“You must be the change you want to see in the world” —Mahatma Gandhi

Civitas students are required to do a project about vocation during their time at Augustana. The program gives unique opportunities to experience students' potential future career fields in a new and exciting light. Some students have gone to conferences, done summer research, etc.

Augustana's Maggie Olson participated in the Parliament of the World's Religions in Melbourne, Australia, December 3-9, 2009. Her blog is part of a project in which she explores the relationships built between people and religion through the avenue of social media, like Twitter, Facebook, and blogging.

The Parliament of the World's Religions aims to spur understanding and respect among differing beliefs. This year's Parliament theme was "Hearing Each Other, Healing the World," which reflects upon the prevalence of environmental activism and awareness and its growing importance in our society, promoting this movement while fostering interreligious dialogue and communication. Attendees chose from more than 650 lectures, interactive workshops, and panel discussions held throughout the Parliament. There were also plenaries, artistic and musical performances, and religious observances. Expected attendees included the Dalai Lama, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Margot Adler, and Thich Nhat Han.