Civil Discourse Ambassadors
The Portman Center leads programming that promotes civil discourse on campus, engages the broader community in public events, and mentors the next generation of leaders in civic thought and practice. In Fall 2026, the Portman Center launched the Applied Civil Discourse project, which expands these programs through the support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education Special Projects Program. The Civil Discourse Ambassadors program is a key component of that work.
Portman Center Civil Discourse Ambassadors are undergraduate student peer leaders who help lead conversations exploring civic issues. Ambassadors participate in training in reducing partisan polarization and in leading civil discourse; they play a leadership role in classroom and workshop settings.
Apply to be a Civil Discourse Ambassador
Eligibility requirements
- Undergraduate student enrolled full-time on UC main campus
- Available to work in person throughout Spring Semester in EITHER of these times: Thursdays 11:00–12:20
Thursdays 2:00–3:20 - Available for additional work time (totaling approximately 3 hours per week) scheduled at mutually agreeable times
Commitment
- January 4–April 30, 2027
- Approximately 3-4 hours of work/week starting one week prior to Spring Semester
- Work BEFORE the semester is ONLINE
- Work DURING the semester is primarily IN-PERSON
This position carries a $1500 stipend.
Applications should include:
1. A short statement of interest (max 250 words)
2. The name and email address of one UC faculty or staff member who has agreed to serve as reference
3. Indication whether you are available throughout Spring Semester on Thursdays 11–12:20 or 2–3:20. If you would be available for both, please list your order of preference.
4. Your resume
We will review applications on a rolling basis. Preference will be given to applications received by November 23.
Submit your application to portmancenter@uc.edu.