In a world defined by complex challenges and rapidly changing landscapes, the role of young leaders in affecting positive change has never been more critical.
It’s in this spirit of optimism and empowerment that the Newman Civic Fellowship Annual Convening Conference took place in Boston at the beginning of October, bringing together over 125 bright and dedicated students. From California to Maine, expanding all the way to Greece, students from all over gathered as strangers, but left hugging each other as close friends. This event was a testament to the potential of young leaders to make a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
The Newman Civic Fellowship, established by Campus Compact, has been at the forefront of cultivating socially responsible leaders for nearly two decades. It seeks to honor and support students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to creating positive change in their communities. The Annual Convening Conference represents a pinnacle of this initiative, providing us students with the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.
This year’s conference was an embodiment of the fellowship’s commitment to social responsibility, leadership, and community engagement. The gathering provided a unique platform for us as young leaders to exchange ideas, foster connections, and deepen our understanding of the challenges that our society faces. By encouraging us to look beyond our immediate surroundings, the conference ignited the spark of transformative thinking that is so crucial for progress through guest speakers like Tara Venkatraman, director of programs and strategy at The City School, who presented on “Collective Care and Community Organizing: How to Center Care in Racial + Social Justice Work”.
As a disabled student, it was beyond refreshing to be at a conference with a speaker who honored access needs, wanting to present the principles of disability justice in a way that connected students of various advocacy focuses to the importance of intersectional identities and preventing burnout in our line of work.
One of the most striking features of the event was the diversity of the attendees. These 125+ students represented a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and causes they were passionate about. From climate change to racial justice, from education reform to healthcare access, from transgender rights to domestic violence resources on campus, the breadth of topics covered showcased the expansive nature of the issues young leaders are tackling today. This diversity enriched the discussions and allowed for the cross-pollination of ideas and solutions, highlighting the interconnectedness of the challenges we face as young change-makers.
What sets this annual gathering apart is its emphasis on practicality. It isn’t merely a venue for lofty discussions and hypothetical solutions; it’s a space where students are encouraged to turn their passion into concrete actions. The conference provided workshops and training sessions at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, and hands-on experience of a mock senate debate that empowered attendees to be civically engaged, think outside their typical perspectives, and honor opinions from everyone present. By offering this blend of theoretical knowledge and practical know-how, it ensured that us as young leaders are not just dreamers but effective doers.
The impact of the Newman Civic Fellowship Annual Convening Conference reaches far beyond the four walls of the convention center in Boston. It’s a powerful demonstration of the potential within our post-secondary institutions, the potential to transform our world for the better. It’s a reminder that as the custodians of our shared future, college students possess the vision, drive, and determination needed to address the pressing issues of our time.
In times marked by uncertainty we are a beacon of hope, showing that positive change is within reach. Our dedication to creating a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world inspires us all. The Newman Civic Fellowship is helping to nurture these aspirations, setting in motion a wave of progress that will carry all of us into a brighter future. Universities like UW–Madison must continue to support and amplify the voices and initiatives of students like me, like those I connected with, and the students yet to come, for we are the ones who will shape the world we will inherit.
As I reflect on the recent gathering in Boston, I feel we all should remember that the most significant change often begins with the actions of a committed few. The Newman Civic Fellowship Annual Convening Conference is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for transformative leadership and a testament to the extraordinary potential of our youth. These brilliant, determined, and intellectual students are our hope, and we are ready to lead us toward a better tomorrow.