A new organization on campus is encouraging students to become more involved in the community, whether it is by grabbing a shovel, building a house or volunteering at a nonprofit organization.The Center for Civic Literacy and Fort Worth community leaders will host a conference tomorrow in the Dee J. Kelly Alumni Center that will introduce ways for students to become active citizens.

In support of the Civic Literacy Center on Campus, Peter Levine, director of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at the University of Maryland, said he will be discussing civic issues at TCU.

Levine said his speech titled “The Importance of Civic Engagement” will concentrate on schools’ partnerships with their communities, specifically focusing on TCU’s connection with the Fort Worth community.

“In general, universities aren’t doing a good job at preparing students to become good citizens,” Levine said. “But there are a lot of good programs out there that will help.”

Local economic issues will also be addressed.

Dan Short, dean of the School of Business, said he will spotlight the university’s role in economic development and how TCU and Fort Worth can become partners in that development.

“We believe any great city needs a great university, and any great university needs a great city,” Short said.

The conference will also “encourage collaboration between TCU and the Fort Worth ISD,” said Donald Jackson, Center for Civic Literacy director.

Melody Johnson, the Fort Worth Independent School District superintendent, will present a speech titled “Issues Facing Public Education in the Decade Ahead.”

Other topics that will be presented at the conference include the city’s strategic goals dealing with Homeland Security, central city revitalization, efficient government and mobility and air quality.

The conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. A box lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.