Volunteers Needed as UMD Hosts International Town-gown Relations Conference

The Office of Community Engagement seeks campus and community volunteers to assist in welcoming attendees from across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom for a conference next month.

The University of Maryland, the City of College Park and the College Park City-University Partnership will host the International Town and Gown Association Conference from June 5 to 7 at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union.

Under the theme “The Power of Partnerships: Solving Grand Challenges Together,” the 2024 International Town & Gown conference will feature speakers including Maryland Secretary of Service & Civic Innovation Paul Monteiro ’02, UMD President Darryll Pines and College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir. Closing remarks will be presented by state Del. Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk of College Park.

“The University of Maryland's strategic plan emphasizes the importance of partnering for the public good, a principle that underpins our approach to community engagement,” said Gloria Aparicio Blackwell, founding director of the Office of Community Engagement. “Through this professional development opportunity, we offer a collaborative space for other universities and communities seeking to enhance their town-gown relationships.”

This conference represents a milestone in the university's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships and create opportunities for students, faculty, staff and alumni to engage in civic and community activities. It follows the recent establishment of the Center for Community Engagement and appointment of a new associate provost of community engagement.

Volunteer shifts are available for greeters and timekeepers and last from 1.5 to two hours. They will receive a T-shirt, snacks and other swag.