Grateful to have been welcomed by Bibi, the Community Impact & Sustainability team, and leadership from @theNWU at the Vaal (Vanderbijlpark) campus yesterday, and again today at Potchefstroom! 🙌 So thankful for all the three campuses, including Mahikeng!
It’s been energizing to meet with professors, staff, tech leaders, and students across NWU to explore how we can help amplify their community engagement story and serve as a front door to scale their partnerships and impact tracking. #servicelearning #experientiallearning #communityengagement #socialimpact #sustainability #volunteerism
We’ve had incredible fellowship, cultural exchange, and knowledge sharing throughout this journey, whether gathered at #thefeatherhill and #VistasRestaurant, relaxing at #2owlsguesthouse in #Potchefstroom, or exploring the natural beauty of #Parys and the #Vaal region. So many rich and welcoming spaces!
Also inspiring to learn about the powerful programs and projects NWU is leading... including the upcoming #TRACTOR Awareness Rally (Together Rallying Across Communities To Overcome Remembrance-loss), making its way from Potchefstroom to Bredasdorp 🚜
It’s been a joy to have Jilo and Felicia from @SpelmanCollege along for this experience: sharing knowledge, culture, and how tech like GivePulse can elevate service-learning and community engagement around the world 🌍 ❤️ #bonnerlove @bonnernetwork
Excited for more campus visits, conversations, and collaboration ahead as we build momentum toward #IARSLCE2025 @iarslce in @cityofdurban next week, and later this month at @clayssdigital with @Uniservitate for #28SeminarioCLAYSS 🙌
#highered #globallearning #impacttracking #socialimpact #civicengagement #engagedscholarship #southafrica #JanBraii #research #publicgood #service
A few days in South Africa and already filled with unforgettable moments, learning, and community! 🇿🇦
Grateful to be here with @my_nwu, hosted by the incredible Bibi and her Community Impact & Sustainability team. From exploring the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses to diving into NWU’s community engagement strategies, it’s been powerful to see how service-learning, research, capacity-building, and partnerships are creating real impact across the region. Looking forward to more fellowship, knowledge exchange, demonstrations, and work sessions ahead!
Fortunate to have connected with various campus leaders at NWU: including those focused on student life and leadership, and to better understand how they approach community engagement, volunteerism, experiential learning, transcripts, and holistic student development.
We kicked things off with a visit to the @unesco heritage site... the Vredefort Dome, one of the oldest and largest meteor impact sites on Earth 🌍 Then we ventured into the breathtaking @pilanesbergNP for a safari, where we saw countless animals in their natural habitat 🦓🦒 We also stayed over at the iconic @suncityresortsa, and through conversations became deeply moved by the meaningful work being done at @madebymosaic to support foster parents of orphaned children... huge thanks to Bibi and Charl for making that visit possible!
It’s been a joy to be joined by Jilo and Felicia from @spelmancollege as we exchange knowledge, culture, and ideas—sharing how platforms like GivePulse can help amplify service-learning and community engagement across borders #bonnerlove @BonnerNetwork
Excited for more campus visits, conversations, and collaboration as we build momentum toward #IARSLCE2025 in Durban bext week, and later this month at @clayssdigital with @Uniservitate for #28SeminarioCLAYSS 🙌
#CommunityEngagement #HigherEdForGood #ServiceLearning #EngagedScholarship #PublicService #Volunteerism #SDG #ODS #Servicelearning #AprendizajeServicio #communityengagement #Solidaridad #serviciosocial #HIPs #SocialImpact
Such a joy to visit @UTSEngage, one of the Australian institutions recognized through the @CarnegieFdn Community Engagement Classification! 👏 #CarnegieCEAust#CarnegieClassification
Grateful to spend time with their inspiring community engagement and impact team, hosted by the amazing Lisa, alongside fellowship with Allison @CommunityWFU@WakeForest and Mitra @GYS_2037 - a meaningful opportunity to exchange best practices and learn from one another!
