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Certificate in Civic Engagement

Equip Yourself to Create Lasting Community Change

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Civic Engagement is not being offered during the 2026–27 academic year.

Learn to advocate effectively, organize strategically, and engage confidently with civic institutions.

The Certificate in Civic Engagement program at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple (LIAT) bridges academic understanding with practical leadership skills, preparing you to serve effectively in community organizing, advocacy, and civic institutions.

Who This Program Is For

Our program serves diverse individuals passionate about creating meaningful community change:

  • Community organizers seeking structured training and credibility
  • Grassroots activists who want to formalize their advocacy work
  • Working professionals looking to enhance their community leadership skills
  • Individuals who need to effectively communicate with civic institutions
  • Those seeking affordable, accessible education focused on social change
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A Comprehensive Two-Year Journey

The Certificate in Civic Engagement is a comprehensive two-year program offering 36 units of credit divided into:

  • Four semesters (Fall and Spring over two years)
  • Two intersessions
  • Capstone project development
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Curriculum and Course Sequence

Fall Semester:

September to December

Spring Semester:

February to May

Intersessions:

Spring Year 1 and Fall Year 2

Class Format: 

Weekly evening or Saturday morning sessions
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Key Dates

Orientation Session: TBD 

Classes begin: TBD

Late Registration Ends: TBD

Last Day to Drop Classes: TBD

YEAR ONE

Fall Semester

  • Oakland/Marin City Issues
  • Organizing Inevitable Change I

Intersession I

Spring Semester

  • Public Speaking
  • Organizing Inevitable Change II

YEAR TWO

Fall Semester

  • Social Policy/Social Change
  • Capstone Project Planning I

Intersession II

Spring Semester

  • Restorative Justice
  • Capstone Project Planning II
View Course Schedule

The LIAT Approach to Civic Engagement

Our program focuses on developing leaders who can effectively bridge grassroots community wisdom with formal institutional structures. Students learn to speak with authority in multiple contexts—from neighborhood meetings to city hall—while maintaining authentic connections to community needs and concerns. Learn More
The civic engagement program emphasizes:
  • Practical organizing skills that create sustainable change
  • Enhanced communication abilities for advocacy settings
  • Understanding of policy development and implementation
  • Tools for building effective community coalitions
  • Strategies for addressing systemic injustice
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How We Differ from the Emerging Leaders Program

While both our Certificate in Civic Engagement and Emerging Leaders Program focus on community leadership, they offer different approaches to learning:

Certificate in Civic Engagement

  • Primarily classroom-based learning with practical application
  • Structured curriculum with defined course sequence
  • Focus on academic foundations of community organization
  • Students earn 36 credits toward potential further education
  • Open enrollment to all qualified applicants

Emerging Leaders Program

  • More hands-on, experiential learning approach
  • Selective application process
  • Includes revolutionary writing module in January intersession
  • Culminates in the Certificate in Civic Engagement
  • Emphasizes servant leadership and direct community organizing
Many students participate in both programs simultaneously through dual enrollment.

Program Outcomes

Our program delivers both academic rigor and practical application through courses that bridge theory with community practice. The curriculum focuses on developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to effectively advocate for social change. Upon completion of the Certificate in Civic Engagement, you will be able to:
     
  • Engage confidently with government officials and civic institutions
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  • Develop and implement effective community organizing strategies
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  • Address complex social challenges with structured approaches
    •  
  • Build coalitions across diverse community stakeholders
    •  
  • Communicate persuasively in advocacy settings
    •  
  • Create and lead sustainable community initiatives
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Have Questions?

Visit our FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions about our programs. Find information about admissions requirements, tuition, class schedules, and the application process.

Learn more about our unique approach to community leadership education, our faculty, and how our program prepares you for effective advocacy in diverse settings.

Begin Your Leadership Journey Today
Transform your passion for community change into effective leadership with LIAT's Certificate in Civic Engagement. This two-year program provides the academic foundation, supportive community, and practical leadership skills you need to advocate with confidence and credibility.
Apply Now

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