ChangeMakers

How do we work together to inspire social change?

Creating solutions to problems that affect people and communities takes knowledge and skills along with a belief in the power of working together for a common purpose. This LLC explores change strategies and social movements to prepare students to collaborate for the public good. 

Students who participate in the ChangeMakers LLC will:

  • Live with up to 22 similarly interested students in Johnson-McFarlane (J-Mac) or Dimond Family Residential Village (DFRV). 

  • Learn together by enrolling in one 2-credit seminar for the Fall, Winter, and Springs quarters.

  • Build community together with staff and faculty mentors through programming in and out of the classroom, including retreats, dinners, speakers, and active learning excursions.

  • Learn from and work with the Cara DiEnno who is the Faculty Mentor for this LLC.

social-change-dinner

ChangeMakers LLC Breakdown

Academic Connections:

  • Community Engagement for the Public Good Certificate
  • Community-engaged courses and signature work

DU Campus Partnerships:

  • Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL)
  • Student Organizations such as DU Service and Change
  • USG Diversity Committee
  • Community Connections' affinity groups such as African Students United, Latine Student Alliance, Asian Student Alliance, etc
  • Puksta Scholars Program, an enriching four-year scholarship program and community open to Denver Colorado high school students who have been accepted to the University of Denver and who have an interest in social justice. Puksta Scholars participate in the Changemakers LLC. 

Examples of Programming:

  • In-class field trips around Denver and DU's campus such as Botanical Gardens
  • Cultural experiences such as museum visits at Museo de las Americas
  • So All May Eat (SAME) Cafe Denver field trip for lunch and learn about the organization
  • Potlucks and other community builder opportunities 
  • In-class guest speakers from the community and DU alumni
  • Overnight and urban retreats to Colorado History Museum Trip
  • Cross department collaboration programs with Honors and Pioneer Leadership Program such as Relax Night 

Class Topics:

  • Fall quarter: Denver Urban Issues and Policy
  • Winter quarter: Community Organizing
  • Spring quarter: From Public Good Theory to Action

The three courses associated with the ChangeMakers LLC can be applied to the Community Engagement for the Public Good Certificate through the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning.

C. DiEnno, smiling at camera

Faculty Mentor Spotlight

Cara DiEnno

Title: Executive Director, Center for Community Engagement to Advance Scholarship and Learning (CCESL)

Research & Teaching Focus: Community engagement, environmental communication, public participation in sustainability

What I Do: I facilitate community-engaged research and collaborations between students, faculty, and community partners. My work focuses on designing equitable public engagement processes that address social and environmental challenges. I also lead initiatives that bring together nonprofits, city agencies, and residents to create sustainable and just urban spaces.

Academic Background: Ph.D. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University; MS in Natural Resource Recreation & Tourism, Colorado State University; BS in Biomedical Sciences & Environmental Studies, Western Michigan University.

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