Civic Engagement Events

Non-partisan events happening at Evergreen and in the community.

Democracy: Local to Global

Evergreen is launching a series of events under the theme Democracy: Local to Global, focusing on how students can engage with the democratic process at multiple levels. These events will give students the opportunity to learn about voting and get registered, participate in critical discussions about democracy worldwide, and find support during a challenging time of civic engagement.

2024 Events and Lectures

Find more Evergreen events and event details in the Campus Events Calendar

Week of September 23

Academics Address with Provost Dr. Noah Coburn, September 28

10 - 11 am in Purce Hall 1

At New Student Orientation, Dr. Noah Coburn will dig deeper into this year's Common Read and learning approaches at Evergreen with "Interdisciplinary Approaches to Pressing Problems: What Afghanistan Teaches Us About Elections and Democracy".

Week of September 30

Your Voice Matters: Harnessing the Power of Civic Engagement, October 5

1:45 - 3 pm in Purce Hall 1

This event is part of Return to Evergreen Alumni Weekend and requires registration. Free for current Evergreen students. Register for Return to Evergreen

Week of October 7

Elections Café: Welcome to Election Season, October 10

Noon - 1:30 pm in the Social Justice Center, Evans Hall 2205/2207

Join the Geoduck Student Union for the opening event in the Elections Café series and learn about issues affecting college students and higher education. There is a lot of information out there, learn how to tell misinformation apart so you can find the issues and candidates you want to support.

Week of October 14

Elections Café X Climate Café, October 16

Noon - 1:30 pm in the Social Justice Center, Evans Hall 2205/2207

Climate Issues meet Electoral Politics in this crossover event with the Center for Climate Action and Sustainability! Learn how climate and environmental issues show up in local and national elections and how you can create meaningful change through policy.

Week of October 21

After Evergreen: Exploring a Career in the Foreign Service, October 23

2 - 3 pm in Purce Hall 8

Join us for a fireside chat about the diverse and rewarding opportunities within the Foreign Service! This event is designed for individuals interested in international relations, diplomacy, and global issues. Hear firsthand experiences from a former Foreign Service officer, Ambassador Ronald Neumann about his journeys, challenges, and rewards. Have your questions answered by a professional with extensive global career experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can contribute to global diplomacy and make a difference in the world!

Support for Democracy Internationally: Pitfalls and Opportunities, October 23

5:30 pm Reception,
6 pm Presentation in the Communications Building, Recital Hall

A panel discussion on American approaches to supporting elections, free press, higher education, and other democratic processes. Panelists include Ronald Neumann, Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan; Julia Reed, Washington State House of Representatives; and Haroun Rahimi, University of Washington School of Law. This event is co-sponsored by Evergreen’s Cal Anderson Seminar Series and the Olympia World Affairs Council.

Week of October 28

Elections Café: Queer and Trans Issues in Elections, October 29

12 - 1:30 pm in the Social Justice Center, Evans Hall 2205/2207

Queer and Trans rights are always big debate topics during election season, and this year is no different. Come learn and support others in learning and discussing how these issues show up and what you can do to support your local community.

Week of November 4

Elections Café: Election Night Watch Party, November 5

4 - 9 pm in the Student Activities TV Lounge, CAB 313

Join the Geoduck Student Union for an Election Night watch party and hang out as the results roll in!

Post-Election Day Community Gathering, November 6

Noon - 2 pm in the Evans Hall Lobby

A gathering space for students, staff, and faculty to be in community after Election Day.

Elections Café: Undocumented Student Issues and Elections  

Discuss and learn how Undocumented student issues show up in local and national elections and the role undocumented folks have in the lead up to elections and throughout politics. Learn how you can support undocumented folks in your community by voting in their interest, listening to their stories, and supporting the work they are doing outside the voting booth.

Week of November 11

Elections Processes and Political Futures: A Conversation with State and Local Officials, November 14

3:30 pm in Purce Hall 3

SEES and Academics are hosting this panel discussion on the central theme of a post-election transition. Thurston County Auditor and Evergreen undergraduate alumna Mary Hall will speak about the election certification process and and Washington Secretary of State Policy Director and Evergreen MPA alumnus David Elliott will provide insight into what to expect in Washington state in the coming months. Provost Noah Coburn will moderate.

Questions? slonej@evergreen.edu 

Week of November 18

Fighting and Caring for Others at Home and Abroad: A Post-Election Forum, November 18

6:30 - 8:30 pm in SEM 2 Room E1105

Panel: Maru Mora Villalpando (La Resistencia), Steve Niva (Evergreen Middle East Studies faculty member), Emily Pieper (Evergreen Associate Dean for Holistic Advising/Trio Programs)

Moderators: Savvina Chowdhury (Evergreen Feminist Political Economy faculty member), Zoltan Grossman (Evergreen Geography/Native Studies faculty member

Questions? chowdhus@evergreen.edu or grossmaz@evergreen.edu 

Voter Registration
Register to vote at local events

Learn more about voting, get resources, and get registered! Greeners Vote

Voter Hub

Visit the Voter Hub
Students and community members can get support with voter registration, ballots, voter guides and more information at the nonpartisan Student Engagement Hub.

Orientation Resource Fairs

Thursday, September 26
10 am - 2 pm, Evans Hall
Hosted by WashPIRG

Saturday, September 28
9 - 10 am, Evans Hall
Hosted by WashPIRG

Block Party

Wednesday, October 2
Noon - 2 pm, Red Square
Hosted by WashPIRG and 
League of Women Voters

Voter Registration Tabling

Tuesday, October 15
11:30 am - 2 pm, CAB Flr. 2
Hosted by League of Women Voters

Thursday, October 17 
11:30 am - 2 pm, CAB Flr. 2
Hosted by League of Women Voters