Public Policy & Government

Spiders engage with a variety of organizations focused on promoting informed decision-making, advocating for positive change, and fostering a stronger civic infrastructure. Learn more about our community relationships, then click the link to explore current opportunities with each organization.

Public Policy & Government organizations are also in need of one-time volunteers, and these opportunities are posted as they become available.

Community Relationships & Opportunities

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Additional Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities
Student and Staff Liaisons
For more information about Public Policy & Government opportunities, contact:

Kyle Giardine, ’26, kyle.giardine@richmond.edu
Sasha Hollister, shollist@richmond.edu

Campus Connections

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  • URGOV
    URGOV is a platform to educate and empower full participants in Richmond City Government. URGOV is student-led and student-organized team who are dedicated to connecting the Richmond Community with Richmond’s City Leadership.
  • Model United Nations
    The purpose of Model UN is to recreate the systems of discussion, compromise, and solution-making that takes place in the UN. They work to instill in our members/delegates the skills of arguing their points of view and changing minds, whether it be through public speeches or one-on-one discussions. While their foundation is based in the UN, the topics they cover go far beyond the halls of the General Assembly.
  • College Libertarians
    College Libertarians is an active political organization at the University of Richmond. They participate in most political activities on campus and have a strong emphasis on personal growth and developing our members understanding of Libertarian politics.
  • College Republicans
    College Republicans exists to serve the university community, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation by advocating for traditional Republican values and policies. On campus, they often takes the form of tabling, bringing in speakers, holding regular meetings about recent events and philanthropy. Off campus, this often involves networking with students from other schools and chapters of the College Republican Federation of Virginia and in the College Republican National Committee as well as aiding local, state and national candidates to win elections.
  • College Democrats
    The University of Richmond College Democrats was officially re-chartered by the Virginia Young Democrats in March of 2017. Since then, their new executive board has worked tirelessly to promote progressive ideals and Democratic candidates on the University of Richmond. They host bipartisan discussions on topical issues and put on events to promote civic engagement on campus.

Relevant Courses

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  • PLSC 333 Civil Rights/Liberties
    Analysis of contemporary legal status and interpretation of constitutional rights and liberties. Emphasis on landmark Supreme Court decisions involving various provisions of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment.
  • PLSC 329: Campaigns and Elections
    Analysis of institutions and process of American electoral system and behavior of American electorate.
  • LDST 205: Justice and Civil Society
    Exploration of contemporary society and understandings of justice. Readings on civil society, theories of justice, and analysis of poverty and related socio-economic problems. Includes a service learning component with critical reflection on community service to populations in need.
  • PLSC 328 American Political Parties
    Examines American political parties as organizations and their role in elections, government, and public policy. Also explores how parties have changed over time and the causes and effects of growing party polarization.