September 14-17, 2009
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This Year's Theme
Meet the Committee
Bear Build
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2009-10 Public Affairs Theme
In light of recent global and domestic economic developments, it seems appropriate that the University community should spend time considering the nature of these changes as well as their numerous impacts. The theme selection committee envisions a wide variety of subtopics that might be included under this overriding topic. These include, but are not limited to:
- the causes of the recent economic turmoil and the prospects for the future;
- the impact of these developments on social equity, funding for the arts; charitable causes, student lives, etc.;
- the role that leadership has played in creating and will need to play in solving these economic realities; and
- the impact these trends will have on attempts to create green economies.
As is the case this year with the Sustainability theme, the intent will be to incorporate this new theme into as many campus activities and programs as possible. The PAW committee will work within the three essential components of the Missouri State University Public Affairs Mission (Ethical Leadership, Cultural Competency and Community Engagement) to meet the goals of Public Affairs Week. If you are interested in learning more about a specific component or working on a specific committee, e-mail the committee chair! You can also give your input by e-mailing paw@missouristate.edu .
Missouri State University's Mission—Public Affairs
Missouri State University’s Public Affairs mission guides the University as it develops its students into citizens aware of public issues and committed to contributing their knowledge and resources to improving the world around them. The public affairs mission includes three aspects: community engagement, cultural competency, and ethical leadership. Let’s explore each aspect.
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Community Engagement - Rachel Smith
More than ever, citizens are asked to form connections with the communities around them and actively contribute to their growth and progress. Everyone can invest his or her time, energy, talents and knowledge to help better their communities; examples include rallying people around a worthy cause, raising funds for life-saving research, or organizing volunteer efforts for an election campaign.
Missouri State will help students foster those skills and talents, such as communication skills, consensus building, and the ability to collaborate with others, that can create positive change. Activities such as Citizenship and Service-Learning courses, student organization projects, and volunteer work provide real-world opportunities to both strengthen these skills and benefit your community immediately.
The personal benefits of being engaged in your community are clear; employers look for potential employees who are interested in building relationships with others and give their time and talent beyond bare minimum requirements. Beyond the career interest, you will find deep satisfaction in being part of something that is bigger than yourself.
e-mail Rachel
Cultural Competence - Alex Kauffman
Our world is increasingly connected, interdependent, and complex. In this global community, successful students and graduates must be able to effectively communicate, collaborate, and utilize critical thinking skills in problem solving and consensus building to meet the challenges they encounter.
The cultural competencies component of the public affairs mission supports, encourages, and challenges students to better understand and relate to different cultures, as well as to develop relationships outside their specific culture in order to gain an enhanced understanding and appreciation of the different points of view that may be represented by other cultures and perspectives.
Missouri State students will have opportunities to connect with communities, populations and individuals different from themselves; numerous campus events, classroom activities, study away programs, exchange programs and cultural awareness endeavors help broaden our students’ perspectives. A culturally competent student’s skills are enhanced and improved intellectually, socially, and educationally through the public affairs orientation. Such students are also better equipped with the necessary skills required to effectively, yet sensitively, compete and relate as productive global citizens in an increasingly complex and diverse society.
e-mail Alex
Ethical Leadership - Christina Bowles
Ethical leadership is an essential component of Missouri State’s public affairs mission. Students and graduates will find both leadership skills and strength of moral character necessary as they help their communities grow in a socially-responsible manner and inspire others to contribute their time and talents.
While most think leadership is a position that only a few can hold, Missouri State believes that leadership is an action that everyone can choose to take. By making the decision and effort to use the influence they have to impact their communities in a positive way, students will become ethical leaders regardless of their titles or status. Specific academic classes, participation in student organizations, and experiences with faculty and peers here at Missouri State will help students cultivate those ethical leadership skills and prepare them to use their influence more effectively.
There are several reasons why ethical leadership will be invaluable to students and graduates. Employers are drawn to student leaders who take on responsibility, inspire and motivate others, make ethical decisions, and create innovative solutions to problems. Through the development of their own leadership skills, students also gain a sense of moral integrity and self-confidence that they find personally fulfilling. All students at Missouri State University are challenged to accept the responsibility of becoming leaders who model honesty and ethical behavior as they work to make a difference in their communities.
e-mail Christina
Public Relations/SGA & SAC Liason - Robert Trisler
PAW Overall Chair - Megan Hammer
Missouri State students are truly lucky to be able to benefit from the Public Affairs mission at our university. Public Affairs Week is an essential part of this mission. During the week, students come together with the community to work towards common goals and make the world a better place. We have some very exciting events planned for the 2009 Public Affairs Week, that I'm sure you will find to be great opportunities for service and growth. I'm very proud to be heading up such a hard working team. If you have any comments or questions about Public Affairs Week, feel free to email me at Hammer816@missouristate.edu.