic plan, our vision goes beyond to promote scholarship, engagement, and community. Our contributions to the university community and the greater public good will be recognized nationally.

Learning and Scholarship

The Lindy Center believes that education is key to civic responsibility as it gives citizens a deeper understanding of and context for social issues that they seek to change. To that end, we offer both academic and co-curricular education programs, often in collaboration with other campus offices and academic departments. We work with schools and colleges across the university to guide community-engaged scholarship and research and provide support to faculty who are or want to teach Community-Based and Community-Engaged Learning courses. Overall, we integrate a civic engagement lens more fully into campus education programs to enhance student learning and civic identity development.

Engagement and Reflection 

The Lindy Center provides meaningful, high-quality civic engagement, service, and reflection opportunities for every Drexel student, offering multiple entry points and pathways to accomodate students' unique needs for this work. We also support student leadership development by offering students opportunities to guide their peers in civic engagement learning, engagement, and reflection. Our focus is to provide every Drexel student with the appropriate education, reflection tools, and relationships to advance justice in all aspects of their lives.  

Community

We believe that social change comes from collective, public problem-solving. To that end, we cultivate mutually-beneficial relationships with community organizations, community members, and campus partners whose expertise enhances our learning, engagement, and reflection opportunities. We strive to both expand students' exposure to community-based knowledge through co-education and to contribute to Drexel's wider mission of being a positive contributor to quality of life in the region and solving pressing issues in our region and world. We act as a consistent touchpoint for community organizations seeking partnership with Drexel and provide pathways for relationship between students, faculty, staff, and community organizations doing community-engaged work. 

Gratitude

With the support of a generous gift from our benefactor, the late Philip B. Lindy, Drexel University and the Lindy Center have been able to greatly expand our programming and commitment to the West Philadelphia community.

To learn more about Phil Lindy, and his philanthropy to Drexel, please read this article.