Event Information
September 25, 2026
1:00-2:30pm CST
In-person at the Champaign Public Library, Robeson Pavilion Room B
FREE event
What does it take to build campus-community partnerships that are meaningful, reciprocal, and sustainable?
Join the University of Illinois School of Social Work Engagement Office and the Campus-Community Compact for a community conversation at the Champaign Public Library on Friday, September 25, 2026, 1:00-2:30pm to explore how we can strengthen relationships between the University of Illinois and the communities we serve.
Following introductory remarks by Dr. Kevin Tan, Associate Dean, School of Social Work, a panel consisting of campus and community partners will reflect on what makes partnerships work, where challenges and barriers remain, and how we can move from short-term engagement toward relationships grounded in trust, reciprocity, shared learning, and mutual benefit. Breaden Belcher, Director for the Campus-Community Compact will facilitate the discussion with the panelists.
As part of the event, attendees will also have the opportunity to receive free poster prints by Minneapolis-based artist, educator, and youth mentor Adam Johnson (@MrJohnsonPaints), while supplies last. Inspired by representation, trust, and justice, Adam uses art to amplify the stories of civil rights leaders, influential athletes, activists, and others whose lives invite us to think more deeply about community and social change. Much of his artwork has been shared with and donated to educators and social justice advocates as a way of encouraging learning, dialogue, and action.
Whether you are already involved in a campus-community partnership or interested in building one, we invite you to join the conversation, share your experiences, and help imagine how we can foster stronger and more reciprocal partnerships across Champaign-Urbana and beyond.