The separation between American university campuses and surrounding communities can be great. To many, there is a disconnect between the classroom and the "real work" that happens in organizations and businesses. Developing mutually beneficial and sustainable community partnerships is paramount to our work and is something in which I find great meaning and purpose. Below are a couple of examples of ways that I developed community partnership initiatives.
Civic Innovation Institute
2016 Civic Innovation Institute Images
Many thanks to college photographer, Brent Treash, for these images. |
In June 2015, the Appalachian Center for Civic Life at Emory & Henry College convened the inaugural Civic Innovation Institute. With the hope of deepening community-campus partnerships and to develop innovative projects for Emory & Henry students, this two day gathering brings together community organizations, local government representatives, and college faculty/staff to engage in networking, professional development, and project planning. For three years the institute has brought together hundreds of community members to explore the deep questions of our place and to conceptualize solutions to the challenges of our communities.
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Workshops and Presentations:
In partnership with People, Inc., a state-wide community development non-profit, I delivered a workshop for agency staff on partnership development within the scope of their own work, with particular focus on asset-based approaches and liberating structures.
"Experience More In Your Partnerships" workshop provided an overview on partnership theory and best practices. This session provided organizations the opportunity to consider partnership's costs and benefits.
Below is a sample agenda developed for the annual Community Partner Gathering. Dozens of representatives from non-profits across Chicago would gather with Loyola faculty and staff for a day of networking and professional development.
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As a part of the 2014 Community Campus Partnerships for Health International Conference, we developed a workshop outlining the nature of the successful relationship between Loyola University and LIFT-Chicago.
In an effort to expand the relationship with Catholic Charities of Chicago, we developed a workshop and planning session for nearly 200 professional staff outlining the capacity-building opportunities possible with a robust internship program.
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