Together we shared insights on:
- Reflection on this year's @EngagementAust conference @UQ_News and what can be done to continue the momentum
- The global research agenda and @IARSLCE conference coming up in Durban, South Africa @dbntourism
- Gateways: International Journal of Community Research and Engagement
- Engaged scholarship and service-learning within the institution #FacultyEngagement
- Student volunteerism and institutional infrastructure #VolunteerManagement
- And how we continue to elevate community-university partnerships for real impact
These exchanges remind us: community engagement is both local and global, and we grow stronger when we learn from one another.
#CommunityEngagement #HigherEdForGood #ServiceLearning #EngagedScholarship #CarnegieCEAust #Belonging #TransformationalLearning #PublicPurpose #GlobalPartnerships #ChangeMakers #SocialImpact
A massive thank you to @UQ_News for hosting our 2025 Conference and to @givepulse for sponsoring our lanyards!
We’re also so grateful to all the incredible speakers, panellists, and attendees who made this event unforgettable.
🇦🇺 The afternoon of Day 1, @EngagementAust hosted on the @UQ_News campus deepened the conversation with case studies, connection, and courageous partnerships.
We explored real-world innovations from Australia and beyond:
- Dale Chapman, Indigenous bushfood entrepreneur and lead of the ARC-funded Indigenous Discovery project, in partnership with @UQ_News, shared how blockchain is helping build ethical supply chains grounded in cultural knowledge and ecological sovereignty.
- @unisqaus dove into their Virtual Work-Integrated Learning (V-WIL) model, a blueprint for impactful digital service-learning partnerships.
- @UTSEngage unveiled an incredible systems-level collaboration on Intergenerational Indigenous Living.... co-designing climate-resilient housing, embedding PhD researchers, integrating community services, and rethinking sustainability through Indigenous self-determination.
- 🇺🇸 And we were proud to share our work at @givepulse with @CommunityWFU@WakeForest and @ncatsped@ncatsuaggies@ncatolce on restoring trust through data-driven, transformational partnerships: including lessons from the @IARSLCE Global Research Agenda work and @CarnegieFdn Classification and how it’s shaping institutions on both sides of the Pacific. #CarnegieCEAust #ServiceLearning #CivicImpact #TrustAndData
The day ended with well-earned reflections, fellowship (and… #felonship 🍻) at @FelonsBrewingCo. Big thanks to everyone who showed up with heart, curiosity, and purpose. Onward to Day 2! 🙌
#CommunityEngagement #PurposeDrivenUniversities #EngagedScholarship #HigherEdForGood #UniversitiesMatter #TrustInHigherEd #ServiceLearning #ExperientialLearning #CommunityEngagement #Reciprocity #HIPs #SocialLicence #CivicUniversities #SDGs #TransformationThroughEngagement #EngagementAustralia2025 #EAConference @visitbrisbane
🇦🇺 Highlights of Day 1 at @EngagementAust with powerful provocations on the future of higher ed and community engagement. Kicked things off with good company and even better croissants... shoutout to Has(ret) @ACUmedia for the morning snack from @LuneCroissant. Literally breaking bread! 🥐
Hosted at @UQ_News, the morning keynote by Professor Deborah Terry AC, Vice Chancellor and President, reminded us: “The future of engagement is not transactional - it’s transformational.”
She called on us to ask:
- What are we good at?
- But more importantly, what are we good for?
Using insights from the @EdelmanPR Trust Barometer, she addressed the global erosion of trust, and how universities can rebuild it by:
- Returning to purpose, reaffirming mission and values
- Serving communities with genuine, long-term impact
- Partnering with those left behind to expand opportunity
- Being profoundly good for society - not just in it
Then came a rich panel with @RMenziesInst, @UNSW, @uniaus & HEDx exploring social licence in a shifting landscape:
- Rebuilding national prosperity through education
- Championing mission-based compacts tied to local needs
- Reinvesting in liberal arts, ethics, and philosophy amidst AI disruption
Followed by panels on:
- Community power & learning: with @RMIT, @latrobe, @unisqaus, @UNSW, and @LoganTogether on voice, data sovereignty & social equity
- Olympics & Paralympics and beyond: with @UQ_News, @Griffith_Uni, @sportmattersAU, @BondUniversity, and @Brisbane_2032 on partnerships for legacy, impact investment, sport & SDGs across Oceania
Let’s build a future that listens, includes, and transforms!
