"Strengthening Democracy through Civic Engagement," Conference Organized by the American Studies Center, Moldova State University

On Saturday I participated in a conference organized by the American Studies Center at Moldova State University: "Strengthening Democracy through Civic Engagement."

The plenary session featured greetings from the Vice Rector of MSU, the Country Director of Peace Corps, the Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy, and the 2 Fulbright Scholars as Keynote Speakers (including yours truly).

This was followed by break-out sessions "Politics, Economics, and Civic Engagement" and "Society, Education, and Civic Engagement." Paper titles for the breakout session that I attended include "Go SoTL: A Manifesto for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning," "Education for a New Democracy," and "Democracy in Action: Active Learning and Student Engagement."

Those of you who know me know that civic education and civic engagement is my passion, so, of course, this conference and its theme are right up my proverbial alley. But this topic, this conference, at this particular time in Moldova's political history is especially meaningful and relevant.

Dr. Helen Crestianicov, who directs the American Studies Center (and who works tirelessly to advance its mission)and several other faculty members who teach with her at the Center were Fulbright Scholars in the US - which also serves to underscore the long-term impact and value of the Fulbright exchange program

On another note: I, too, may need to draft a "Manifesto."