Despite the unique challenges posed throughout 2020, Alabamians found ways to continue serving their communities and addressing new needs. The DMC was fortunate to work remotely with our partners statewide to continue programming safely, and we hope you enjoy this month-by-month journey through a year like no other.

In honor of Women’s History Month, here’s a short overview of just a few women who have made Alabama better and stronger.

The staff and Board of Directors of the David Mathews Center for Civic Life announce the summer 2021 departure of Cristin F. Brawner as Executive Director.

On January 22, the DMC hosted the first ever virtual JOIP Intern Retreat! Over 30 students and faculty mentors from eight universities and community colleges across the state met via Zoom to get to know each other, play games, and share their upcoming JOIP programming and projects for the Spring semester.

The David Mathews Center (DMC) is now accepting applications for its Innovators in Civic Education Fellowship!

There are countless African-Americans who have made Alabama better. For Black History Month, we’re going to highlight just a few.

The David Mathews Center for Civic Life is pleased to announce our Jean O’Connor-Snyder Internship Call for Proposals for the 2021-22 academic year!

Since December 2020, the David Mathews Center (DMC) has visited 20 counties all over Alabama as part of the Alabama Provider Capacity Project (APCP). This is a joint project between the Alabama Medicaid Agency, the Alabama Department of Mental Health, and the VitAL Initiative at The University of Alabama School of Social Work. APCP proposes to increase Alabama’s capacity to provide substance use treatment and expand provider participation options.

A presidential inauguration is one of America’s most sacred traditions. Since the swearing in of George Washington to today’s ceremony, American inaugurations have been filled with historic, odd, patriotic, and unusual moments. Here’s a glimpse of notable stories from past inaugurations:

Confused about voting? Just curious? We’ve compiled an A – Z list of definitions, resources, and deep dives to demystify the voting process. Whether you’re looking for more information about absentee voting or just geeking out about electoral history, we’ve got you covered.

November is Native American Heritage Month! We want to take time to honor the histories, cultures, and stories of indigenous people groups. To learn more about Native American culture, young students can read the book The Star People: A Lakota Story. In November, we will partner with the Albert L. Scott Public Library to commemorate Native American Heritage month.

We partnered with the National Conference on Citizenship and University of Alabama to talk about a new approach to teaching history.

We are hosting a free, virtual professional development opportunity titled Teaching Difficult History: Discussing Reconstruction in the Classroom. This workshop will include two modules that can be completed at your own pace, and one live Zoom session from 4-6 p.m on October 28th. Participants who complete the workshop will be eligible for 4 clock hours of professional learning.You can register for the workshop here.

Alabama citizens have until October 31 to complete the 2020 Census and have their voices heard! By submitting your data to the Census Bureau, you help allocate funding and resources that benefit your community. Alabama-specific information can be found at https://census.alabama.gov/. Get counted today!

This month, the David Mathews Center will launch a new weekly newsletter called Homeroom! Families can use Homeroom as a guide in developing civic engagement skills, understanding history, and growing in citizenship. Families can sign up for this weekly newsletter here.

We're happy to announce that AmeriCorps member Abby Holcombe has joined our team thanks to the YWCA of Central Alabama’s "Building Communities, Bettering Lives" program.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder intern Harrison Carter interviews Elba Mayor Mickey Murdoch on the ups and downs he has faced in his decade of service.

Mickey Murdock came home to Elba after four years in the military hoping to build a successful life. A long-time resident, Murdock grew to love the community as he raised his family.

What he never imagined was becoming a politician.

That changed in 2011 when he took office as Elba’s mayor after the untimely death of Mayor James Grimes.

Jean O’Connor-Snyder intern Laynie Snyder emphasizes the work being done by Walker County organizations to address the opioid crisis and how they have adapted during the pandemic.

I know that it would be very difficult for most of us to find one area of our lives that COVID has not dramatically changed. Generally, I think it is fair to say that many people are doing the most they can do to address the challenges that COVID has caused. Originally that meant finishing the school year out online, restaurants serving food only via delivery or take-out, and working from home if possible – even as a civic engagement intern.

However, it's pretty easy to see that the introduction of COVID has also exacerbated some pre-existing issues in communities, and just because we are in the midst of a pandemic doesn't mean that we can overlook or stop working on these other issues. Walker County, AL, has been in the midst of an opioid epidemic for over a decade, and COVID has absolutely had an impact on the county's continued response. 

Jean O’Connor-Snyder intern Thomas Chapman highlights a young leader making a difference in the Chatom community. Chatom resident Sean Atchison is a teen who works hard for the change he wants to see happen. The recent graduate of Washington County High School, where he served as student body president, is an advocate for his community.

Jessica Ross, head of Washington County Library, said, “He has a passion for civic involvement and social justice, and it makes an impact among peers for sure, but also among adults.”