TCU’s newly established Center for Civic Literacy, an initiative of AddRan College of Humanities and Social Sciences in alliance with student development services, is partnering with Fort Worth city and community leaders to host a conference highlighting the need for individuals to learn more about and engage in civic activities on a local level.  The conference, which is free and open to the public, will be held Saturday, Jan. 28 from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on the TCU campus.

“Partnering with the city and other civic organizations to develop a community-based, problem-solving conference is a key goal of the Center for Civic Literacy,” said Dr. Donald Jackson, Herman Brown Professor of Political Science and director of the TCU Center for Civic Literacy. “Educating and engaging members of our community in civic matters is an extremely important part of our democratic system,”

The conference, titled “TCU and Fort Worth: An Agenda for Collaboration,” will begin with a presentation by Dr. Peter Levine, deputy director of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning (CIRCLE) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Dr. Levine’s speech is titled “The Importance of Civic Engagement.”           

In addition to Dr. Levine, numerous senior staff members from the city of Fort Worth nd key leaders from community organizations will speak about the city's strategic goals, touching on topics such as homeland security, central city revitalization, efficient government, orderly development, and mobility and air quality. The conference will conclude with a presentation by Melody Johnson, superintendent of the Fort Worth Independent School District. Dr. Johnson’s speech is titled “Issues Facing Public Education in the Decade Ahead.” A free continental breakfast and box lunch also will be served.      

Along with TCU and Fort Worth, other conference co-sponsors include the Tarrant County League of Women Voters, Leadership Fort Worth and the Women’s Policy Forum organization.      

For more information on the event, contact Dr. Jackson at 817-257-7468 or via e-mail at d.w.jackson@tcu.edu.