It was in the spring of 2021 that the University of Delaware announced the launch of this phenomenal initiative to engage young people on a journey with the generous support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. 

We have now completed five years of the pilot of SNF Ithaca. In that time, we have grown the impact and reach—both at the University of Delaware and beyond. SNF Ithaca has become a recognized leader within the growing civil discourse space as the home for students to come and learn about the intersection of civil discourse and public policy. As I stress at our SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue and Delaware Dialogues for Future Leaders events, public policy is simply “communities trying to achieve something as communities.” We need to be able to talk together before we can act together. Young people are learning what skills and dispositions are necessary for them to be thoughtful and engaged citizen-leaders.

Whether a day, weekend, semester, year, or beyond, SNF Ithaca provides safe passage in troubled waters. We help young people recognize their capacity and skills to foster healthier habits for democracy. 

For the past five years, the University of Delaware and our broader network have been on a beautiful journey because of the support and partnership of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. SNF Ithaca has been committed to cultivating an informed understanding of the democratic principles of civil discourse and civic engagement within the mediated public square. We use three simple, but powerful, words: Learn. Engage. Act. For us, this means helping students learn about information and ideas, engage in meaningful dialogue with others, and act in service to their communities. Our journey forward continues to be defined by our students and a commitment to the educational experience that prepares them to be leaders who are thoughtful and engaged democratic citizens. 

- Timothy Shaffer, Ph.D.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Chair of Civil Discourse

Director, SNF Ithaca Initiative