#UniversitiesMatter #TrustInHigherEd #ServiceLearning #ExperientialLearning #CommunityEngagement #Reciprocity #HIPs #SocialLicence #CivicUniversities #SDGs #TransformationThroughEngagement #EngagementAustralia2025 #EAConference @visitbrisbane
Transform: Volume 9, Issue 1 - IARSLCE AP X ICSL Special Issue Now Live!
Thank you to @givepulse for their generous sponsorship and unwavering support of engaged scholarship.
Read it now > https://t.co/ifjZqgMMqH
What a day & night! 🎉 Huge thanks to @AnthologyInc for an unforgettable welcome celebration at #AT25... the energy, connections, and creativity were next level!
From reconnecting with longtime partners and meeting new faces in the Anthology community, to spending time with partners and friends at a special gathering we hosted at the Nowhere Lounge 🎷, and that mysterious silver-suited guest 🤖 (still trying to figure out what that was!), it’s clear this week is as much about community as it is about innovation.
It was especially energizing to connect with Anthology teammates who are passionate about building a culture of co-curricular engagement, championing student success beyond the classroom.
Grateful for the shared stories, laughs, and bold visions for what’s ahead in edtech, civic engagement, experiential learning, service-learning, and higher ed transformation.
Shoutout to @fblasvegas for the stunning venue, and looking forward to a full day of programming and fellowship!
#AT25Fun #AT25 #EdTech #HigherEd #ServiceLearning #Volunteerism #CommunityEngagement #CivicEngagement #ExperientialLearning #CoCurricular #StudentSuccess #AnthologyTogether #JazzVibes #VegasNights @CityOfLasVegas, @Vegas
🎉 Last week, we joined @ACEducation and @CarnegieFdn for a strategic planning session focused on the future of the Carnegie Elective Classifications.
Our conversations centered on growth, research impact, intentionality, and sustaining the long-term relevance of this vital framework in higher education.
We're grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our partnership and advance the role of civic and community engagement across institutions.
A huge thank you to @NYU_CE and @nyuniversity for the warm hospitality—keeping us focused, energized, and well-fed throughout!
#HigherEd #CarnegieClassifications #CommunityEngagement #CivicEngagement #ServiceLearning #ExperientialLearning @nycgov
🎉 Thrilled to kick off #AT25 at the stunning @fblasvegas with @AnthologyInc - surrounded by brilliant minds, peers, and changemakers!
We’re diving into how #ServiceLearning, #Volunteerism, and #CommunityEngagement can transform the learner journey, empower institutions, and uplift communities by addressing what matters most to them... locally and globally!
Grateful to share what we’re building, deepen partnerships, and learn from others driving impact at the intersection of tech, education, and civic engagement.
More soon from Las Vegas as we reflect, exchange ideas, and keep building forward.
#AT25Fun #EdTech #HigherEd #EdTalk #ExperientialLearning #CivicEngagement #VolunteerManagement @CityOfLasVegas@Vegas
Excited to be back in the UK for the S-L/CEL Network Conference #UKSLCEL, hosted by Sarah and the team @UniOfYork and kindly supported by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), @UWEBristol, @BristolUni, and many others!
We kicked things off by exploring the beautiful City of York @VisitYork and learning more about @CityofYork! Followed by great conversation, food, and fellowship at Blue Barbakan as a pre-conference gathering.
The energy is high, and the aspirations are clear: to bring together university academics and professional services from across the UK to collaborate, share best practices, launch strategic initiatives, and support research that strengthens both pedagogy and real-world impact.
Looking forward to meaningful conversations on service-learning, community-engaged learning, and building stronger, more reciprocal partnerships to help this work truly flourish across the UK.
#ServiceLearning #CommunityEngagement #WorkStudy #EngagedScholarship #Volunteering #PublicEngagement #TeachingAndLearning #ExperientialLearning #ExperientialEducation #SDGs #Climate #SocialMobility #PositiveImpact #PartnershipsInAction #CivicUniversity
So much to catch up on these past 4 days!
