en·gagedped·a·go·gy

Learning. Doing. Empowering. Transforming.

"When I gave food to the poor, they called me a saint. When I asked why the poor

were hungry, they called me a communist."

Don Helder Camara, Roman Catholic Archbishop

Community Service asks WHAT◦What are the problems I see in this community?

◦What can I do to make a difference?Civic Engagement asks WHY

◦Why is there need in this community?◦Why do social problems and inequalities persist here?

Engaged/Experiential Learning asks HOW◦A teaching and learning strategy that addresses community needs and assets

◦Research shows that engaged, experiential learning enhances student learning outcomes and brings learning to life

Civic Engagement

Sustainable, collaborative community development initiatives

A catalyst for student and community growth

Ignites students' passions and inspires a sense of social responsibility

Empowers students and community members to take action

A powerful leadership development opportunity

The social problem, cause, or public issue,

visibleat the surface level:

poverty, hunger, homelessness, disease,

education, animal rights, human rights, immigration,

the environment, etc.

The underlying causes of the social problem, often

an interconnected complex system of:

social policies – formal and informal, resource allocation,

demographics, culture, history, etc.

Root Cause Analysis

For ExampleSocial Issue: Hunger and Homelessness

What do we see on the surface?

What can we do to help?Option 1: Serve food at a soup kitchen or volunteer at a homeless shelter.

Outcomes:Meets the agency’s short-term need for volunteersProvides a service to those unable to provide for themselvesInspires a curiosity or sense of empathy in volunteersEmpowers volunteers to realize they can make a difference

WHO are we serving and WHY?Option 2: As a class or organization, build a relationship with the agency staff and the patrons of the shelter. Engage in sustainable community development efforts in partnership with agency representatives and patrons.

Outcomes: Provides long-term, ongoing,

volunteer support to the agency Emphasizes the humanity and

dignity of the patrons Engages multiple constituencies

in root-level problem solving regarding poverty in the region

Empowers both students and patrons/community residents to participate in the process

Sustainable Solutions

◦Conduct research on policy issues regarding poverty in the region

◦Engage in interviews with patrons to focus on assets vs. needs and to identify their strengths and skills

◦Organize a demonstration or awareness campaign in partnership with the patrons of the kitchen

◦Start a community coalition that collectively advocates for the needs and rights of residents below the poverty line

◦Develop a business model for the kitchen that engages patrons in the food preparation and serving process, to provide job training and skills

◦Plant a community garden with plots for local community members to grow their own food supply

Community Service asks WHATCivic Engagement asks WHYEngaged Learning asks HOW

Types of “Engagement”

Direct ServiceCommunity/Economic DevelopmentVoting/Formal PoliticsDirect Action Strategies/ActivismGrassroots Political Activity/Public Policy

WorkCommunity BuildingAdvocacy/Community EducationSocially Responsible Daily Behavior

Models of Engagement

PlacementPresentationPresentation PlusProductProject

◦Community Based Research◦Service Internships◦Immersion Experiences

Campus Compactwww.compact.org

Other Resources

Department of Civic Engagement & Student Leadership Programs: www.alfredstate.edu/engage

Bonner FoundationMichigan Journal of Community Service Learn

ingAstin, A.W., Vogelgesang, L.J., Ikeda, E.K., and

Yee, J.A. (2000). How Service Learning Affects Students.  Los Angeles: Higher Education Research Institute, UCLA.  ◦ (Executive Summary | Full Report)