Community-Based Learning: Effective Practice and Partnerships

Date: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Time: 4-6 p.m. workshop; 6-7 p.m. awards, reception & book signing

Place: Tilton Hall, Higgins University Center, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester

Cost: Free

Featured Speaker: Dr. Randy Stoecker

The workshop format will be based on the "World Café Conversations" model, a creative process for leading collaborative dialogue, sharing knowledge and creating possibilities for action in groups. This highly interactive workshop will allow participants to share collective discoveries, explore questions of importance and connect diverse perspectives surrounding the topic of community-based learning and effective practice.

Dr. Randy Stoecker is professor of sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Stoecker conducts trainings and presents frequently in the areas of community organizing and development, participatory research and evaluation, and community information technology. He is the author of numerous books, most recently, The Unheard Voices: Community Organizations and Service Learning. Dr. Stoecker's work explores the impact of higher education community engagement, examines assumptions about the effectiveness of such engagement initiatives, and suggests ways to improve it to better meet the needs of communities and the students who work in them.

Light refreshments will be provided during the workshop.

Who Should Attend:

• Faculty & Campus Leaders & Students who participate in or are interested in service-learning programs
• Community partners who serve as hosts for students in their community-based projects

The Annual Community Engagement Awards will be given at 6 p.m., followed by a wine and cheese reception and book signing with Dr. Stoecker.

Given to a student or a group of students from each Consortium member institution, the Consortium's Community Engagement Awards recognize students who have provided exemplary service to their communities during the past year. This year's workshop theme provides the perfect synergy for presenting these awards.

Register to Attend:

The World Café model seeks to address areas of interest for all workshop participants. Before you register, take a moment to prepare your answer to this question: What issue, focus area, or concern related to community-based learning would you like to discuss in the World Café forum on March 2?

When you have prepared your answer, go to our online RSVP form to register. The deadline to register is Tuesday, February 23.

After submitting your RSVP form, you will receive a confirmation page.

If you have questions about your registration, please contact Christine Beasley at 508.754.6829, ext. 3001 or cbeasley [at] cowc [dot] org.

This event is co-sponsored by Clark University and the Consortium's Faculty Development and Community Engagement committees.

Directions & Parking:

Follow driving directions and note location of Higgins University Center, # 27 on Clark's interactive campus map. Park on Main Street in front of the campus or directly across Main Street in one of the three Clark-owned lots next to the Monahan building. (Please do not park in the lot designated for the Lasry Center # 35. Fines apply.)