UMBC’s Community Read provides discussions and events that foster intellectually stimulating interactions among all students surrounding the book. The Community Read is a program that allows everyone to come together to examine key issues in our global and local communities. Our working statement of purpose is to:
Create transformative experiences with our UMBC community through the simple act of reading together.
Our working vision includes the following:
- Fostering student empowerment and determination
- Creating a foundation for students to build their personal/professional development (notation for any skill building)
- Removing the sense of distance between the work and the reader; less analysis, more reflection
- Creating conversations that build community and connections
- Leveling the field; take away titles
- Engaging with others; shared learning
- Establishing a catalyst for changing the wider world; empowering agency
- Developing intercultural communication skills and connections
- Building a sustainable program
- Doing this because we mean it; not performative
- Keeping the connection to the importance of reading
- Creating transformative experiences