Community engagement is at the heart of JMU's mission to be the national model of the engaged university. By working on local projects, students set the stage for meaningful professional careers. Political science students share their knowledge with others and give back to the local community. This engagement reverberates positively on both professional careers and personal lives.

JMU's M.A. program in political science actively promotes civic engagement and community involvement through a number of initiatives. Graduate students “pay-it-forward” by teaching European politics in English to young Florentines in local schools. They also take part in social activities to improve the quality of life in the university's surrounding neighborhood.

These activities create a feeling of community. They instill a sense of responsibility and empathy that can be applied at home and across the world.

The Big Event

The Big Event

Founded in 2011, The Big Event is JMU's annual day of service. Since 2014, the master's program has joined more than 72 nationwide and global teams. The Big Event is an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to show their appreciation for the surrounding community through service and beautification projects helping to clean-up common spaces and remove graffiti. Follow the event on Twitter at hashtag #TheBigEvent!

Learning Europe

Learning Europe

Learning Europe is a local initiative that brings European Union policy studies into local high school classrooms. Armed with the knowledge that they have of the European Union, students teach Italian students during their regular English language courses about the EU and its functioning through presentations, games and other interactive teaching and experiential learning methods. An excellent mentoring opportunity, Learning Europe is a rewarding experience for JMU Masters students and participants alike.

Angeli del Bello

Angeli del Bello

Taking its name from volunteers, the so-called "Angeli del Fango" (Mud Angels), during the historic 1966 flood in Florence, Angeli del Bello (Angels of Beauty) is a local community beautification initiative. From cleaning up piazzas to painting over graffiti the organization works throughout the year to help make Florence a more beautiful place for everyone to live.

Corri la Vita

Corri la Vita

Corri la Vita is a breast cancer awareness fundraiser walk/run held annually in September in the city of Florence. Each year you can spot JMU graduate and undergraduate students proudly wearing the event's official t-shirt among the over 32,000 participants.

Associazione Via Maggio

Associazione Via Maggio

Associazione Via Maggio is a community organization comprised of residents and local merchants that reside around the historic street, Via Maggio. The aim of the association is to improve the neighborhood and the quality of life for residents and those who work in the area installing new lighting, reducing graffiti, and pushing for safer street conditions for residents and tourists. JMU Florence participates regularly in community meetings and initiatives to continually improve and maintain this important cultural landmark.

Angeli della Città

Angeli della Città

Angeli della Città has been helping the homeless and elderly since the late 90s, distributing food and clothes, grocery shopping and even paying general utility bills for families in need. Every Wednesday at noon in Santa Maria Novella they provide a meal to hundreds of people. Since 2017 JMU Florence has hosted multiple Thanksgiving Food Drives to donate food to those most in need in the surrounding community.

Back to Top