Community Engagement News

Barry University Recognized as a ‘Most Engaged Campus’ for College Student Voting

Barry University has been recognized as a “Most Engaged Campus” for College Student Voting this year through a national initiative that promotes democratic engagement.

As a participant in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Barry is one of nearly 400 institutions of higher education to earn the inaugural recognition.

“Congratulations to Barry University on joining 394 colleges and universities in earning the inaugural ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting recognition!” wrote Dr. Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, ALL IN’s executive director.

In an email to University President Dr. Mike Allen last Monday (Nov. 14), Dr. Domagal-Goldman added: “Thank you for the intentional work you and your institution did in 2022 to institutionalize nonpartisan democratic engagement [and] to increase student voter turnout.”

A signatory to ALL IN’s Higher Education Presidents’ Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation, Barry is one of only 11 colleges and universities in Florida to receive the first-time recognition.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a national nonpartisan initiative of the nonprofit organization named Civic Nation. Based in Washington, DC, ALL IN strives to change civic culture and institutionalize democratic engagement activities and programs on college campuses, ultimately making voter participation a defining feature of campus life.

More than 950 higher education institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia currently participate in the ALL IN Challenge. Barry’s participation is facilitated by the Campus Democracy Project.

Barry Volunteers Assist in Processing Applications for County Identification Cards

Alexis Casseus, a Barry undergraduate (seated at left), doing her part during the applicant orientation portion of the Community ID event in Florida City. Marlon Villagra of Branches (right) conducted the orientation. (Photo by Glenn Bowen)

A group of Barry students and faculty/staff members assisted in processing applications for county identification cards at an event in Florida City earlier this month.

Branches—a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-changing opportunities to children, youth, and families—is administering the Community ID program on behalf of Miami-Dade County.

At the Community ID event, the 11-member group from Barry lent a hand at all stages of the ID application and approval process—from welcoming community members for their appointments to vetting and photographing applicants. They assisted Branches staff with finalizing the event setup, confirming appointments, checking documents, managing the applicant orientation, and handling data entry as well.

The following students assisted with the Community ID event: Daniela Albino Garcia, Laiz Alvarez, Ricky Bradwell, Alexis Casseus, Noemy Fuentes, JuanPablo Martin, Leverneangela Smith, Evelyn Pellegrino, and Paulette Vega.

The Center for Community Service Initiatives (CCSI) coordinated the students’ participation in the November 5 event, which coincided with the Barry University Founders’ Day of Service.

Earlier this year, the Board of County Commissioners approved Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s plan to launch the Community ID program. Branches was then selected to run the program, modeled on similar programs in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Mayor Levine Cava said: “Creating a community ID card not only gives access to basic services to residents who have been left out for not having a driver's license, but it also makes our community safer by fostering a better relationship between the police and the community.”

ABOVE: Barry students assisted at various stages of the Community ID application and approval process. BELOW: Dr. Heather Johnson Desiral, an adjunct professor of education and experiential learning facilitator in the CCSI (left), was among the volunteers. (Photos by Glenn Bowen)

ABOVE: Pablo Arango, who manages the Community ID program, told students about the benefits and limitations of the identification card. BELOW: Whether wearing a Branches’ Miami-Dade Community ID T-shirt or a Barry tee, each student was happy to serve the community on November 5. (Photos by Glenn Bowen)

The Community ID will be an accepted form of photo identification for some county services. Miami-Dade residents who stand to benefit include seniors, survivors of domestic violence, formerly incarcerated or homeless individuals, foster youth, and transgender individuals who lack proper documentation.

Branches’ senior vice president of development, Isabelle Pike, brought the volunteer opportunity to the CCSI’s attention last month.

A Barry community partner, Branches helps people “grow deeper and climb higher in life by building a foundation through education so they can achieve their goals and fulfill their potential.” The organization’s mission is “to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial wellness services in partnership with our communities.”

Students interested in volunteering at a Community ID event are asked to contact Dr. Glenn Bowen in the CCSI via email, gbowen@barry.edu.

‘Community Impact’ is One of Seven Categories of Awards for Community Engagement

“Community Impact” is one of seven categories of community engagement awards in which nominations are being accepted.

The Community Impact Award is presented to individual students, as well as student organizations, for exemplary civic engagement—including service, research, and advocacy—that has a measurable impact on the community.

Students, faculty and staff members, and community partners are invited to submit nominations by the last Friday of January.

The Community Impact Award winners last academic year were Amanda Gonzalez Garcia, a Barry Service Corps member, and Joseph Minani, a former Barry Service Corps Fellow.

Community engagement award nominations are being accepted also in six other categories: Community Partnership, Community-Based Research, Community-Engaged Scholarship, Community Engagement Educator, Service-Learning Faculty, and Engaged Department.

2022 Community Impact Award Winners: Dr. Scott F. Smith, vice president for mission and student engagement, presented the award plaque to Amanda Gonzalez Garcia. Ms. Nikki Watkins, chair of Barry’s Community Advisory Committee, made the presentation to Joseph Minani.

The primary purpose of the awards is to publicly recognize students, faculty, staff/administrators, departments, and community partners for their participation, contributions, and achievements in various areas of community engagement. Furthermore, each award is designed to encourage excellence in university–community collaboration and to inspire similar achievements by others.

The 10th Annual Community Engagement Awards Ceremony is scheduled for the last Wednesday of March. Additional information and the nomination forms are available at the CCSI website.

Collaborative Service Day Marks Start of Barry Founders’ Week: A Pictorial

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SYMPOSIUM: Proposals for presentations at Barry’s 9th Annual Community Engagement Symposium will be accepted from students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARDS: “Community Partnership” is one of seven categories of awards in which nominations are being accepted.

THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL FOR REFUGEES: Church World Service Miami’s Thanksgiving Festival for recently resettled refugees took place on campus with the support of students, faculty, and staff.