Core Principals:

View Community Partners through an asset-based lens (we are working alongside you and learning from you), rather than deficit-based (we are doing charitable service for you).

The service should benefit (not burden) the Community Partner while reinforcing course learning through guided reflection.

As you plan your course, consider…

  • Who are potential partners?
  • How many partners do you need?
  • What is their role as co-educator?
  • What type of service or project are you seeking for your students?
  • Should it be individual or project-based? Direct (working with clients), non-direct (working at the site but not with clients), or indirect (working off-site)? These details will ultimately be determined through discussions with your Community Partners.

Reach out to several organizations and discuss...

  • Your course objectives
  • Goals and objectives of your partner
  • How many students they can support
  • The types of projects students might do for them
  • The onboarding requirements for students (orientation, training, background check, etc.)

During the semester

  • In the first week, invite partners to your class to briefly describe their organization and the work students would do.
  • If students are doing projects, invite partners to offer formative feedback midway through.
  • Consider inviting partners to hear, assess, and celebrate final projects and presentations.
  • As part of a final reflection, ask students to compose (and send!) a thank-you note to their site supervisor describing their learning, their changes in perspectives, and (hopefully) their commitment to future service.

Last modified: Sunday, May 23, 2021, 10:54 AM