EVC Changemaker Campuses
Recognizing campuses that are going above and beyond to strengthen civic engagement.
The EVC Changemaker Campus Program recognizes colleges and universities in the Every Vote Counts network that demonstrate meaningful engagement with EVC programs, resources, and the broader work of building stronger civic engagement on campus.
Changemaker Campus is an optional recognition program. Campuses are not required to participate in EVC programs or resources. The program is designed to celebrate and incentivize campuses that choose to actively engage with the EVC network.
Questions? Contact savanna@evcnational.org.
What is the EVC Changemaker Campus Program?
The EVC Changemaker Campus Program is part of EVC’s Campus Engagement Tier System, which helps us understand how campuses across our national network are engaging with EVC.
The system allows EVC to:
Track engagement across our campus network
Connect campuses with resources and support based on their level of engagement
Recognize campuses that demonstrate meaningful and sustained civic engagement
Each campus is placed within one of four engagement tiers based on factors including communication, participation in EVC initiatives, campus programming, collaboration, and leadership.
Campuses in Tier 2 (Engaged) and Tier 3 (High Impact) are eligible to be recognized as EVC Changemaker Campuses.
The Four Tiers
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Inactive Campus
Campuses with little or no recent engagement with EVC.
Indicators may include:
No updated contact information
No response to EVC communications
No participation in EVC programming
No confirmed campus activity within the past calendar year
What happens next?
Campuses may receive outreach from EVC to determine whether they would like to remain active within the network.
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Registered Campus
The baseline level of participation in the EVC network.
Indicators may include:
Updated contact information on file
Confirmed affiliation with EVC
Limited participation in EVC communications or programming
What does this mean?
Your campus is part of the EVC network and has established a connection with EVC.
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Engaged Campus
Campuses demonstrating consistent participation in EVC opportunities and communications.
Indicators may include:
Responding to EVC communications, surveys, or check-ins
Participating in at least one EVC initiative
Maintaining an active civic engagement presence on campus
Engaging with EVC programming opportunities
Recognition:
✨ Eligible for EVC Changemaker Campus recognition
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High Impact Campus
The highest level of engagement within the EVC network.
High Impact Campuses demonstrate sustained involvement in EVC programming and contribute meaningfully to civic engagement on their campuses and across the network.
Indicators may include:
Participating in two or more EVC programs or national initiatives
Co-hosting civic engagement events or programming with EVC
Being featured in an EVC campus spotlight or national communication
Being represented by an EVC National Student Board Member
Contributing to trainings, conversations, or other network opportunities
Recognition:
🏆 Eligible for EVC Changemaker Campus recognition
How are Campuses Assessed?
EVC considers a range of engagement indicators when determining campus engagement levels.
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Updating annual contact information
Responding to EVC communications
Maintaining active campus leadership contacts
Acknowledging EVC affiliation through social media, websites, action plans, or other external communications
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Participating in EVC national initiatives, including:
National Grant Program
Campus Ambassador Program
Time Off To Vote Campaign
Campus and alumni newsletter spotlights
Engaging with EVC programming opportunities
Completing semester check-ins or surveys
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Hosting voter registration drives
Organizing civic engagement events
Conducting voter education or voter turnout initiatives
Collaborating with EVC on campus programming
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Mentoring or supporting other EVC campuses
Serving as presenters or facilitators in EVC events
Participating in national civic engagement conversations
Being represented by an EVC National Student Board Member
Important: Engagement indicators are considered collectively. Not every campus will participate in every EVC opportunity, and campuses are not required to use EVC resources to remain part of the network.
How Recognition Works
The EVC Changemaker Campus recognition process follows an annual cycle designed to give campuses opportunities to engage, grow, and be recognized for their work.
01 — ENGAGE
Campuses participate in EVC programs, communications, and civic engagement opportunities throughout the year.
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02 — TRACK
EVC tracks campus engagement across communication, participation, programming, collaboration, and leadership.
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03 — ASSESS
At the end of the annual assessment period, EVC reviews campus engagement and finalizes campus tier placements.
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04 — RECOGNIZE
Campuses in Tier 2: Engaged and Tier 3: High Impact may be recognized as EVC Changemaker Campuses.
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05 — CELEBRATE
Recognized campuses may receive digital badges, certificates, website features, newsletter recognition, social media spotlights, and other opportunities to showcase their impact.
Annual Recognition Timeline
JANUARY–MARCH
Network Updates
EVC confirms campus contacts and prepares the engagement tracking system.
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APRIL–JULY
Engagement
EVC tracks participation in programs, events, communications, and other engagement opportunities.
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AUGUST
Program Launch
The Changemaker Campus Program is introduced to the EVC network.
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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER
Annual Assessment
EVC reviews engagement data and finalizes campus tiers following Election Day.
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FEBRUARY
Recognition
EVC announces the year's Changemaker Campuses and celebrates their work across the network.
Recognition timing may vary as EVC finalizes each annual assessment cycle.
What does a Changemaker Campus receive?
Campuses recognized as EVC Changemaker Campuses may receive:
Digital Badge
Display your Changemaker Campus status on your website, social media, and other communications.
Certificate of Recognition
A formal recognition of your campus's engagement with EVC.
National Recognition
Opportunities to be highlighted through EVC social media, newsletters, reports, and other communications.
Campus Spotlight Opportunities
Showcase your campus's civic engagement work and inspire other schools across the EVC network.
