Community-Based Learning Commons^™

Community Driven Student Leadership: The Doce Approach, Courtney Caouette, Jordan O'Hearn, Stacy Henson-Drake, Michaela Stone, Gabrielle Lodge

Thinking Matters Symposium Archive

Universities and the communities in which they reside must maintain an interdependence to thrive. The USM LAC Druker Office of Community Engagement (DOCE) follows a unique model of student-faculty collaborative leadership to model how public universities can partner with their communities. Developing long-lasting community-university relationships holds mutual benefits. DOCE connects students, faculty and staff with over 90 community partners. As a synergetic cooperative team, we believe community engagement is essential in the growth and learning of the whole student, faculty and staff of USM.

Our recent Community-Based Participatory Research (CPBR) works in integrating the classes and curriculum of the Social …

Informally Shaping A Child's Mind Around Genocide Within Rwandan Families, Cameron Voss

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

While policy and education are subject to change from research oriented projects, my research rather drives to understand and record how caregivers portrayed their own, others, and their country’s past to the next generation. The informal aspects of family structures, while highly influential, are difficult to navigate and track, and this research endeavors to unveil some of the hidden trends that are throughout Rwandan families with children born after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The generation that has matured in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda have faced many challenges that few outside of …

The Story Of Us, Kya Roumimper

Community Engagement Student Work

Global atrocity and conflict has dramatically increased the number of displaced persons, refugees, and asylum seekers looking for resettlement opportunities. Throughout history, the United States has resettled the most refugees despite lack of public approval. In recent years, xenophobia has been exacerbated by vehement attacks of refugees by the media and people in power. The Story of Us set out to study the use of storytelling as an intervention method for toxic cycles of xenophobia. The event was held in Manchester, NH, a city with a long history of immigrant and refugee presence which has faced recent backlash. The event …

Clandestino: Latino Youth And Mental Health And Art As An Outlet For One’S Emotions, Jessica Dealmeida

Community Engagement Student Work

According to Lawrence Public Schools (2017), 64.9% of students are economically disadvantaged, meaning that many of these students may not be receiving the mental health treatment they need. For this project, a facilitate discussion on mental health and art as an outlet for one’s emotions occurred at Elevated Thought, a youth and social justice organization in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Altogether, the discussion brought up four themes: 1) Community & Institutions, 2) Lack of Access, 3) Mistrust & Stigma, 4) Art & Self. Through creative dialogue, the youth involved successfully reflected on their understanding of mental health, the stigma behind it, and …

Allyship In The Academy: The Girlhood Project And Redefining Girlhood, Emily Welden

Community Engagement Student Work

The emerging field of Girl Studies reflects increasing interest in social justice programming and research in higher education. Yet much girl-centered work has tied the concept of allyship to traditional service models, without examining the power structures reinforced by top-down service practices. Academia, social movements, and larger society have historically failed to center the voices of girls or the diversity of girlhood(s). In partnership with The Girlhood Project, this project utilizes practice rooted in theory to deconstruct those power systems which reinforce hegemonic identity and deny agency. Using qualitative data from coconstructive discussions about allyship and girlhoods, “Allyship in the …

Ageism, Passed Down From Generation To Generation, Amy L. Gothing

Community Engagement Student Work

This participatory social justice focused project used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine how the intergenerational model challenges ageism in society. This project provided a space for knowledge creation and committed action of community leaders of the North Shore, MA. Through analysis of current literature as well as respondents’ participation in surveys, observational and interactive activities during a 2-hour training: All Ages All Together it was found that by intentionally planning for intergenerational programming you allow opportunities for relationships to grow; by raising awareness of the role media plays on the construction of stigmas and stereotypes participants were able …

Engaging America: Unearthing The Middle Way In The Conflict Between Liberals And Conservatives, Noah Cadet

