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Pictured :

Mr. Theodore Diel - U.S. Consulate General in Sapporo (Second left), Dr. Susan E. Stroud -ICP (Fourth left), Dr. Susumu Satomi -President of Tohoku University (Fourth right), Ms. Laura Abbot -Tomodachi Initiative (Second right)

What can a university and students do for civic engagement?

Dr. Susan E. Stroud, the founder and Executive Director of 'Innovations in Civic Participation (ICP)' made a visit to Tohoku University and gave a keynote speech as well as guidance regarding civic engagement.

The U.S.-Japan Civic Engagement and Social Innovation Workshop was held at Tohoku University on July 10, 2014 with around 90 participants. The theme of the day was 'The role of the university and students in the community'. In between presentations, participants took part in discussions on preparing oneself for a future career through civic engagement, and shared tips for sustainable volunteer practices.

Dr. Susan E. Stroud: Founder and Executive Director, ICP

"Civic engagement is just like playing the violin. Even if you learn how to play the violin, you cannot play it without practicing. For civic engagement, you cannot be a citizen without practicing," said Dr. Stroud.

Dr. Stroud, Mr. Theodore Diehl from the US Consulate General Sapporo, and Ms. Laura Abbot from the TOMODACHI Initiative spoke with Tohoku University President Susumu Satomi, on the importance of the university participating in civic engagement.