Civic Action Academy

November 14-15, 2025
Wartburg College

Civic Action Academy Overview

[The Civic Action Academy] was a great mix of inspirational advice with specific ideas and tools to use. I appreciated hearing from people who have different backgrounds and experiences… This experience empowered and inspired me to take action on my own campus using resources and ideas I gained at the event. 

Participant

Social change doesn’t have to be revolutionary—it can start with small steps to make your corner of the world a little better. The Civic Action Academy is a gathering where students explore how their unique skills can address community needs, inspiring them to turn “someone should do something” into “I can do this.”

What will your experience actually look like?

Build community through:

• Fun, low-pressure activities to spark connections
• Thought-provoking conversation and structured dialogue
• Networking with student leaders from different campuses

Learn from a full day of interactive breakout sessions exploring themes such as:

• How students are driving real change in their communities
• Making your voice heard: Political representation, advocacy, and participation
• Storytelling and communication as tools for action
• Creative campus solutions to support students’ basic needs.
• How big issues—like food security, healthcare access, and sustainability—affect local communities

Reflect in ways that help you:

• Articulate your values, perspectives, and motivations for community participation
• Identify new insights to apply to your own projects
• Clarify your next steps for making a positive impact
• Envision the world you want to help create

Student Presenters

In addition to professional keynotes and community experts, at least half of our breakout sessions are presented by students doing civic and community engagement work on their campuses. Sessions might include building awareness, lessons on leadership and community building, sharing research, highlighting effective programs and projects, and more. Typically, students apply because a campus mentor encourages them to. We invite faculty and staff to refer students any time of the year, and we will connect with them to help develop their ideas for the coming year.

2025 Event Information

Important Resources

Student speaker nomination + application

Online registration: coming this summer.

Funding resource: This resource includes event information, rationale, and budget items to help students who wish to request funding from their school or outside sources.

Event schedule: Please reference the 2024 schedule to see what kinds of sessions might be offered in 2025!

Pricing

• Through October 15 – $50 for Seed Coalition member campuses ($200 for non-member campuses)
• After October 15 – $70 for Seed Coalition member campuses ($280 for non-member campuses)
• Staff/faculty who are bringing students can attend for free.

If you are coordinating a large group of students, we can work with you on options for getting everyone registered. Contact Kara Trebil-Smith for more info.

Lodging

We have a room block at the Cobblestone Hotel for $126/night. The block expires on October 9.

We anticipate a room block being reserved at the Super 8 for ~$90/night by late spring/early summer, but you can call to make a reservation at any time.

Questions can be directed to Kara Trebil-Smith.