The Talloires Network: Building a Global Movement of Engaged Universities
Susan Stroud (The Talloires Network)
Abstract
Established in 2005, the Talloires Network is an exciting international initiative that works to ignite civic engagement within institutions of higher education. Its members – representing 106 universities in 38 countries – strive to harness the enormous, often untapped, potential residing within colleges and universities to make social change a reality. With more than 110 million young people currently enrolled in universities, half of whom are studying in developing countries, the Network can tap into a tremendous reservoir of talent to address pressing social problems, ranging from public health to environmental issues.
As the only global organization solely focused on this issue, we ask the leaders of universities who join our Network to stand up and insist that public engagement is not an isolated, marginal activity, but rather a vital component of the core mission of higher education. The commitment must come from the leadership of the university and must be supported by a tangible demonstration of programs and policies that encourage public engagement. We know that civic engagement elevates the quality of university teaching and learning and it produces millions of university graduates with both competence in their fields and a personal commitment to being active citizens and leaders.
