Pros and Cons of "Getting Involved" - Community Participation in Multicultural Communities
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
June 29-August 9, 2008
Faculty: Robert Ortega, Department of Social Work, and Charles Kieffer,
Department of Psychology, both of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Tutors: Jenee Ayers, Harvard University, and Shana Schoem, University of Michigan
We will explore tensions and conflicts of community-based participation
and community involvement. Students will critically examine community responses designed to address issues of poverty, powerlessness,
and day-to-day realities of disenfranchised populations. Issues of voluntarism, community service, and the limits of benevolence will be
discussed in the context of community responses to diverse community conflicts and concerns (e.g., hunger, homelessness, domestic violence,
child abuse, substance abuse). Value tensions around “common good” versus “personal responsibility” and accountability for addressing social
concerns will be investigated in historical context and based on our current global outreach initiatives.
Students will become familiar with at least two local community-based
human service organizations each week. Site visits and/or presentations by agency personnel will introduce students to diverse
settings dealing with diverse populations (e.g., early childhood, youth, homeless). Students will also take responsibility for engaging
in hands-on volunteering and group service projects at least one day per week. Classroom discussions will be designed to establish a
conceptual foundation for community engagement and exploration. “Field days” will include time set aside for critical reflection and
analysis of experience.
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