REACHING OUT WHILE REACHING IN: ACADEMIC SERVICE LEARNING INITIATIVES IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Chuck Ganzert – Professor, Northern Michigan University

Nick Holton – Professor, Kirtland Community College

Dave Bonsall – Staff, Northern Michigan University

Katie Stelmaszek - Staff, Northern Michigan University

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Rural Alliance for Service Learning (RASL)The natural environment, unique occupations,

space, low-density population, and a strong sense of place help define rural America. Rural life is an

important component of our natural heritage.

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Rural Alliance for Service Learning (RASL)

The mission of the Rural Alliance for Service Learning is to encourage, enhance, and study the role of service learning in building a healthier and

more vibrant rural America…

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Rural Alliance for Service Learning (RASL) Projects Setting a Research Agenda Creation of a National Web Page Anthology of Rural Service Readings Funding Yearly Meetings Evangelizing Across the Country

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Rural Defined Outside the City Typical of the Country Agricultural

- Encarta World English Dictionary

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Rural Service Learning Defined Opposite of “urban” or “metropolitan”

- U.S. Government Settlements with a population of 2,500 persons

or less or open country with a population density of less than 1,000 people per square mile.

- U.S. Census Bureau “Nonmetro” America makes up 75% of the land,

but only 17% of the population.- U.S. Department of Agriculture

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Regional Colleges and Universities Geographic Colleges and Universities Accessible Education Unique Geographic Locations Familiar with Community and Geography Marshall Resources for Region Valuable Community Contributors

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Advantages Communication Networks Sense of Community Viewed as Essential Visibility of Impact Wide Variety of Need Smaller Bureaucracies Meaningful Partnerships

RURAL SERVICE LEARNING

Challenges Less Resources, Funding and People Less Civic Infrastructure Long Distances Stereotypes Limited Telecommunications Access Easily Forgotten Fewer Organizations to Partner with Development vs. Traditions Retaining Graduates

RURAL SERVICE LEARNINGPROJECTS AND INITIATIVES

Northern Michigan University Kirtland Community College Initiatives at Your School

QUESTIONS?For more information on the Rural Alliance for Service Learning please join us tomorrow for breakfast.