Collaborative Democracy Initiative Garners UMD Impact Award

A UMD School of Public Policy, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS), College of Education and Philip Merrill College of Journalism combined team have won a UMD Impact Award to build a new Democracy Initiative.

Taking on the Grand Challenge of strengthening democracy, the goals of the initiative are: to expand research in such areas as civic engagement, disinformation, and voting rights; offer innovative teaching and learning opportunities for educators; and stage events to promote democratic participation.

The award funds the program with a grant of $200,000 per year for two years.

In a statement issued by the deans of the four University of Maryland colleges, BSOS Dean Susan M. Rivera said: “The Grand Challenge Impact Award provides an opportunity for the Democracy Initiative partners to elevate and expand the impact of their existing work while developing the capacity to take on new challenges facing democracy in Maryland communities and beyond. The mission is to conduct impactful cutting-edge research, identify evidence-based solutions and remove the barriers that threaten our future as a democratic nation.”

The initiative’s research efforts include a civic health assessment that will be implemented in Maryland and serve as a model for other states. It also includes plans for training educators to teach students how to be active, informed participants in a democracy, with a focus on detecting mis- and disinformation. 

Additionally, the award will allow the four colleges to collaborate on student-focused programming, such as voter preparation workshops and dialogues about constitutional questions. 

“It is undeniable that democracy in the United States is fragile,” said Professor Michael Hanmer, a co-principal investigator on the project, and Director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement. “Public universities have a responsibility to take action against threats to democracy. I’m excited that UMD has decided not just to act, but to take the lead by investing in our plan to promote a healthier democracy.” 

A key outcome of the Democracy Initiative will be educating a new generation of leaders and scholars who learn in an interdisciplinary setting and are inspired to contribute to the common good. 

Hanmer added that he is enthusiastic about working with a dynamic team that brings diverse perspectives and expertise. 

“Our approach incorporates a broad base of community partners to reimagine the way we do research, teach and train our students, and engage and serve the public via outreach and concrete solutions,” Hanmer said.

Published on Mon, Feb 20, 2023 - 9:38AM