Request for Proposals
Convocation Year 2004-2005

Theme: "A Call to Civic Action"

The committee feels "A Call to Civic Action" is a timely theme. Our consciousness of issues facing our society is raised during an election year but it is important that we do not forget our responsibilities once the election is over. The world is changing rapidly and we need to be responsive to the problems that confront us. As a campus community we need to reflect on what civic action entails and how it should be defined. What should be our priorities and at what level can we be the most effective (i.e., local, state, national, or international)? We hope that a genuine discussion of civic action and its potential impact will provide the impetus for future initiatives that will make this a better world. Toward that end, we have available a total of $5000 to fund activities related to this theme.

Academic departments, student groups, campus organizations, and individuals are encouraged to submit a proposal to sponsor events that explore the theme from multiple perspectives. In the past, awards have ranged from $500 to $2,000 per event. Events may include lectures, performances, shows, classroom events, demonstrations, web pages, or almost anything else. The committee cannot fund projects being completed for academic credit. Events may be scheduled for any day, evening, or weekend when classes are in session.

Proposals might focus on:

• What constitutes a community and how can it be induced to change?
• How does the speed and timing of communication affect civic action?
• What is the impact of technology on civic action?
• How can we overcome apathy in today’s world?
• What should be the role of volunteerism in today’s world?
• How can we promote civic action in the classroom?

The proposal should contain:

• A description of the event.
• How the event fits into the theme, "A Call To Civic Action".
• When, where, and under what circumstances the event will take place. While exact dates are not necessary, you should check on the availability of your proposed venue.
• Who the intended audience is – the entire campus, a particular department or group of departments, an interdisciplinary group, a particular class, students in their junior year, faculty, etc.
• How you plan to publicize the event (The convocation committee is only responsible for coordinating the keynote event and publicizing the series as a whole).
• Who is sponsoring the event. This should include the name(s) of the primary contact(s) and also the department or organization under whose auspices the event will take place.
• A budget.

The entire proposal, from title through budget, must be no longer than 3 single sided pages. The deadline for receipt of proposals is November 12, 2004. Award notifications will be sent out on or before December 1, 2004. Please submit 8 paper copies of the proposal to the Convocation Committee c/o Jack Croxton, Interim Dean for Natural and Social Sciences, Maytum 8. Questions regarding this request for proposals may be sent to Jack Croxton (Phone: 673-3173, E-mail: Jack.Croxton@fredonia.edu). Members of the convocation committee include: Linda Brigance, Lauren Carlson, Jack Croxton, Kathleen Gradel, Karry Kazial, Karolyn Stonefelt, Jefferson Westwood, and Frank Williams.