Department of Civic Engagement and Outreach Services
The Department of Civic Engagement and Outreach Services is dedicated to offering the Undergraduate Student Body nuanced ways to engage in public service and to build impactful relationships with UNC alumni. We believe that there are plenty of opportunities to serve on campus and in the greater Chapel Hill community, so we want to encourage students of all backgrounds to join this effort in making transformational change.
The department’s priorities include:
- Bridging the gap between the student body and student government – Our department is aware that some students may not feel like they have the space to voice their concerns or even know all that our student government does. For our government to succeed, we believe that a strong relationship between us and our student body is imperative. In order to foster this relationship, we want to focus on creating opportunities for open communication on both sides, ultimately creating a sense of trust and an environment where the student body can openly voice their comments, questions, and concerns and see the changes they want to see. We seek to do this through hosting “Pit Talks” – events in the Pit where students can talk directly to our department and learn about our initiatives.
- Improving Voter Registration – We believe that it is imperative for all students to have their voices heard in the political sphere, as real change begins at the ballot. Our department will host multiple voter registration drives in the lead-up to Election Day. Additionally, we plan to create a voting guide and host events to allow students to learn more about the candidates before they vote, increasing the overall civic knowledge and engagement among the student body.
- Ensuring access to service opportunities and engagement – We understand that many students, especially first-year students, may not know all the different opportunities to volunteer and help the Chapel Hill community. We are committed to ensuring that all students have access to the diverse service opportunities that UNC offers, and we look to host a service fair to achieve this goal.
- Fostering and enhancing student and alumni relationships – UNC has a wide range of alumni in many different careers. Our department plans to use these alumni to help students form professional connections and to inform students about potential career paths, opportunities, as well as the many ways that Carolina can help them succeed both during and after their time at Carolina.
- Advocating for Student Voting Day – In order to encourage as many students and professors to vote as possible, our department will continue to advocate for no classes to be held on Election day.
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Zoe Sinclair (she/her)Co-Director of the Department of Civic Engagement and Outreach Services|| Zoe.sinclair@unc.eduZoe Sinclair is from Durham, North Carolina, and is a junior majoring in Journalism and Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. Zoe has enjoyed her past two years at UNC as a journalist for the DTH on the University-Desk. During her Sophomore year, Zoe was a research assistant for a class partnered with the NAACP and EJI. In this role, she assisted students in ancestral research to help find and interview Black descendants of racial violence and lynchings in North Carolina and share their stories. Zoe also cherishes her current role as a SPARK counselor, where she helps create safe spaces to empower first-year minority women at UNC. In her free time, Zoe enjoys her role as the choreographer and service chair for her acapella group, as well as volunteering at the Carolina Community Garden. Zoe is excited to embark on a new journey with Student Government as the Co-Direct of Civic Engagement and Outreach Services and looks forward to working to help make UNC a place for everyone to call home. |
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Nicholas Hamilton (he/him)Co-Director of the Department of Civic Engagement and Outreach Services || deanham@unc.eduNicholas Hamilton is a sophomore History Major from Ft.Lauderdale, Florida. Nick is currently serving as the Co-Director of Civic Engagement and Outreach Services. Last Fall, he had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Stirling where he became involved in Student Government and other student organizations. |