A conversation between Dr. David Hoffman, director of the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and Amanda Taylor, assistant vice president of civic and global engagement for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), was featured in the American Democracy Project February 2026 "ADP Connect" newsletter. 

In this conversation, "American Democracy Project's Theory of Change," Drs. Hoffman and Taylor discuss the ideas that shaped "Higher Education's Role in Enacting a Thriving Democracy: Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Theory of Change," a 2018 document that has been a touchstone for the American Democracy Project. Dr. Hoffman wrote the Theory of Change, which highlights innovations and examples from UMBC, in collaboration with leaders from three national higher education networks. Hoffman and Taylor also discuss the next steps for practitioners working to advance civic learning and democratic engagement at their own institutions.

Dr. Hoffman shared that he is excited to see renewed enthusiasm for the Theory of Change, discussions of which will take place at the American Democracy Project Summit on March 15-16 in Chicago. "The Theory of Change addresses how people can build thriving, inclusive communities even in a time of widespread polarization. It invites all of us in higher education to approach civic engagement as a set of empowering practices useful in everyday settings like schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. I love that lessons we are learning at UMBC have inspired higher education leaders across the U.S."