Swearer Center for Public Service
Swearer Center Workshops
Spring 2026 Workshops
| Workshop | Date/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Social Entrepreneur Professionals Panel In partnership with Social Enterprise Greenhouse, we are excited to host a panel discussion of social impact professionals where they discuss how making a positive social change influenced their business models and social innovation ideas. Participants will learn about social entrepreneurship and social innovation and engage in a Q&A with professionals. Register here. | Feb. 10, 4 p.m. ET | Science Library, Room 720 |
| Designing Community-Engaged Research Community-engaged research engages researchers and the community as equal partners as they address issues affecting the community. In this interactive workshop participants will learn about the significance of community-engaged research and the benefits of this approach. This workshop will help participants feel confident in starting community-engaged research projects and demystify the approach by explaining key concepts and examining real-world case studies. Register here. | Feb. 12, 4 p.m. ET | Science Library, Room 720 |
| Social Innovation: Exploring Models for Change In partnership with the Social Enterprise Greenhouse, this interactive workshop is designed to demystify the landscape of impact-driven businesses and innovations. Participants will discover the various structures and models in which social innovation takes shape. Expect to learn from local experts about how innovation is being done in order to create or contribute to positive social change. Register here. | Mar. 3, 4 p.m. ET | Science Library, Room 720 |
| Civic Engagement: Harnessing Power for Change Understand the dynamics of power, its uses, and how it can support change-making. Join us for an interactive workshop where we unpack how power exists within the world of civic engagement and, more importantly, how you can use it as a tool to enact positive social change. Register here. | Mar. 10, 4 p.m. ET | Science Library, Room 720 |
| Global Community Engagement Join us for this workshop designed to introduce principles of ethical and responsible community engagement experiences abroad. Register here. | Mar. 12, 4 p.m. ET | Science Library, Room 720 |
| Rhode Island’s Health Landscape: An Introductory Overview This workshop will offer participants a high-level overview of the health landscape in Rhode Island. This presentation will utilize data and maps to convey information and introduce key terms and systems in an effort to help participants understand more about the health landscape in Rhode Island. This workshop will lay some foundational knowledge for our “Community-Engaged Health Partners Panel. Register here. | Apr. 8, 4 p.m. ET | Science Library, Room 720 |
| Community-Engaged Health Partners Panel Join us for the Community-Engaged Health Partners Panel, a session featuring leaders who are working collaboratively on health issues here in Rhode Island. In this panel discussion, panelists will elaborate on their collaborations. They will share the challenges of building sustainable partnerships, talk about the successes, and discuss how community engagement has fundamentally strengthened and innovated on health approaches. Register here. | Apr. 9, 4 p.m. ET | Science Library, Room 720 |
Spring 2026 Community Storytelling Tours
| Workshop | Date/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Tour of Olneyville: Stories of Place, People, and Resilience Join us for a guided walking tour through the neighborhood of Olneyville with a special focus on Manton Avenue and the Jasline Community Center. Led by long-time resident and community leader Jose Rodriguez, this tour will explore the layered stories of these communities, from displacement and gentrification to resilience and celebration. Register here. | Mar. 18, 10:00am - 11:00am | 1 Olneyville Square, Providence, RI 02909 |
| Tour of Smith Hill: Exploring History, Community, and Reflection A joint walking tour with Community members, Brown, and Providence College as we connect on the rich history of Smith Hill, a vibrant Providence neighborhood just north of downtown and steps from Providence College. Home to 6,800 residents within a single square mile, this historic hilltop community has long been shaped by its people and their stories. Join us as we meet at The Smith Hill Library and listen to stories that reflect an important part of its past, offering a glimpse into the spirit of Smith Hill—a place where community truly matters. Stay for Lunch followed by a brief reflection. Register here. | Apr. 10, 10:00am - 12:30pm | The Annex on Douglas, 231 Douglas Ave, Providence, RI 02908) |
| Tour: Building Community by Design with DownCity Design Join DownCity Design for a walking tour of the Westend community design studio, where Providence teens learn to design, build, and lead change in their neighborhoods. Learn how more than 3,500 youth have helped create 125+ permanent public amenities across the city—and how design can be a powerful tool for community building and youth empowerment. Visit a few of the community centers where projects have been created by teens for the community! Register here. | Apr. 20, 10:00am - 11:00am | DownCity Design, 370 Cranston St, Providence, RI 02907 |