Urban Studies and Planning Commons^™

Power, Housing, And The Powerhouse Of Engaged Learning, Sarah C. Valoven

SPACE: Student Perspectives About Civic Engagement

This paper navigates an engaged learning internship experience at a social justice organization during its effort to preserve affordable housing within their community. Affordable housing availability in Chicago has diminished over the decades in the wake of gentrification and economic development, causing the displacement of lower-income occupants. As a student traversing the inner workings of society, the engaged learning course surfaced questions about power, policy and community organizing through the direct exposure to social justice issues. The goal of this course was to inspire students to become civically engaged through active community service with local organizations, and seek answers to …