1/4 - What an inspiring kickoff to #SLI2025 at @urichmond celebrating 35 years of the Bonner Program! 🎉
Day 1 was all about “Weaving our Web”— honoring legacy, leadership, and the collective spirit of Ubuntu: I am because we are.
Powerful remarks to presidents and leaders on “Showing Up for Civic Engagement,” featuring voices from @aacu@AugsburgU, and an all-group session with speakers like Sylvia @urichmond, Tony @GundFoundation, and personal remarks on #BonnerLove from Monty @BonnerScholar@morehouse1867!
Student speakers from @BonnerTCNJ@TCNJ reminded us how each thread contributes to the larger tapestry, with it being reinforced with a whole conference exercise to weave one large thread together!
Once again, Jana and George are so honored to have received these 35th Anniversary Awards. Thank you so much to @BonnerNetwork for their incredible partnership and friendship! Shout-out to Arlette @LaColmenaNYC for also being a Spirit of Ubuntu awardee!
#BonnerNetwork #CivicEngagement #Ubuntu #HigherEd #ServiceLearning #RVA @VisitRichmond #CommunityEngagement #SLI2025 #CivicLeadership #PublicService #FirstGen #Changemakers #Volunteer #Service #ServiceLeadership #ServiceLeaders #Internship #Scholarship
Wrapped up an incredible time at the #ExperienceED Festival at @NortheasternLDN... a deep dive into experiential learning, relational pedagogy, and the future of teaching and learning in the UK.
The closing panel, led by Dr Yu-Chun Pan and featuring voices across the student, academic, and industry spectrum — including: Prof Colin Beard, Prof Naomi Goulder, Antonietta Pollio, John Blackburn, and Dr Ahmad Alnajadah, left us with powerful reminders:
- There’s no one-size-fits-all: design agilely
- Soft skills are essential: integrate them across curricula
- Fix what’s not working: do it with purpose and enthusiasm
- Learning is a journey: blend, coach, connect to context
From immersive learning on Westminster Bridge (@NortheasternLDN’s Cultures of London) to sustainability innovation from @UniversityLeeds students and workshops exploring course alignment, design, and integration: each session grounded theory in lived experience.
Grateful for the moments of joy and fellowship with friends, peers, and colleagues from @UEL_News, @UniWestScotland, @UniversityLeeds, @BathSpaUni, and so many more... and for the generous organizing committee (Dr Yu-Chun Pan, Dr Rebecca Maccabe, Dr Matt Haynes, Dr Jessica Terekhov), who reminded us to scaffold, stay flexible, and design intentionally.
And of course... no better way to end than with a meal among peers at Roti King 🥘
Already looking forward to next year’s conversations and collaborations. Until then, let’s keep building the future of experiential, authentic, and community-engaged learning!
#ExperientialLearning #TeachingExcellence #PartnerEngagedLearning #ServiceLearning #CommunityEngagement #AuthenticLearning #RelationalPedagogy #SocialMobility #SDGs #NortheasternLDN #ExperienceEDFestival #LondonMakesItPossible #VisitLondon @visitlondon
Grateful for the warm welcome from The Centre for Student and Community Engagement (CenSCE) @NottmTrentUni! It was inspiring to explore the campus and learn more about their volunteer initiatives, sports leadership and volunteering, community engagement, and service-learning (community-engaged learning) modules.
It was amazing to explore more of the city with @VisitNotts and @itsinnottingham — #Nottingham and #Nottinghamshire never disappoint!
It was especially powerful to learn about NTU’s Systems Thinking and Collective Impact work to improve outcomes for young people in Clifton, UK, and their school readiness efforts in Mansfield and beyond.
A definite highlight was stopping by the Newton Hall Building and being blown away by the #ProductDesign creativity on display from @NTUadbe students — true #StudentInnovation!
Looking forward to returning to deepen these conversations and continue supporting community-building efforts.
For now, excited to head back to London for the @NortheasternLDN ExperienceED Festival - connecting with incredible educators shaping the future of teaching and learning through #ExperientialLearning!