Capstone Collection

Liberals and conservatives have waged conflict over development strategies since the founding of the United States of America. Observers of the 2016 Presidential Election may have noticed an escalation of a preexisting trend of destructive engagement between Democrats and Republicans. The researcher pursued primary and secondary research in an attempt to understand how conflict within and between development paradigms in the United States can be transcended. The central research question was regarding how this conflict affects efforts towards peacebuilding at the grassroots from the perspective of a liberal. The literature review provides a brief histories of US American Political Economy …

Integrasi Dan Adaptasi Sosial Migrant Di Korea Selatan

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This research was conducted to find out the empowerment effort done by DKI Jakarta Provincial Government through technical unit namely Unit Pengelola Dana Bergulir (UPDB) as implementing unit of Community Economic Empowerment Program (Program Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat Kelurahan) to the administrators/managers of cooperatives or Koperasi Jasa Keuangan Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Masyarakat Kelurahan (KJK PEMK) as partner of UPDB in implementing this program. The research was conducted at KJK PEMK Kelapa Gading Barat, which is KJK PEMK which is considered smoothly in installment refund. The research was conducted using qualitative approach, with descriptive research type, and informant selection technique was done by …

Dinamika Keterlibatan Stakeholders Pada Perencanaan Strategi Pemasaran Sosial Di Smile Train Indonesia

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This research discusses the dynamics, obstacles, and challenges that occur in the stage of social marketing strategy planning process undertaken by the management of Smile Train Indonesia with the organizational stakeholders as well as the efforts made by the organization management to overcome those. This research is a qualitative research with descriptive design. The results conclude that there is rarely conflicts between organizations and stakeholders in the organization’s social marketing planning process because of good conflict management and collaboration. But acknowledged by the stakeholders, there are several obstacles and challenges that are faced during the planning process. This research suggests …

Evaluasi Program Pendamping Youth Employment Di Kecamatan Cilingcing Dari Wahana Visi Indonesia

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

This research describes the evaluation of Youth Employment Program of Wahana Visi Indonesia as well as the factors that supports and obstructs the program in achieving its objectives (Case Study in Cilincing Sub-district, North Jakarta). This research was conducted with qualitative approach. The type of research is Sumatif Evaluation Research which aims to obtain information for program implementors about whether the program is worth continuing or has the potential to be applied in different contexts. The results of this study indicate that, Youth Employment program conducted by Wahana Visi Indonesia in Cilincing Sub-district has succeeded in achieving its goal to …

Strategi Holding Company Dalam Melaksanakan Tanggung Jawab Sosial Perusahaan

Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial

The one form of corporate intervention in development is implemented into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In the last ten years, the number of corporate that implement CSR is getting increase. However, there are not many holding companies that implement CSR comprehensively and make CSR as part of the company’s strategy. This research describes the CSR strategy at holding company PT Astra International which is implemented comprehensively and internalized in the overall activity of the company with qualitative method. The results of the research shows that one of the implementation of these strategies is the implementation of community development program with …

Towards An Agreed Definition Of Sustainability: Exploring The Concept Of Sustainability In Amherst, Massachusetts, Babatunde Ajao

Capstone Collection

Many educators agree that to learning about sustainability and discussing it’s implications on values, ethics and the role of humans are essential. With so many moving parts it is difficult to determine a sustainable assessment to encompass the changing world. The time has come for us to ask reflective questions about what exactly sustainability means. How has the term sustainability been used worldwide? What was the goal of sustainability and what is the result? Is there a better alternative to achieving this goal? By identifying the characteristics of best practice for sustainability, we take a step towards understanding the concept …

“Karm Hi Pooja Hai (Work Is Worship)” The Determinants That Influence The Subjective Health And Well-Being Of Cycle Rickshaw Wallahs In Varanasi, India, Benjamin Bryer

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A total of 11 interviews were conducted over a 4-week period to study the subjective health and well-being of cycle rickshaw drivers in Varanasi, India. Varanasi was chosen as the location of the study because cycle rickshaws remain an integral and common mode of transportation within the city. Using ethnographic and qualitative research methods, participants were asked semi-structured interview questions to determine their personal definitions of a good and healthy life. Participant observation was also a critical method of data collection, as it gave insight into the daily routine and schedule of a rickshaw puller.

