Readings/Videos to prepare and motivate students for community engagement

Videos about SL at Boise State

• Introduction to Service-Learning (2-3 minute video) – Explains SL purpose, benefits, examples, inspiration.
• Preparing for Service-Learning (your mindset matter) (3-minute video) – Offers tips on what mindset to bring into the community
• SL Transcript Distinction (1.5 minute video) – Describes the purpose and value of the SL Transcript Distinction

Readings

Below are brief readings to help students consider the ethics of community engagement. Consider one that fits your course.

• • • The Pitfalls in Social Change“ (2 pages) Includes two suggested reflection questions.
    • “What we don’t think about when we don’t think about service” by Adam Davis. (7 pages) Includes reflection questions.
    • Stanford’s Principles of ethical and effective service (~4 pages). Includes reflection questions.
      Overall reflection question: “Which principles are important for your specific community project?”
    • Starfish Hurling and Community Service – Keith Morton (2 pages). It’s a critique of “every little bit helps.”
    • “Soul of a Citizen” excerpt (5 pages) This excerpt highlights four aspects of citizenship and social change: 1) Cooperation helped the local fishery become more sustainable, 2) Change occurs slowly as presented in Rosa Park’s training before her refusal to move to the back of the bus, 3) Anyone can be an agent of social change, not only saints, 4) And finally, we need to accept our imperfections and open our minds to continue to learn.

More Videos 

• • Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk “The Danger of a Single Story”
    Discusses how a single story shapes our view of others and reinforces stereotypes.