Join the Hobby School of Public Affairs and the College Debates and Discourse Alliance for the 2026 Civic Engagement Boot Camp on Friday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Heritage Room at the Bates Law Building. This interactive workshop is designed to help participants strengthen the skills needed to engage in meaningful conversations and lead effectively in classrooms, organizations and public service.

Attendees will explore political polarization and take part in a guided, non-competitive debate experience, following the collaborative selection of a topic reflecting the social and political issues that matter most to them. The sessions will be facilitated by Sadie Webb, associate director of the CD&D Alliance. Over lunch, participants will hear from Julian Ramirez, an at-large council member of the Houston City Council, who chairs the Quality of Life Committee and serves as vice chair of the Public Service Delivery Committee.

The event is free and open to the campus and surrounding community, but space is limited. Learn more about the day’s activities and the event speakers by reading the agenda.

Fall 2025 Highlights

At the Civic Engagement Boot Camp on Sept. 12, 2025, more than 40 participants heard from local experts about the November 2025 elections, the history of voting in the region and state and ways they could leverage their voices and stories into action. 23 students and community members became volunteer deputy registrars to assist in registering eligible voters. Revist the topics and speakers by reading the Fall 2025 agenda.

About the Civic Engagement Boot Camp

The Civic Engagement Boot Camp is an interactive session designed to teach the skills necessary to create positive change. The workshop aims to develop and enhance the abilities required to lead effectively within any environment.