Support for Student Activists

Civic Engagement is committed to providing resources, connections, and scaffolding for students who work toward social justice in the community and the world.  We want to acknowledge, though, that direct service is not the only way to make a difference. Civic Engagement enthusiastically supports activism and grass roots organizing--and the students involved in working to influence change using these tactics—both on and off campus.

Civic Engagement offers the following supports for students interested in or already involved in activism both on and off Bryn Mawr's campus:

• 100 percent transportation reimbursement for students using SEPTA to travel to activist events in the greater Philadelphia region;
• Student Activism Grants of up to $20 to support travel to activism events outside of the greater Philadelphia region;
• A collection of resources to support student activists published on our webpage and Instagram account;
• An annual on-campus activism training for students to help them develop more effective organizing skills;
• Use of our professional network to connect with local social justice organizations to support activist work and causes.

While Civic Engagement cannot endorse specific causes or actions, we can support students in their work by helping them develop the skills to be as effective in their organizing efforts as possible. Social change is accomplished using many different approaches and Civic Engagement supports students in whichever approach they choose.  We wish to offer encouragement and guidance to all students in their efforts to be agents of social change.

Transportation Reimbursement

Civic Engagement provides funding for students who wish to attend conferences, protests or rallies related to civic engagement in an effort to encourage student participation in the democratic process and active engagement in public policy. Learn more about Civic Engagement's Transportation Reimbursement Program. Questions? Sydney Robertson srobertso1@brynmawr.edu

• The civic engagement opportunity must be open to any member of the College community who wishes to attend. Activities cannot restrict admission in any way.
• Students who are involved in civic engagement activities subsidized by this funding agree that they are doing so on their own and not as representatives of Bryn Mawr College.

Activist events (protests, rallies, demonstrations, etc.) within the greater Philadelphia region:

Students participating in activist events that are accessible using SEPTA should use the Civic Engagement Protests, Rallies, and Community Organizing Events Reimbursement Request form.  Please complete the form, providing information about the event and attaching any and all SEPTA receipts. Forms should be turned in to the Civic Engagement office located in Dolwen on Cambrian Row. 

Activist events (protest, rallies, demonstrations, etc.) outside of the greater Philadelphia region:

Students must sign a travel waiver form and return it to Civic Engagement prior to attending the conference, protest or rally. Students who do not turn in a completed waiver form prior to the funded event may not be eligible for reimbursement.

Civic Engagement is not responsible for arranging or providing transportation to or from conferences, protests or rallies. If a group of students elects to rent a College van, the cost of the van will be divided among the students traveling in the van and will be subtracted from the allotted reimbursement amount for each student. A list of students traveling in the van must be submitted to Civic Engagement in advance of the trip and the trip must be approved by the Bryn Mawr College Transportation Department.

In order to receive reimbursement, students must complete a Student Activism Fund Reimbursement Request form and submit it along with any original receipts to Civic Engagement within five days of the event. 

Civic Engagement reserves the right to confer with the Dean of the College if the nature of the conference, rally or protest appears to conflict significantly with the values of the College. Bryn Mawr College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

Any students who are organizing a trip to a civic engagement related conference, protest or rally are encouraged to contact Ellie Esmond at x6591 or eesmond@brynmawr.edu in Civic Engagement for guidance in planning their event.