Civic Engagement
John Dewey, who shaped the institution of education during the last century, argued that colleges should collaborate with local schools to address the issues faced by the community.
One example of how a university is fulfilling this calling is the University of La Vern. Their freshman students get involved in a day of community service during orientation week and then break out into groups for reflection. The faculty and other campus personnel are engaged in the process as well. Furthermore, course content is integrated into the semester-long community service. This process provides the hand and glove of learning and doing. Students report its benefits, and the program also has meaningful outcomes for the college and the local community.
I believe this type of college and community integration is a good idea for every college, small or large. It is one way to invest in our shared future. Also, connecting to resolve a local community’s challenges helps teach a broader perspective on human life and culture.
To begin, find issues that are faced by the local area. Identify initia- tives that have already been started by your school and the community, then identify ways to use your unique makeup of skills, interests and personal development journey to engage with these projects and start your own.
Are there any issues that you are aware of in your current community or some issues that you’d like to address? Please write them below.
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One example of how a university is fulfilling this calling is the University of La Vern. Their freshman students get involved in a day of community service during orientation week and then break out into groups for reflection. The faculty and other campus personnel are engaged in the process as well. Furthermore, course content is integrated into the semester-long community service. This process provides the hand and glove of learning and doing. Students report its benefits, and the program also has meaningful outcomes for the college and the local community.
I believe this type of college and community integration is a good idea for every college, small or large. It is one way to invest in our shared future. Also, connecting to resolve a local community’s challenges helps teach a broader perspective on human life and culture.
To begin, find issues that are faced by the local area. Identify initia- tives that have already been started by your school and the community, then identify ways to use your unique makeup of skills, interests and personal development journey to engage with these projects and start your own.
Are there any issues that you are aware of in your current community or some issues that you’d like to address? Please write them below.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________