John,
your question reminds me that for some time now I've been
wondering whether/how public institutions with service learning courses or
programs include work with religious institutions in their communities.
The Carlson Center works with churches that provide programs and services
such as youth shelters, food banks, and ESL instruction. But we don't
engage students in the work of the congregation or parrish which means to
me that we aren't providing students or ourselves a vision of a full
horizon of service in American society. This exclusion likely has
negative consequences for a pluralistic education since it limits our
capacity to fully engage the values, commitments, and cultural
organizational logic of various racial and ethnic groups. As well, my
hunch is that if we more fully engaged religious institutions in our
community, we'd provide students perspectives from which to see the values
and commitments that shape public institutions as not altogether distinct
from religious institutions.
Kim Johnson Bogart, Director
Edward E. Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center
University of Washington
34 Communications, Box 353760
Seattle, WA 98195-3760
(206) 616-4360
FAX (206) 685-8299
On Mon, 30 Jun 1997, John Eby wrote:
> I am interested in knowing to what extent religious colleges (Catholic,
> Denominational, Independent, Interdemoninational, etc.) are involved in
> service-learning. Has anyone done a study? Do some of you have
> impressions?
>
> Thanks!
>
> John W. Eby, Director of Service-Learning
> Messiah College
> Grantham, PA 17019
> JEby@Messiah.edu
>