Service-Learning is an educational approach that integrates meaningful community engagement with academic curriculum emphasizing critical reflection and analysis. Through partnerships with community organizations and schools, students have the opportunity to learn about the lives of others and the larger contexts and root causes of issues that ultimately impact the well-being of all. Service-Learning embraces the principles of reciprocity between all parties––the community partners are co-educators, faculty and students are engaged citizens, and the academy becomes an active member of the local and global community.
● What? Structural and systemic issues that perpetuate inequities, oppression, injustices that include environmental conditions. Specific data and information regarding the root or structural cause that impacts the people/community you are engaging with. (Why does the community partner organization you are working with need to exist? What is their mission?)
● So What? Research that helps you to understand the implications of this issue and the importance of addressing root/structural causes. Who is directly impacted? What are the larger, indirect impacts for communities, society at large? Relationship to your community partner.
● Now What? Research that suggests models, systemic change, ways to address the structural issue to create sustainable and equitable change. Ways your community partner is working to address this issue, advocate for and create change.