Learning journey toward leadership within an intercultural service learning program Stakeholder Panel: Kathryn Burleson, Justin Levy, Trey Jones, & Julia Lehr
A seven-year case study in leadership Our team at the school garden on Pine Ridge June, 2013
Larger Contexts Warren Wilson College Conscious Alliance Pine Ridge, SD
http://vimeo.com/105171564
Experiential Education The Ripple Effect
Time Line
*Prior to this partnership, Conscious Alliance had built a food bank on the Hand’s property but didn’t utilize it for educational groups
Education became a primary goal of the service
Kathryn’s involvement *Kathryn Burleson is a Psychology Professor at WWC and employs service learning in nearly every course. *A notable exception: In 2008 Cultural Psychology did NOT yet contain a service learning component due to the ethical issues.
An invitation from Conscious Alliance *In ‘09, ‘11, ‘13 & upcoming ’15 WWC was invited by Conscious Alliance to Pine Ridge, SD. *Cultural Psychology was reconfigured to wrap around a spring break service learning experience to Pine Ridge, SD
Cultural Psychology to Pine Ridge 2009
Cultural Psychology to Pine Ridge 2011
Cultural Psychology to Pine Ridge 2013
Incidental Leadership *One student repeated the experience *This began the idea of a multiyear, leadership team.
Overview of Student Leadership Model *Participate via an independent study as a sophomore *Return as Cultural Psychology student and student-leader senior year.
Sociocultural Perspective
*Logistic help is required and the rest is personalized
Trey Jones - a sophomore
Trey Jones - A senior & student-leader *Emphasized listening, reducing expectations and being humble. *Co-led meetings *Led reflections *Made decisions *Consulted with curricular design *Assisted with logistics *Built group dynamics
Trey Jones - Alum / Community Partner
Julia Lehr - ‘15 *Sophomore independent study *Summer internship with Conscious Alliance. * Alternative break trip to Pine Ridge with 14 students.
Julia Lehr - Alternative Break Trip with Pre and Post workshops
Julia Lehr - Student Leader March 2015 Julia plans to develop modes of reflection that blend mindfulness meditation to offer more of a variety of modes of reflection, especially for those who struggle with critical reflection.
Students’ experiences represents HICEPs Multi-year Intensive In a team setting Proper preparation Responsibility Co-creator of curriculum Treated as professional with a future role in the program
Additional implications *Momentum is built on campus and with Conscious Alliance *Student-to-student teaching and leading on campus as well as during travel *The relationships are strengthened because we are a diverse team connected on a deeper level with flexible roles.
Additional Implications *In SL courses we can co-create and train our next generation of community-partners and leaders. -students learn to understand the context and the complexity of service - a 360 view. -the business behind service
Three Take Home Points *Students can be the initiators. *Students can be empowered to build relationships and take on responsibilities. *Students gain an identity as an engaged community member that persists after graduation.