There was a time not too long ago when colleges and universities thought of themselves as very separate from their host cities. But that's a dying notion and clear evidence of that is , a coalition of more than 1000 colleges and university presidents who promote civic engagement among students and faculty. To tell us about the work of Campus Compact, we have its president, Maureen Curley and Roger Mandle, president of the Rhode Island School of Design.

Promoting civic engagement in a very different way is Vicki Been. Vicki's work at the is helping New Yorkers unravel the mysteries of real estate development proposed in that city so that they can influence what happens.

This week we roll up our sleeves and get involved...right here on Smart City.