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April 20, 2003
Thinking about smaller communities
When thinking about organizations that might be isolated from bigger cities and larger universities I turned to the model created by Kirtland Community College and how they have designed and implemented models to benefit the community through volunteering. Many organizations have accepted the reality that being a part of the community is integral to developing civic engagement to benefit the community, “The geographic isolation faced by many community colleges tempts us to turn inward to our students and our community. Our campuses must model civic engagement at the regional and national level as well. Regionally, Kirtland is a founding member for the Michigan Alliance for Rural Service Learning. In consortium with our university partners, we seek to expand student service opportunities and research options in the rural areas of Northern Michigan. We are working with a local secondary school to provide technical guidance in the creation of its own service learning program. At the national level our faculty have attended conferences, participated on committees and in focus groups and national dialog sessions.” It is interesting to look at the different ways that organizations struggle to unite the student body and volunteering opportunities.
Agreeing with Dr. Charles D. Rorie the president of Kirtland Community College that without participation democracy cannot survive. It is important to take steps like graduating with Civic Honors to motivate the student body to become involved within the community. Recognizing that Civic Honors is not a cure all solution but it is an integral way to help focus motivation and an inexpensive way to reward students for participation within the community. Being able to develop a balanced approach becomes even more important in areas that are isolated from advocacy groups and charitable organizations in larger cities. It is important to look at increasing civic engagement and volunteerism at all sizes of communities within the country to develop a better understanding of what practices are most efficient in helping to develop closer ties between individuals and the community.
330 words posted by nels lindahl at 08:40 AM
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