Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education

05/11/2026

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Ralph Munro Institute for Civic Education is preparing an important community conversation about democracy, civic engagement, and the enduring ideas at the heart of our nation.

This fall, Western Washington University will welcome acclaimed Yale historian Joanne Freeman as keynote speaker for the 2026 Munro Institute Fall Seminar. Professor Freeman, a leading scholar of the Founding era, will engage with students, educators, and the public through a series of conversations exploring how the principles of America’s founding continue to shape civic life today.
The seminar will remain free and open to the public, thanks to the support of donors who believe in the importance of civic education and informed dialogue.
There is also an exciting opportunity to increase your impact: the Institute has applied for a National Endowment for the Humanities matching grant that would double every dollar raised, up to $25,000.

Please consider making a gift to support this important work and help expand opportunities for civic learning and community engagement.

https://alumniq.wwu.edu/page/GiveNow?iqfund=6641000&appealcode=AIQ-GN&brid=YWdncwGoodI89va2G0ykSoXG-VVV

Western Washington University's main campus is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin, all throughout the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades watershed from time immemorial. We express our deepest respect and gratitude to our Indig...

05/07/2026

What a great way to spend a few Saturdays. Thanks to the Cascadia Daily for inviting me to participate in roundtable conversations with high school seniors about their communities, their hopes/fears and our political moment. Great insights and questions about AI, political extremism, echo chambers, affordability and more!

Spent last Saturday morning at the Ferndale library with Whatcom County students and looking forward to Burlington-Edison high school this weekend with students in Skagit County!

Don't have pictures to share (yet), but keep your eye out for Charlotte Alden's articles in the week's ahead.

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04/02/2026

Western Give Day is nearly upon us. Click on the link to see what the Munro Institute has been up to, and to give us a jump start with your donation. As we work to expand civic education opportunities that target k12 students, college students and the broader community, we would love your support! Funds collected during this drive will bring a wide range of speakers to campus and help us support students engaging in civic service and civic education themselves.

12/02/2025

As 2025 draws to a close, the Munro Institute celebrates a year of impact—honoring Ralph Munro’s legacy through programs that empower future leaders:

-Connecting Students to State Leadership: WWU political science students traveled to Olympia to meet state leaders, gaining insight into policymaking and public service careers.
-Global Exchange for Civic Learning: We welcomed 25 young leaders from 11 Southeast Asian countries for a five-week program on governance and community engagement.
-Celebrating Ralph Munro’s Legacy: Our fall event drew over 200 participants for conversations on citizenship, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
-Strengthening Local Partnerships: High school students joined us on campus to hear Eric Liu and explore civic leadership opportunities.
-New Initiatives: Collaborations with the League of Women Voters and Braver Angels will promote civil discourse across schools and communities.

Civic education and civil discourse are more needed than ever. Your gift today helps us expand these efforts and deepen our reach. [Donate here]: https://alumniq.wwu.edu/page/GiveNow?iqfund=6641000&appealcode=AIQ-GN

Thank you for supporting the Munro Institute and Ralph Munro’s vision for engaged citizenship.

Western Washington University's main campus is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin, all throughout the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades watershed from time immemorial. We express our deepest respect and gratitude to our Indig...

11/16/2025

The Munro Institute in partnership with the League of Women Voters has an exciting lineup of a speakers and panels this week for a forum that celebrates the life and legacy of state leader Ralph Munro with lessons for democracy, civic engagement and working together to address the problems in our midst.
A few highlights:
· Eric Liu of Citizens University will offer a thoughtful, candid, and hopeful talk about the power of civic engagement and an expansive understanding of citizenship, will give the keynote address at 5 pm on Tuesday, November 18 (reception and book signing starts at 4 pm).
· Current Lt Gov Denny Heck and former Secretaries of State Kim Wyman and Sam Reed will discuss their experiences with challenges and successes in cross-party collaboration at the state level.
· A series of non-profit and local government leaders will discuss voluntarism, local action and fostering partnerships to address environment, public health, and other local challenges.
If you are in Bellingham or the surrounding vicinity, I encourage you to come. Eric Liu will be signing books, and we'll have free parking (and free food!) And if you can't get to Western, all events are available through livestream.

Check out the Munro Institute website https://chss.wwu.edu/.../ralph-munro-seminar-civic-education for more information.
Pre-registration required to watch the keynote remotely; RSVP through our website encouraged for those attending in person so we make sure we have enough chairs (and enough food).