James Madison Center for Civic Engagement

James Madison University defines civic engagement as advancing the legacy of James Madison, the Father of the Constitution, by preparing individuals to be active and responsible participants in representative democracy dedicated to the common good.

The James Madison Center for Civic Engagement emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge to make one a more informed citizen, skills to make one a more effective citizen, and values that embrace pluralism, open-mindedness and diversity. The Madison Center is a nonpartisan entity that works in partnership with academic and student affairs, and with community partners, to advance JMU’s vision to be the national model of the engaged university.