Brown Votes
Ways to Engage
While you should register and vote whenever you get the chance, there are many additional ways to support the democratic process, whatever your role on campus.
Ways to Engage
While you should register and vote whenever you get the chance, there are many additional ways to support the democratic process, whatever your role on campus.
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Join Brown Votes
As a student, the best way to get involved with shaping democratic engagement on the Brown University campus is to become a member of the Brown Votes student group. The group meets weekly on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. in the Swearer Center, and new members are always welcome — no previous membership, experience or voter eligibility is required. Email brown_votes@brown.edu with any questions.
Encourage Civic Engagement
As a staff or faculty member, you have a variety of ways to encourage civic engagement in your area of campus. Faculty can share key dates with students and discuss how legislative policies impact the areas their classes are studying. Staff members can promote important election dates to other colleagues, while also making sure to comply with Brown’s Political Activity Policy.
Host a Civic Engagement Workshop
Whatever your role on campus, you can partner with Brown Votes to co-host a civic engagement training session for a class, organization or campus center. These sessions help participants understand the full scope of democratic participation and create a plan for their own civic engagement. Sessions are free and tailored to your group’s timeframe, interests and needs. Email brown_votes@brown.edu if you’re interested.
Become an Advocate
For those who aren’t eligible to vote in the United States or want to do more outside of elections, there are many ways to advocate both on and off campus for critical issues related to elections and democracy. Along with the opportunities listed below, campaigns are always looking for volunteers to engage potential voters over the phone, by text or in person — visit a candidate’s website to learn more. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the University’s Political Activity Policy for student and employee engagement on campus.
Poll workers ensure the election process runs smoothly. Reach out to your local office of elections to find out if they need volunteers. Rhode Island allows all registered voters to volunteer.
Students at Brown have many opportunities to connect their education to critical issues locally and nationally. Consider taking a Community-Based Learning and Research course, or earning an Engaged Scholarship Certificate.
Explore issues you care about on campus and in your local community. Consider joining protests in your area, calling or emailing elected officials, working with local organizers or nonprofits and donating your time and/or money to causes you support.
Connect with the Swearer Center
The Swearer Center for Public Service is a hub for community engagement in Providence and Rhode Island. Through engaged scholarship and research, the center works to catalyze student learning and commitment to lifelong civic engagement and responsibility. Subscribe to the Swearer Center newsletter for weekly news, events and opportunities in and around Providence.
Looking to help Brown Votes as a staff, faculty or community member? Contact Austin Wilson, manager of community-engaged learning, at austin_wilson@brown.edu or 401-863-5456.