Our Mission and Vision
The Talloires Network of Engaged Universities is a growing global coalition of 427 university presidents, vice-chancellors and rectors in 85 countries who have publicly committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of their institutions. It is the largest international network focused particularly on university civic engagement.
We work together to implement the principles of the Talloires Declaration, collaborating with communities and partners to confront societal challenges such as disease, famine, structural racism, gender oppression, economic inequality, climate change, and political polarization.
We envision universities around the world as dynamic forces in their communities, incorporating civic engagement into their research and pedagogies — and building relationships through a productive exchange of knowledge, ideas, and practices.
We recognize and celebrate the diversity of ethical approaches to university civic engagement. We support engagement in all its forms including community-based research, applied research, service-learning, experiential learning, extension, volunteerism, public service, policymaking, political activism, and social entrepreneurship.
We strive to expand definitions of success in order to foster more inclusive and impactful university civic engagement. We advocate the most promising practices from our members, particularly those in the Global South.
We strategically partner with national and regional networks for university civic engagement. In solidarity, we are building a global movement of civically engaged universities.
Our Values
Our Goals
Organization
The Talloires Network of Engaged Universities is governed by an elected, international Steering Committee. In June 2011, Network members ratified Rules of Organization and Governance to institutionalize the Steering Committee’s responsibilities and called for replacement of the founding body with a Steering Committee nominated and elected by the full membership. University presidents, vice-chancellors, rectors and other higher education leaders bring their skills, experience, and resources to the table in guiding and supporting the Network’s strategic direction and activities.
Currently, the Steering Committee consists of 15 members. Nine are heads of higher education institutions, three are heads of regional networks for university civic engagement, one is a former Minister for Education and two are student representatives. The Committee represents 15 countries around the world (Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Egypt, England, Ghana, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Uganda, United States, Zimbabwe). Officers include a Chair (Nieves Segovia, President of Universidad Camilo José Cela) and a Vice-Chair (George Ladaah Openjuru, Vice Chancellor of Gulu University).
The Talloires Network of Engaged Universities is administered by a secretariat, which is based at the Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. The Executive Director of the secretariat reports to the Steering Committee Chair.
Currently, there are 427 Talloires Network member institutions across 85 countries. More information about our members can be found here.