Publication: Developing Tools for Civic Empowerment
Bringing Theory to Practice Spotlights UMBC & Partners
Bringing Theory to Practice (BTtoP) supports practices in undergraduate education that "nurture active and integrative learning, personal well-being, preparation for meaningful work, and democratic citizenship." With a Multi-Institutional Innovation Grant from BTtoP, David Hoffman and Romy Hübler from UMBC's Center for Democracy and Civic Life, along with national partners, are developing tools for educators and students to use in cultivating, practicing, and promoting civic courage.
The April 15, 2020 edition of Bringing Theory to Practice's newsletter Bringing It features the project in a Grantee Spotlight prepared by the people collaborating on the project:
At a moment when we must practice social distancing to sustain life and health, all of us in higher education can plant the seeds of enhanced civic proximity. With support from a BTtoP Multi-Institutional Innovation Grant, David Hoffman and Romy Hübler (Center for Democracy and Civic Life, UMBC), Melissa Baker-Boosamra (Office of Student Life, Grand Valley State University) and Craig Berger (Community Engaged Learning, Kent State University) are developing tools educators and students can use to build skills and foster dispositions to support civic proximity and engagement in a wide variety of settings, including within institutions. The initial products of their collaboration, a Civic Courage Reflection Workshop facilitation guide and worksheet, help workshop participants to recognize aspects of civic courage beyond a willingness to take a risk for a cause, reflect on their past experiences with this expanded understanding of civic courage in mind, and identify opportunities to practice civic courage now and in the future.
Participants in pilot workshops have shared that they have gained new insights about how to deal with challenges in their own workplace and organizational settings by using foresight, looking for opportunities to collaborate, and practicing strategic patience. The facilitation guide, worksheet, and other tools to be developed align with theCivic Learning and Democratic Engagement Theory of Change, which describes how higher education can extend and deepen its support for students as co-creators of a thriving democracy.
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Bringing Theory to Practice (BTtoP) supports practices in undergraduate education that "nurture active and integrative learning, personal well-being, preparation for meaningful work, and...
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Center for Democracy and Civic Life
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Center for Democracy and Civic Life
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Wed, 15 Apr 2020 16:06:04 -0400
Wed, 15 Apr 2020 23:27:34 -0400
REPOST: Counseling Center Statement on COVID-19 & Xenophobia
Reposting to amplify and stand in solidarity with our Counseling Center colleagues.
--
In these uncertain times, it is important as a community and a nation that we don’t lose sight of our identities, our purpose, and our impact. As such, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s (UMBC) Counseling Center is taking a firm stance against the recent increase in xenophobia and racism that has been perpetrated against Chinese and Asian communities.
While the coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, some have chosen to refer to it as the “Chinese Virus,” the “Wuhan Virus,” or a “foreign virus.” This language falsely suggests that Chinese or Asian people are the sole carriers of the disease, while also dangerously ignoring the fact that any person, of any race or ethnicity, may be a carrier. Further, this misinformation racializes a public health emergency and perpetuates discrimination against ethnic Chinese (or other Asian) people, reflecting a long-standing history of xenophobia – a form of prejudice against people from other countries. Acts of discrimination, harassment, violence, and verbal aggression towards Chinese and Asian people in the U.S. have increased as a result and have imbued hate and fearmongering into an atmosphere already rife with uncertainty and anxiety.
UMBC draws its strength from its diversity of thought, cultures, backgrounds, and the importance with which inclusivity is upheld and championed. Asian and Asian American (especially Chinese and Chinese American) students, staff, and faculty are valued members of the UMBC community. UMBC’s Counseling Center decries racist or xenophobic rhetoric, behavior, or ideology. Furthermore, as mental health providers, we understand the negative psychological, physiological, and sociological effects of scapegoating, victim blaming, and bias in a time where we all need to find ways to be supported, connected, and truly informed.
Research shows that experiences of discrimination can lead to confusion, self-doubt, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and depression, along with a host of physical ailments. While it is understandable that these times of uncertainty have led to anxiety and fear, engaging in blame and othering behaviors only increases paranoia, mistrust, and emotional distancing, which in turn fuel anxiety and fear. Simply put, increasing belonging and connection helps us all, spreading division and distrust hurts us all. For a community built on inclusive excellence, we know the choice to make, so we hope you join us in denouncing discrimination and addressing xenophobia and racism in all its forms.
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Reposting to amplify and stand in solidarity with our Counseling Center colleagues. -- In these uncertain times, it is important as a community and a nation that we don’t lose sight of our...
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The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity
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Campus Life's (CL) Mosaic, Interfaith, & Pride Centers
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Thu, 09 Apr 2020 15:57:38 -0400
Alternative Spring Break '21: Leader Applications Due Today
Develop an immersive learning experience for your peers
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders will help develop plans and learning opportunities for the week of UMBC's Spring Break, and will work in collaboration with the other leaders and Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff to create a holistic, empowering ASB experience for all participants. The role requires both independence (being a self-starter, organizing group sessions, guiding participants) and teamwork (following through on commitments, cooperating with other leaders and Center for Democracy and Civic Life staff, asking for help when needed). The topics each group explores will emerge from leaders’ curiosity about Baltimore and social issues.
All undergraduate students are invited to apply. Preferred but not required: Applicants will have participated in ASB or a similar multi-day experiential learning program.
Past leaders have explored a variety of questions, such as:
- How do people who have been formerly incarcerated transition back to living and working in Baltimore? What can be done to support that transition?
- What are the difficulties and barriers that people experiencing homelessness face in Baltimore and what can be done to mitigate those issues?
- How are food disparities created, perpetuated, and challenged in Baltimore?
- How do the arts support community empowerment and well-being in Baltimore?
Applicants can choose to explore those questions or propose new ones.
Ideally group leaders will work in pairs (two leaders for each group, sharing responsibilities). You can identify your potential partner when you apply or we can propose matches for you. Working in pairs is not a requirement, but in our experience it works very well.
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Alternative Spring Break (ASB) leaders will help develop plans and learning opportunities for the week of UMBC's Spring Break, and will work in collaboration with the other leaders and Center for...
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Center for Democracy and Civic Life
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Tue, 07 Apr 2020 10:20:20 -0400
Mon, 27 Apr 2020 09:23:36 -0400