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Preview 2023

Thanks for joining us at Preview this summer!

Conference Sessions

Our Conference Sessions, listed either as "Preview Service Project" or "Volunteer and Community Engagement" take place on Preview Day 1, 3:10 to 3:30 p.m. and 3:35 to 3:55 p.m. in Schroeder 212. During the session, we'll be packing backpacks for our community partner, the Back to School Alliance. In 2022, the Back to School Alliance distributed 4,000 backpacks to local kids, making sure that all kids were ready for school on the first day of classes.

School Supply Donations

Each year, Preview participants are asked to bring school supplies when they visit campus and those supplies are then stuffed into backpacks for local students. If you would like to contribute supplies, simply drop them off at Preview check-in or bring them to our conference sessions. You can also visit the Amazon wish list for our community partner on this project, the Back to School Alliance. Thanks for considering a purchase!

Back to School Alliance Supply List:

  • Backpack (15” minimum)
  • Colored Pencils (12 count box)
  • Glue Sticks (Washable)
  • Markers (Washable, thick, standard colors)
  • Pink Eraser
  • #2 Pencils (lead, 10-12 count box)
  • Post-it notes
  • Highlighters
  • Spiral Notebook (Wide Ruled, 70 pages)
  • Composition notbeook
  • Plastic folders
  • Zippered Binder (1.5–2”)
  • Divider Tabs (5 count)
  • 3-Ring Binder (1.5”)
  • Index Cards (3×5” lined)
  • Loose Paper (Wide Ruled)
  • Ruler (Standard/Metric, 12”)
  • Crayons (24 count box)
  • Fiskar Scissors
  • Pens (Black and Blue, 10 or 12 count package)

boxes of markers in a pile.

Conference Session Resources

Center for Civic Engagement

The Center is your campus resource for civic engagement opportunities and resources.

Contact the center at CivicEngagement@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-1100.

Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks is a program from the Center for Civic Engagement that offers student-directed service trips. Learn more on the Alternative Breaks website.

Contact Alternative Breaks at AlternativeBreaks@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-1100.

Minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility

Illinois State offers an interdisciplinary minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility. For more information on this minor, visit the website, contact your academic advisor, or reach out to the Center for Civic Engagement at CivicEngagement@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-1100.

Register to Vote!

Visit the Redbird Voter Guide for all of the information you'll need about upcoming elections in Illinois.

A globe graphic showcasing types of civic engagement: Activism/Advocacy, Civic Learning, Community Service/Volunteerism, Service Learning, Community Engaged Internship, Philanthropy/Fundraising, Political Engagement, Community Engaged Research, and Social Entrepreneurship/Social Innovation.

Fall 2023 Highlights

Destination Uptown

Join us for Destination Uptown on August 18, 3 to 6 p.m., to get acquainted with your new community and explore all the potential Uptown Normal has for you, including great food, entertainment, community resources, and employment near campus! Complete the scavenger hunt as you explore your new community, get freebies, and enjoy music in the Uptown Circle (4 to 6 p.m.) from Backseat Radio. Start at our building (300 W. North Street, across from Watterson Dining) and wind your way through Uptown.

Service Projects

Start the academic year off right by volunteering locally while you learn more about our community partners. We'll offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in September and October as part of our September Service Days program.

Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks give you an amazing opportunity to travel across the country or around the world and make a #RedbirdImpact through service. Applications for our winter break trips will open the first week of classes, and applications for spring and summer break trips will open in October. Don't miss your opportunity! See the Alternative Breaks website for more information.

Other Campus Opportunities for Civic Engagement

Office of Sustainability

The Office of Sustainability is an amazing resource for those interested in environmental concerns. Learn more on the Office of Sustainability website.

Contact the Office of Sustainability at Sustainability@IllinoisState.edu

Peace Corps Prep Program

The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development hosts an amazing Peace Corps Prep Program at Illinois State. If you're interested at all in Peace Corps, don't miss this opportunity.

Contact the Stevenson Center at pcprep@illinoisstate.edu

Political Engagement

For political engagement on campus, consider running for office through the Student Government Association or the Association of Residence Halls.

Student Organizations

Illinois State offers hundreds of organizations for students, and many of these groups have service components or focus solely on service. For more information groups on campus, visit Redbird Life.