(Updated Documents In ODEI Drive)

Event Proposal and Planning Document

Due to our departmental observance of a lack of participatory initiatives geared toward students, and to strengthen our commitment to democratic values and civic engagement, this showcase will serve as a vibrant platform where student voices serve to shape campus culture and policy.

Through meaningful dialogue and creative expression, participants will demonstrate how their organizations plan to actively contribute to democratic principles in action. After deliberation, program attendees will take part in democratic voting on the allocation of grant resources.

The event structure will model democratic processes by combining elements of town halls, participatory budgeting, and public forums - demonstrating democracy as both a system of governance and a way of life in our campus community.

As a collective, students will present about how their organizations will contribute to a ‘better imagined and civically engaged’ campus through informative, engaging, and entertaining programming.

• Civic engagement refers to individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern, including volunteering, community service, voting, and active participation in community organizations
  • Students will demonstrate their understanding of civic responsibilities through concrete action plans and community involvement initiatives
  • Organizations will showcase how they empower members to become active citizens and contribute to positive social change
• Democracy is a system of governance where power and decision-making authority rests with the people and decisions are made through collective deliberation, everyone has equal rights and opportunities to participate, and diverse voices and perspectives are valued and heard.
  • The event will demonstrate democratic principles through:
    • Student-led presentations and performances that showcase diverse perspectives and organizational backgrounds
    • Open dialogue between presenters and audience members
    • Collaborative decision-making in determining grant recipients where attendees have direct input

Audible Summary

We're excited to present the Mosaic Imagination ODEI Student Showcase, a transformative event that brings student voices to the forefront of campus culture. Set for March 28, 2025, in the prestigious Rogel Ballroom at the University of Michigan, this two-hour afternoon showcase will unite 200-600 engaged participants in a unique democratic experience. The event will feature powerful monologues from our planning team members, who will illuminate the core principles of democracy and civic engagement, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue and participation.

Student organizations will share their visions through creative performances and thoughtful proposals, leading to a collaborative decision-making process where attendees help allocate $10,000 in grant funding. Organizations seeking grants must submit comprehensive proposals that include detailed budget breakdowns, specific action plans for community involvement, and concrete strategies for promoting democratic engagement. We've carefully budgeted $22,000 (with an optional $2,500 for streaming services) to create a professional, impactful event that includes state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, comprehensive marketing, and refreshments.

Beyond the immediate distribution of grants, this showcase will foster future civic leaders, build lasting partnerships across departments, and establish a blueprint for sustainable student-led initiatives. By blending traditional presentation formats with modern engagement tools like digital voting, we're creating more than just an event – we're building a model for meaningful democratic participation in university life.

Appendix

We could consider giving monologues ourselves/emcees on the core values.

Audience participation should be encouraged.

Could also consider having shorter performances and having groups present their proposals as well.