Making Social Impact, or “How Do I Write and Act?”

Research writing and civic engagement are the two main pathways for arts and humanities students and researchers to practice (academic) integrity and create social impact. I will discuss these two areas shortly under separate subheadings, but it is necessary to note that there is a dynamic interplay between knowledge and engagement, between theory and practice. To be truly transformative, theory, knowledge, and research should inform practice, engagement, and policy making, just as the latter should inform the former. It is within this socially oriented framework that knowledge and engagement cannot be neatly separated from one another. This interconnectedness enables students to become active participants in the simultaneous (co)creation of knowledge and the transformation of society. In the following subsections, I highlight the importance of transformative research writing and civic engagement practices as interdependent and mutually reinforcing.

Research Writing. While sometimes inadequately defined and taught as proper documentation of other sources in one’s writing, academic integrity extends beyond adhering to technical proprietary requirements. It involves internalizing the values and practices associated with ethical research writing geared toward producing socially relevant knowledge. Thus, instilling the values of academic integrity in students requires moving beyond bare technical instruction toward a scaffolded and collaborative writing approach that fosters an engaging, meaningful, and transformative learning experience. This approach can take the form of guided in-class writing assignments with incremental levels of complexity, allowing students to practice and acquire essential skills in a supportive environment. Here, I explore four ways through which scaffolded collaborative writing helps students develop their research writing skills while also promoting social impact.

Engaged learning environment: Scaffolded collaborative writing fosters an engaged learning environment where students work together in groups, promoting community and cooperation. This collaborative experience enables students to exchange ideas, ask questions, and receive feedback from peers, nurturing essential aspects of academic growth and interpersonal skills necessary for effective civic involvement. These feedback sessions highlight the significance of collective evaluation and open dialogue in refining strategies and approaches for social action.

Problem articulation: Scaffolded research writing emphasizes the importance of articulating problems effectively and eloquently. This practice also helps students reframe old questions in new ways, shedding insight on implicit assumptions and opening new pathways of inquiry. Such skills in problem articulation are transferable to civic engagement, where defining the root causes of societal issues is crucial for effective advocacy.

Problematizing solutions: By analyzing the effectiveness of existing solutions, students can identify shortcomings in current approaches to social problems and develop a deeper understanding of complex social issues. This critical examination allows for learning from problematic practices, such as in policy making, and inspires innovative approaches to problem solving. For civic engagement, this process of challenging the status quo and envisioning alternative solutions is fundamental to driving social progress.

Finding better solutions: The ultimate goal of research should be finding better ways of addressing societal challenges. Scaffolded collaborative writing fosters an environment where students can propose improved solutions, informed by their research and insights, with the aim of making a positive impact on society. When transitioning to civic engagement, this mindset translates to actively seeking out and advocating for innovative and sustainable solutions to pressing social and environmental problems.

Civic Engagement. Civic engagement involves active participation in society to address social issues and promote positive change. While few students may identify as activists, most if not all are highly conscious of the impact of their actions and aspire to contribute to the welfare of their communities through their careers. Here are four common forms of civic engagement that can and should be integrated into postsecondary education, aligning with the production of socially relevant knowledge.

Awareness campaigns: Awareness campaigns promote active learning and meaningful engagement with societal issues. For example, students can create zines, small self-published booklets, to convey important messages and narratives about specific social concerns. Exhibits or fairs can also showcase students’ work on various issues, sparking dialogue and creating a platform for raising awareness. These projects combine creativity and academic research to effectively communicate social messages, empowering students to be public advocates for change.

Social media activism: Social media activism involves using online platforms to advocate for social causes and mobilize support. Students can learn how to leverage the power of social media to promote awareness, share information, and engage with wider audiences beyond academia. This form of civic engagement can have a significant impact, reaching people globally and fostering conversations around critical issues. By incorporating principles of research writing and other forms of knowledge production, such as podcasts and blogs, students can use social media to disseminate well-researched and well-articulated messages, enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of their advocacy.

Community conversations: Engaging in community conversations allows students to interact with local communities, listen to their perspectives and concerns, and gain valuable insights into community needs. These insights can, then, be utilized to inform students’ research and engagement efforts, guiding the search for solutions that address real-life challenges. Additionally, such interactions foster empathy, community, and a deeper understanding of the social contexts in which change is sought, promoting more informed and sustainable approaches to social impact.

Artivism: Artivism, or the integration of art and activism, serves as a dynamic form of civic engagement that utilizes creative expression to catalyze social change. By leveraging the power of artistic mediums, students can transcend linguistic barriers and connect with diverse audiences, which makes artivism a powerful tool for raising awareness and creating impact. Encouraging students to explore various art forms enables them to communicate thought-provoking messages about pressing societal issues, inspire transformative conversations, and promote a more just and equitable society.