Three overarching themes were identified …

Rise To The Challenge & Reach New Heights!, Jennifer Hyman, Jody Urquhart, Nely Galan, Brigid Schulte

Women's Summit Presented by Bryant University

It has been quite a year since our last Women’s Summit – one filled with accomplishments, changes, and challenges.

In the Fortune 500 annual list of top CEOs, women claimed 32 spots – a record number that included the first Latina. The reality, however, is that they make up just 6.2 percent of those listed, and U.S. women earn 20 percent less than men, on average.

The painful experiences that many people encounter in their careers became public through revelations about misconduct that surfaced in entertainment, business, sports, the news media, and in politics. These events – which continue to …

Hub City Farmers’ Market Revitalization Of The Spartanburg Northside Community, Caitlynn Myer

Wofford Bonner Scholar Senior Capstone Projects

The Northside Community in the early 20th century was a thriving prominent community in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Not only was Spartan Mill – the largest mill in the county, located in the Northside, but also the community became the central destination of the railroad line – thus, coining the epithet “hub city.” How did such a thriving community succumb to destruction? What is the history behind the Northside Community historically remaining a food desert for over 40 years? What changes of investment into the Northside Community have aimed to not only revitalize the community, but also to bring access to …

Analysis Of American Health Systems And Serving The Uninsured, Mina Rismani

Wofford Bonner Scholar Senior Capstone Projects

American healthcare is a unique combination of privatization and welfare. This system negatively impacts individuals too poor to afford private healthcare, yet too wealthy to receive Medicaid. This capstone highlights the role Access Health Spartanburg plays in aiding such individuals. The capstone additionally analyzes the cost-efficiency of the American health system in comparison to that of the United Kingdom’s health system, known as the NHS.

Bonner: My Stepping Stone, Juliana Mejia Rima

Wofford Bonner Scholar Senior Capstone Projects

Bonner has allowed me to grow as a member of the Spartanburg community, and as a person. By strengthening my skills as a community leader, a compassionate person, and a seeker of bettering the lives of others through the Bonner Scholars program, I was able to feel confident enough to pursue another program that works with the lower income older adult community of Spartanburg. The Intergenerational Connections program joins college students and older adults together to learn about and communicate with each other creatively. Because of Bonner, I knew that being a part of another program with similar initiatives to …

Bonner Scholars Sophomore Exchange And Senior Capstone Exhibit 2018, Bonner Scholars Program

Wofford Bonner Scholar Senior Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.

Raffles For Rascals, Morgan J. Betzer, Anndrea Horton, Enolie Perez, Sara Bayless, Humberto Magance

International Journal of Undergraduate Community Engagement

Our project consisted of raising money for the Twin Falls Animal Shelter. The group had baskets donated that we then sold raffle tickets for. All proceeds were used to purchase items off of the Twin Falls Animal Shelter's Wish List, and the items were donated to the shelter.

Empathy Institutionalized: Sociocultural Dialogue As A Strategic Peacebuilding Initiative, Emily Owens

Bridge/Work

A common adage used in psychological exploration tells us that “If you want to know the end, look at the beginning.” While typically employed to emphasize the importance of upbringing and environment on personal outcomes, this phrase can be equally applicable in examining the ways in which society has developed over time to produce our polarized sociopolitical culture of today. This work explores from an integrative psychosocial perspective the potential that exists in working to define a new “end” by shaping a new “beginning,” through going directly to the institutions that comprise our own beginnings— schools. Through a combined research …

Volunteering In The Community: Combining Service And Learning, Elena Gandia Garcia

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Most of the patients who use the services offered by the Lied Pediatric Clinic are minorities (70%), and half of those patients are Hispanic. The clinic lacks of professional interpreters to help monolingual doctors and residents to communicate with their patients.