#ExperienceEDFestival #TeachingExcellence #CommunityEngagement #WorkStudy #EngagedScholarship #Volunteering #TeachingAndLearning #ExperientialEducation #SDGs #Climate #SocialMobility #NottinghamTrentUniversity #NTU #ProudToBeNTU #LoveNotts
That’s a wrap on the Global Forum on Higher Education: Renewal of the Democratic and Civic Mission in beautiful Prague 🇨🇿... and what an inspiring few days it's been!
We closed out with powerful reflections and shared commitments to deepen the civic, democratic, and public good role of higher education globally.
Highlights from the final day included:
Synthesis & Insights:
From the rapporteur reflections to calls from @PENamerica@ceu and @QUBelfast@ScholarsAtRisk - reminding us that defending academic freedom, strengthening solidarity, and embedding civic learning across institutions is more urgent than ever.
We explored the role of societal obligations, value for public trust, and the imperative to involve students meaningfully in democratic processes (@Rutgers_Newark and @eurodoc).
📣 Summative Policy Panel:
“What comes next for higher ed and democracy?”: a compelling discussion led by Dawn @AACU, with leadership from @msmtcr, @coe, @iau_aiu, and others, aligning higher ed priorities with the UN 2030 Agenda.
💬 Václav Velčovský, Director General @msmtcr, reminded us that institutions like @MasarykUni, @VUTvBrne, and @CharlesUniPRG opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees: demonstrating higher ed’s irreplaceable societal role in times of crisis and solidarity.
🎉 And of course… Happy Birthday to our very own Tania @UofMaryland and Agnieszka @tulane_cps@Tulane! And a perfect moment captured with a great group photo to celebrate the fellowship behind all this work.
🙏 Grateful to our local hosts @msmtcr@CharlesUniPRG and to our sponsors @coe, @iau_aiu, and @oas_official.
Special thanks to additional sponsors: @Campus_Compact, @TheNetterCenter, @Penn, @magnachartaobs, @ACEducation, and @givepulse.
And appreciation to the many partners on the steering committee: @USAf_ORG, @iuaofficial, @EngagementAust, @aacu, @AASCU, @NASPAtweets, and more—working tirelessly to advance this shared global mission.
As Ira @TheNetterCenter, Radik @msmtcr@CharlesUniPRG, and Jacinth @embassykn_dc reminded us at the closing, this is not the end, but a call to continue strengthening the civic purpose of higher education, wherever we are in the world.
Until next time... onward together. 🌍✊
#HigherEd #GlobalForum #CivicEngagement #AcademicFreedom #UniversitiesAsCivicAnchors #Democracy #EngagedScholarship #PublicGood #2030Agenda #GivePulse #Prague #ServiceLearning #Solidarity #ExperientialLearning #CommunityEngagement #PublicBenefit
So fortunate to be here in Prague 🇨🇿 at @CharlesUniPRG for the Global Forum on Higher Education: Renewal of the Democratic and Civic Mission, joining colleagues, peers, and leaders from around the globe representing @PragueEU.
The forum opened powerfully with Matjaž from @coe emphasizing the urgent need to restore public trust in science and knowledge. We were warmly welcomed by local hosts, including Mikuláš, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic, and @KralickovaM, as well as the leadership and faculty at @CharlesUniPRG. They shared the university’s storied history and its evolving role in society and democracy.
Grateful for the framing remarks from Ira Harkavy @TheNetterCenter (@Penn), Jacinth Henry-Martin @EmbassyKN_DC, and Hilligje van’t Land @IAU_AIU, among others.
A standout moment: the keynote by Patrick Deane @queensu on “Envisioning the Future of Democratic Engagement in Higher Education.” He reminded us to:
- Resist complacency and reassert academic freedom,
- Reaffirm liberal democracy,
- Invest in civic literacy, and
- Embrace the symbiotic relationship between academia and democratic society.
Deane, referencing Ron Daniels, noted the privilege of education as a responsibility to serve democracy—and that the civic role of higher ed must be renegotiated in every generation.
