Student Opportunities at TNLC Provide Central Role for Emerging Leaders

by Bridget Landry, TN Youth And Student Engagement Specialist

I was a Global Studies major at Providence College not too long ago, and recently returned to my alma mater to teach. As a young colleague of the civic engagement practitioners who have long been my mentors, I work with dedicated student leaders who are positively shaping their communities every day. I am constantly reminded that it is our students who will realize our institutions’ futures. Knowing this, I am especially excited to share the Talloires Network’s plans to collaborate with emerging leaders at this year’s Leaders Conference in Veracruz, Mexico.

Since its inception, the Talloires Network has learned from and celebrated many outstanding examples of student-driven civic engagement initiatives. Network gatherings have been enriched by the presence and perspectives of student scholars, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Students have also directly influenced our governance, serving as representatives to our Steering Committee and members of our Secretariat staff at Tufts University.

Pictured: Student representatives at the
2013 TN Steering Committee meeting in New York City.

Given students’ vast contributions to our work to date, it is fitting that the Network invite students to participate alongside its leaders and practitioners in carving a path forward. At this year’s TNLC, student delegates will be equal contributors to the conference dialogue and key stakeholders in our visions for the future of engaged institutions. With the aim of maximizing student participation and collaboration, the Talloires Network Leaders’ Conference has created the following student-specific elements of TNLC:

Free Student Registration

TNLC registration fees are waived for all student attendees. Our Network recognizes students’ unique financial circumstances and removes the potential cost barrier to their participation presented by registration fees.

Student-Led Orientation Session

TNLC’s conference orientation will be student-designed and student-led. In collaboration with current Steering Committee representative-elect and student, Abigail Gómez, Universidad Veracruzana and the Talloires Network will prepare delegates to explore and reflect on the conference’s three sub-themes (Access to Education, Leadership, and Livelihoods) and to participate in shaping actions plans for the future.

Student Fellowship Opportunity

A select group of Student Fellows will play a leadership role at TNLC. The Talloires Network, in collaboration with YEPI partners and experts in disruptive pedagogies at the Universidad Veracruzana, presents an opportunity for students to apply to be Student Fellows.

Selected Fellows will collaborate with students from around the world to facilitate an action-planning process at the conference. They will receive training in leadership and disruptive pedagogies, and work directly with several higher education mentors.

Do you know a student who would be a perfect fit for the Fellowship role? Are you a student candidate with strong leadership skills who would like to play a leading role in our conference?

Click here to learn how to apply.

Student-Inclusive Conference Program

TNLC convenes civic engagement practitioners and leaders from around the world, and sees students as part of that group. Students delegates will learn from and contribute to the learning of other delegates. They are invited to participate actively in the conference dialogue, to choose breakout sessions most relevant to their interests and experiences, and to share learnings from their own civic engagement practices.

We urge our member institutions to support students in collaborating with the Talloires Network, and invite all student leaders dedicated to the future of engaged institutions to join us in Mexico! Register here, and please do not hesitate to reach out with questions.