Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good

The McCarthy Center as a Beacon of Hope

In the complex landscape of today’s world, maintaining hope can be a profound challenge. David M. Holler, the Director of the Martín–Baró Scholars Program, a McCarthy Faculty Scholar for the 2021-2025 school year, and a devoted member of the University of San Francisco (USF) community, recently reflected on what gives hope. For David, the answer…

The Call to Civic Engagement on Super Tuesday

Join Ashlyn Glancy on her transformative journey with the McCarthy Center’s USFVotes at the University of San Francisco. What started as a curious involvement in tabling activities evolved into a profound passion for political engagement. With Super Tuesday approaching, she underscores the importance of early political engagement and encourages her fellow students and community members…

Students standing in front of orange wall

Engage SF Takes the Stage at KQED’s “Night of Ideas”

Mark your calendars for a captivating evening of thought-provoking discussions and cultural exploration as the McCarthy Center takes the stage at KQED’s fifth annual “Night of Ideas”— the all-night marathon of talks, performances, food, art, and collective imagination at the San Francisco Public Library in Civic Center. The McCarthy Center’s Engage San Francisco Literacy presents…

Reaching Voters through Community: My Work with SF Elections and USFVotes

Read along on a journey of civic empowerment with Hannah Nelson as she intertwines her experiences with USFVotes and the San Francisco Department of Elections. In her blog post, Hannah shares the transformative power of community engagement, breaking down stereotypes of formal government work, and highlighting her role in making elections more accessible. Join her…

Meet the 2024 USF In DC Fellows

Congratulations to our newest cohort of USF in DC Fellows. This semester, nine students from various majors will be immersed in the policymaking processes in the U.S. capital. Our fellows will get a front row seat to observe and learn how public policy happens at the national level and build the skill set necessary to…

Beyond the Flames: Mental Health Equity in the SFFD

In this insightful journey, Evan Cajigas ’24, Finance, combines academic ambitions with a passion for joining San Francisco’s Fire Department. Assigned to the Behavioral Health Unit, Evan learns and navigates the challenges to address the department’s mental health needs. Through trials and revelations, his story illuminates the complexities of public service and the pursuit of…

My Journey in San Francisco’s India Basin

In this week’s blog, Jade Carter ’24 Environmental Studies, embarks on a mission to bridge gaps between local government and grassroots advocacy in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood. Through hands-on involvement , they confronted deep-seated community mistrust and explored avenues for equitable development. Ultimately, their narrative showcases the power of collaboration, highlighting the author’s newfound…

Crafting Success: McCarthy Fellowship experience

Step into Giuseppe Cannavó’s 25′, Civil Engineering transformative journey as he unveils the life-altering experience of his McCarthy Fellowship program in the heart of San Francisco. From navigating the intricate corridors of public policy to crafting influential strategies with the Strategic Planning and Performance Team at the San Francisco Department of Public Works, Giuseppe’s story resonates with…