Beyond the sessions, it’s been a joy to share fellowship, explore the beauty of Prague, and immerse in local culture. #VisitPrague 🇨🇿
Special thanks to the many additional sponsors like @Campus_Compact, @TheNetterCenter, @MagnaChartaObs, @ACEducation—and all the steering partners @USAf_ORG, @IUAofficial, @EngagementAust, @aacu, @AASCU, @OAS_official, @NASPAtweets, and many more!
Looking forward to the rest of the week’s programming!
#CriticalThinking #HigherEd #Democracy #CivicMission #GlobalForum #Prague #EngagedUniversities #PublicPurpose #PublicGood #EngagedScholarship #ServiceLearning #ExperientialLearning
Big congrats to our CEO and Co-founder, George Luc, on being named a 2025 inductee into the newly established @VT_CS Academy of Distinguished Alumni @virginia_tech!
This incredible honor led to a truly memorable visit - connecting with fellow CS awardees, exploring innovative student projects at @vt_icat, and meeting with leaders from @VTCECE, @VT_Engage, and @VTBigEvent.
It was also a special walk down memory lane - reconnecting with former professors, revisiting past research projects, and catching up with former supervisors at the Assistive Technology Lab.
We also had the chance to connect around the upcoming @EngageSchlrship #25ESC gathering, happening later this year at @TheHotelRoanoke with @visitvbr!
The experience wrapped up with an unforgettable @VT_alumni event featuring @Metallica’s #M72VirginiaTech tour and an electrifying #EnterSandman moment at Lane Stadium.
Looking forward to returning and continuing to serve @virginia_tech in an alumni capacity - and to engaging again with @StepIntoBburg and @Blacksburg_Gov soon! #UTProsim
#ESCImpact #ServiceLearning #CommunityEngagement #CivicEngagement
Grateful to support today’s @Mission_Capital Board Summit in @austintexasgov! 💫 It was inspiring to gather with current and future changemakers working to strengthen our community and discuss the lasting impact of board service.
We enjoyed connecting with partners like @AmerYouthWorks, @RedLineParkway, and @GuidanceAustin and making new connections with organizations doing powerful work across our community!
To all the nonprofits and board seekers driving this important work: we see you, support you, and are proud to be part of this meaningful work. 💙
#MissionCapital #BoardSummit2025 #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityImpact #LeadershipDevelopment #BoardService #CivicEngagement #TexasNonprofits #LeadWithPurpose #Nonprofit @VisitAustinTX
Recently, nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps funding was immediately and unexpectedly terminated, ending the service of over 32,000 AmeriCorps members and over 1,000 programs across all 50 states, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.
AmeriCorps programs are evidence-based and evaluated for effectiveness, and studies show as much as a $34 return on investment (ROI) for every federal dollar invested. AmeriCorps is one of the most cost-effective investments our country can make in education, disaster response, health, environmental stewardship, and more.
At GivePulse, we believe in the power of people coming together to serve, support, and uplift communities. For more than 30 years, AmeriCorps has stood as a vital pillar of this work - connecting individuals with meaningful opportunities to drive change.
Let's #Stand4Service. Learn more: https://t.co/QppmFdbjlB
#AmeriCorps #NationalService #StandUpForAmeriCorps #Volunteerism #Service #SaveAmeriCorps #AmeriCorpsWorks @statecommission@ServiceYear@AmeriCorps@AmeriCorpsSr@AmeriCorpsVISTA
It’s a wrap at @sagradoedu and @uprenutuado (#UPR#UPRU)! Deeply grateful to these incredible Puerto Rican institutions for hosting us and sharing their powerful community partnerships, sustainability efforts, and how they leverage research, resources, and human capital for meaningful #SocietalImpacts and #BroaderImpacts.
Thank you to @CarnegieFdn@ACEducation for creating space for rich fellowship with peers, practitioners, and researchers as part of the Sustainability Elective Classification pilot!
Excited to continue the journey - more fellowship, learning, and exploration ahead with @SJCiudadCapital and @discover_PR!
#CommunityEngagement #ServiceLearning #Sustainability #ClimateChange #SustainableLiving #ProtectOurPlanet #ClimateActionNow #EngagedScholarship #HIPs #ServicioSocial #AprendizajeServicioSolidario #Solidaridad #SDGs #ServiceLearning #CommunityEngagement