Post on 29-Dec-2015
REACHING OUT WHILE REACHING IN: ACADEMIC SERVICE LEARNING INITIATIVES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Chuck Ganzert – Professor, Northern Michigan University
Nick Holton – Professor, Kirtland Community College
Dave Bonsall – Staff, Northern Michigan University
Katie Stelmaszek - Staff, Northern Michigan University
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Rural Alliance for Service Learning (RASL)The natural environment, unique occupations,
space, low-density population, and a strong sense of place help define rural America. Rural life is an
important component of our natural heritage.
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Rural Alliance for Service Learning (RASL)
The mission of the Rural Alliance for Service Learning is to encourage, enhance, and study the role of service learning in building a healthier and
more vibrant rural America…
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Rural Alliance for Service Learning (RASL) Projects Setting a Research Agenda Creation of a National Web Page Anthology of Rural Service Readings Funding Yearly Meetings Evangelizing Across the Country
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Rural Defined Outside the City Typical of the Country Agricultural
- Encarta World English Dictionary
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Rural Service Learning Defined Opposite of “urban” or “metropolitan”
- U.S. Government Settlements with a population of 2,500 persons
or less or open country with a population density of less than 1,000 people per square mile.
- U.S. Census Bureau “Nonmetro” America makes up 75% of the land,
but only 17% of the population.- U.S. Department of Agriculture
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Regional Colleges and Universities Geographic Colleges and Universities Accessible Education Unique Geographic Locations Familiar with Community and Geography Marshall Resources for Region Valuable Community Contributors
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Advantages Communication Networks Sense of Community Viewed as Essential Visibility of Impact Wide Variety of Need Smaller Bureaucracies Meaningful Partnerships
RURAL SERVICE LEARNING
Challenges Less Resources, Funding and People Less Civic Infrastructure Long Distances Stereotypes Limited Telecommunications Access Easily Forgotten Fewer Organizations to Partner with Development vs. Traditions Retaining Graduates
RURAL SERVICE LEARNINGPROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
Northern Michigan University Kirtland Community College Initiatives at Your School