Help build sustainable, just, and resilient communities
Join us in advancing equity, environmental justice, and social innovation through community-engaged research. Want to be part of the change?
Collaborating for sustainability, justice, and community impact
The Civil Society & Community Studies Department collaborates with communities, civil society organizations, and social movements to co-create a just future for all. Our work incorporates systems thinking, mixed methods, and community-engaged research approaches to conduct basic and applied research on topics such as criminal justice, environmental justice/sustainability, food justice and sovereignty, health and well-being, housing, urban studies, and youth.
A top-tier program for social change and community-engaged research
We aim to be among the top five programs nationally in:
- Studying, developing, and creating social change systems that address societal needs and problems through the lens of the third sector, public/private sector, and social innovation.
- Fostering equity and diversity in our faculty, curriculum, and student body.
- Applying rigorous research methods and multiple ways of knowing to study issues in partnership with impacted communities.
Expand your impact through UW's Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) initiative
Through RISE–AI, RISE–EARTH and RISE–THRIVE, we advance interdisciplinary research that empowers communities, strengthens civic life, and promotes just, sustainable futures. Guided by collaboration and a commitment to real-world impact, we explore issues surrounding:
Resilient communities
- How does the integration of youth voices in planning support resilient communities?
- How can community-based research be used to bolster community resilience?
- How can partnerships with Indigenous communities create more resilience in our society?
Solidarity/sustainable economies
- How can local communities foster economic resilience through cooperative economic models?
- What opportunities exist to scale cooperatives and other community-centered businesses into regional, place-based economies?
- What role do social enterprises play in promoting sustainable economic practices?
Environmental justice
- How can community-led initiatives effectively address environmental injustices?
- How might investments in sustainable food systems and food sovereignty support environmental justice in agricultural communities?
- How might communities address environmental injustices in ways that promote both environmental sustainability and health across the lifespan?
Civic engagement and well-being across the lifecourse
- How can intergenerational collaboration enhance community resilience and well-being?
- What are the most effective strategies for supporting civic engagement at different stages of the lifecourse?
- How might community-based research be used to identify barriers to civic engagement and potential strategies for overcoming these barriers?
AI ethics in communities
- How can community-based research help identify and mitigate biases in AI systems?
- What ethical considerations should be prioritized when integrating AI technologies into community services?
- How can communities ensure transparency and accountability in the use of AI?
Ignite change. Shape policy. Drive impact. Advance equity. Become faculty.
Our Civil Society & Community Studies faculty
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Melissa BublitzLiz Kramer Professor of Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship | Department Chair and Professor of Consumer Science | Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Matthew CalvertProfessor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Carolee Dodge FrancisLeola R. Culver Professor in Nonprofits and Philanthropy | Department Chair and Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Ben FisherAssociate Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Jennifer GaddisAssociate Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Cynthia JasperVaughan Bascom Professor of Women and Philanthropy | Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Kasey KeelerAssociate Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Carolina S. SarmientoAssociate Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
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Zoua M. VangMeta Schroeder Beckner Outreach Professor | Professor of Civil Society & Community Studies
Civil Society & Community Studies
Human Development & Family Studies
Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative is a multifaceted effort focused on faculty hiring, research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student opportunity.
RISE news at Human Ecology
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