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Don’t Miss WIP’s Civic Engagement Summit, featuring WVIA’s Julie Sidoni!

Don’t miss Women in Philanthropy’s
Civic Engagement Summit
Thursday, October 6th, at the Century Club of Scranton

Featuring Keynote Speaker Julie Sidoni of WVIA!


The Civic Engagement Summit hosted by Women in Philanthropy will take place on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at the Century Club of Scranton.

All are welcome to join in this event. Registration is $30 for the general public, $10 for students, and complimentary for WIP supporters!

Lunch, refreshments, and an evening networking reception are included.

During the Civic Engagement Summit, you’ll help formalize a community-wide program focusing on the Constitution and our democracy. You’ll participate in panel discussions and explore strategies on how to engage youth in civic education and you’ll explore the civic needs of the underserved to aid in removing existing barriers in our communities.

Women in Philanthropy’s Civic Engagement Summit
Thursday, October 6, 2022
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Century Club

(612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510)

Register here!

Registration closes on Tuesday, October 4th.


Civic Engagement Summit Agenda

Here’s a glimpse of what to expect during Thursday’s Civic Engagement Summit:

Meet Keynote Speaker, Julie Sidoni


Julie Sidoni is the News Director at WVIA Public Media where she was hired a year ago to help build a news department for Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania’s NPR/PBS affiliate. Prior to this, Julie spent nearly 20 years as an anchor/reporter at WNEP-TV.

Drawing on her experience as a reporter, producer, and writer, Julie will give remarks on how to address important topics within Civic Engagement and related spheres in an equal, non-partisan manner.

With Guest Speaker, Vince Stango


Vince Stango is the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the National Constitution Center, serving as a close collaborator with the president and CEO.

Vince will speak about the National Constitution Center and how its newly founded partnership with Women in Philanthropy can help create opportunities for Civic Engagement action and education.

Opening Plenary:

Understanding the Current Civic Landscape and What it Means to be Nonpartisan

The definition of “nonpartisan civic engagement” has been expanding steadily over the last couple of years, as has the range of roles and activities, such as voting, civic education, and volunteering. Panelists will share how organizations can ensure communications, interactions, and plans can remain nonpartisan while supporting the community at large.

Panelists: Dr. JoyAnna Hopper (University of Scranton), Debra Gable (Resident Services), Laura Ducceschi (Scranton Area Community Foundation), & Teri Ooms (The Institute)

Roundtable Discussion Topics Include:

  • Exploring Youth Engagement and Civic Education
  • Developing Advocacy Skills and Understanding the Role of Government
  • Understanding the Needs of Underserved Communities to Remove Barriers and Provide Support for Voting Access

Register here!




Register here!

What is civic engagement and why is it important?

Civic engagement can look like activism, voting, volunteering, environmentalism, community and national service, running for office, service-learning, and many other activities. When people work to make a difference and are given the tools and resources to develop the knowledge, abilities, and motivation to make that difference, great things can happen to improve the quality of life in their communities. Civic engagement affects not just individuals but also improves entire neighborhoods and impacts societies. Civic engagement is an important part of the democratic process.


Scranton Area Community Foundation
615 Jefferson Ave., Suite 102
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18510
Phone (570) 347-6203
Fax (570) 347-7587