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Understanding Systems

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Conducting Research through an Anti-Racism Lens

Description: This guide was developed in response to librarians fielding multiple requests from UMN researchers looking to incorporate anti-racism into their research practices. Conducting research through an anti-racism lens is a long-term and ongoing process and must be considered as part of a complex system which oppresses people and groups in multifaceted ways (i.e., classism, [...]

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Civic Competencies Framework

Description: The Civic Competencies framework outlines how we hope students, AmeriCorps members, and interns explore and develop their civic capacity in Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact programs. This framework pulls from key concepts in the field of higher education and civic engagement, including the Active Citizen Continuum and the Civic Minded Graduate, to provide structure [...]

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Power Mapping

Description: Participants will examine power structures and circles of influence around an issue, then explore how those structures interact to either advance or hinder social change. They will practice identifying whose support is likely and necessary to advance a project, where they can build allies, and where opposition may lie. It will also help participants [...]

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Building Allies & Support: The Elevator Speech

Description: Participants will understand that an elevator speech helps introduce an individual and the work with which they are involved. The aim is for the speech to be captivating enough to lead to further conversation, resulting in new connections, relationships, support, and possibly collaboration. Building Allies & SupportDownload

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Spectrum of Allies

Description: Participants will explore the complexity of strategizing and become more optimistic about mobilization efforts through a realization that it is not necessary to win over the opposition to your point of view. They will explore social forces and groups spread across a spectrum, ranging from those who are the most dedicated opponents to those [...]

Social Change Wheel (Workshop)

Description: Participants will understand that there are multiple potential strategies for addressing issues they care about. Commonly considered strategies such as charitable volunteerism or legislative advocacy are only two possibilities. Analyzing how multiple change strategies have been or might be used can enhance one’s understanding of an issue and the impact of one’s action. Social-Change-WheelDownload

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Seed Coalition strengthens the capacity of colleges and universities to fulfill the public purposes of higher education through its coalition of diverse college campuses in Iowa, Minnesota, and the Midwest. Our network includes rural and urban campuses, public universities and private colleges, community colleges, and trade schools.

We connect higher education professionals who work in the spaces of community and civic engagement and educate students through community and civic learning experiences. Learn about our mission and values and meet our members.

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