Hi, I'm Matt.
I am a government relations professional with nearly 20 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and community building.
Currently, I am Director of Government Relations & Community Engagement for Teachers College, Columbia University, where I oversee alumni relations for 94,000 graduates, and cultivate relationships with government officials, develop innovative education programs, and secure funding for the College.
I was recently adjunct professor at NYU's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, where for two years I taught a course on political action and advocacy. I completed a Ph.D. in Politics & Education at Columbia University. I run www.civiclist.org, an independent newsletter to build community and uplift voices.
Learn a little bit about my philosophy in my an interview with Idealist.org on ways to contact elected officials to make change, an op-ed about the need for colleges to lobby, and an introduction to the Advocacy Academy@Teachers College workshop series:
My practice is informed by research. Democracy demands participation. I work to help citizens realize their own power, to engage with government via hands-on workshops that result in a tangible advocacy tools. Read more about my workshops and services here.
I have taught political science at Columbia University, political advocacy at Teachers College, and SAT, ESL, GED/TASC courses though organizations including New York Cares, the New York Public Library, and Columbia Community Impact.
My research is informed by practice. My dissertation examines how and why colleges and universities lobby government in the 21st century. My research asks how non-profit organizations use social media to advocate to government.
I have a Ph.D. from Columbia University, a Masters of Public Policy from Rutgers University, a bachelor's degree with distinction from the University of Delaware with a double major in political science and psychology.
I serve on boards of the Community Service Society, the Morningside Area Alliance, and Neighbors for a Greener Harlem, and volunteer with Broadway Community Church and Team Rubicon. I am a recipient of City & State's 40 Under 40 Rising Stars.
Contact me at
matthewjcamp@gmail.com