Join the Hobby School of Public Affairs and the College Debates and Discourse Alliance for the 2026 Civic Engagement Boot Camp on Friday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Heritage Room at the Bates Law Building. This interactive workshop is designed to help participants strengthen the skills needed to engage in meaningful conversations and lead effectively in classrooms, organizations and public service.

Attendees will explore political polarization and take part in a guided, non-competitive debate experience focused on civil dialogue around timely and complex issues. The sessions will be facilitated by Sadie Webb, associate director of the CD&D Alliance. Over lunch, participants will hear from Julian Ramirez, an at-large council member of the Houston City Council, who chairs the Quality of Life Committee and serves as vice chair of the Public Service Delivery Committee.

The event is free and open to the campus and surrounding community, but space is limited.

Fall 2025 Highlights

At the Civic Engagement Boot Camp on Sept. 12, 2025, more than 40 participants heard from local experts about the upcoming elections, the history of voting in the region and state and ways they could leverage their voices and stories into action. 23 students and community members  became volunteer deputy registrars to assist in registering eligible voters. See more about the featured topics and speakers by reading the Fall 2025 agenda.

About the Civic Engagement Boot Camp

The Civic Engagement Boot Camp is an interactive session designed to teach the skills necessary to create positive change. The workshop aims to develop and enhance the abilities required to lead effectively within any environment.