Ipfw Collaboration With Blackford County Concerned Citizens, Sherrie M. Steiner

Engagement & Service-Learning Summit

This presentation describes a collaboration between IPFW and Blackford County Concerned Citizens (BCCC) that spans multiple courses over a two year timeframe. BCCC is concerned about improving public health. Residents have higher rates of colon, thyroid and bladder cancers than other counties in the state of Indiana. BCCC has been investigating possible pollution in soil, water and now air in relation to the industrial history in the county. Students helped map the industrial history, and assisted BCCC with testing water and soil for industrial contaminants. Students are now assisting with testing moss samples as a surrogate for air contaminants in …

Empathy And Perseverance: Brave Little Phoebe, Laurel Rickard

International Journal of Undergraduate Community Engagement

This poster describes a children's book called Brave Little Phoebe about a dog who develops diabetes and goes blind. Brave Little Phoebe was written to be read to pre-school to 2nd-grade children to convey the ideals of empathy and perseverance and was read to children on the Bells for Books mobile library bus in Garden City, Idaho.

Building Cultural Empathy Through Facilitated Literature Exposure In Pre-Adolescent And Adolescent Readers, Jackson Wall

International Journal of Undergraduate Community Engagement

A topic related to cultural empathy was identified and a children's book filled with an adapted story embedded with the rhetoric surrounding that topic was created. Then, the book was read to a small group of at-risk youth and their responses were noted. Then, post-exposure attitude toward the reader was observed along with conversation amongst the group.

Michelle The Mouse, Shelby Carlson

International Journal of Undergraduate Community Engagement

This poster is about the book I wrote and the experience I had sharing it with less fortunate children.

Not Broken, Just Different, Ellie Cowan

International Journal of Undergraduate Community Engagement

The course concepts covered in this children’s book experience are learning about ourselves and what makes us different. Learning about disabilities and how to be sensitive to those who have them as well as being your true self, and contributing your own unique attitudes as well as uniqueness to the community.

Pip's Move To South Korea, Anne Scott

International Journal of Undergraduate Community Engagement

Pip, an elementary student in South Korea, was having a hard time communicating and making friends in a new country. This story shows the inclusion that took place between students of different cultures.

Coats For The Csi Refugee Programs, Jason Forbush, Nick Mahan, Faith Johnson, Alisha Trejo, Sarah Moeller

International Journal of Undergraduate Community Engagement

As group for a communications course at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), we were a part of a service learning project. The project goal was to do a coat drive for the college refugee program. We wanted to help supply coats for those who perhaps don't have the means of buying coats for themselves or for their family. We got the word out by creating and posting flyers, and posting in the college newsletter. We set up donation boxes around the college. We were able to donate two giant Home Depot boxes of coats to the program.

2017-18 Student Success And Service-Learning Report, Lynn Pelco

Division of Community Engagement Resources

Institutional data across multiple academic years were used to assess the impact of undergraduate service-learning class participation on three critical student success metrics: Inclusive excellence, Degree completion, and Quality of learning. Results indicate that traditionally underrepresented student groups participated in VCU service-learning classes at expected rates given their proportion in the overall student population. Thirty-seven percent of undergraduate service-learning students were from underrepresented minority groups and 30% were Pell grant recipients. The average three-year retention rate across four matriculating cohorts of first-time, full-time undergraduate students was 84% for service-learning students compared to 70% for non-service-learning students. Seventy-two percent of undergraduate …

Cacao Together: A Model For True Sustainability In The Chocolate Industry, Kerstin Roos

Capstone Collection

This Course Linked Capstone provides a critical analysis of the concept of sustainable development and then uses this analysis to create a social venture plan for a non-profit called Cacao Together. This capstone project will identify challenges in the sustainable use of cacao by first critiquing the mainstream sustainable development initiatives of certification schemes and corporate sustainability programs. It then offers an alternate framework through the 5 Capital Livelihood assessment tool which when applied, shows the gaps in cacao sustainability initiatives generally. I then propose a social venture that will addresses the needs of many parts of the chocolate supply …