About the Center

Why Establish A Center for Political Participation?

America's shrinking voter turnout grabs the headlines, but participation in other forms of political engagement-such as sending letters to elected officials, supporting a candidate or party, attending a rally on behalf of a cause, or even talking about politics with family and friends-has also sharply declined in recent years. This withdrawal of citizens from the political realm is alarming. Democracy cannot long endure when average citizens shun their role in politics and government. "The cure for the ailments of democracy," wrote Thomas Dewey, "is more democracy." We could not agree more.

A Broad Range of Activities

• Student-centered programs, such as research fellowships, innovative class offerings, unique internships, voter registration drives, guest lecturers and instructors, summer opportunities, and related travel experiences
• Distinctive community outreach projects, such as high school summer events, teacher training sessions, on-campus seminars, debates, and other civic programs
• Scholarly activities, including conferences and panel discussions, a lecture series, and the publication of cutting-edge research, including work that focuses on diverse groups

The Center for Political Participation is located on the Allegheny College campus in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The Center is housed in the northeast corner of historic Brooks Hall, built in 1879. It boasts an office area, a conference room, and numerous student workstations.

Click here for directions to the Center for Political Participation.

For more information:

Center for Political Participation
Allegheny College
P.O. Box 98
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335

Phone: 814-332-6201
Fax: 814-332-2301
E-mail: cpp@allegheny.edu

To Contact Dan Shea, Director of the CPP:

Dan Shea
Allegheny College
P.O. Box 158
Meadville, PA 16335

Phone: 814-332-3344
E-mail: dshea@allegheny.edu