Civic Engagement Projects
Lewis House and Dakota Woodlands
Project: Support for homeless women and children in Dakota County. Students conducted a competitive game for raising money for donation to Lewis House and Dakota Woodlands.
Date: Month of November 2005.
Planning: Students had a brainstorming session followed by a majority rule vote as to what service they wished to provide or support that would serve the campus community in Dakota County. Students researched all ideas prior to selecting the theme of domestic violence. Then, they deliberated over what to do, who to involve, how to prepare and divided up tasks. Most of that time was spent explaining the game.
Marketing: Students made posters, table tents, flyers and sent information and announcements via email and advertized on the campus monitors the event. Students visited classrooms. The students decorated a bulletin ball supporting the cause and provided information about the problem of homelessness due to domestic violence in the community. Resource phone numbers were visible for those in need. Students kept the other departments involved informed about the progress of collections.
Sponsors: Students in the program
Event: Three weeks in November. Appropriately labeled containers were placed in different departments on the east and west sides of campus for collection of pennies.
Results: Initiative, leadership and communication skills within the class were evident as some students assumed the responsibility of visiting class rooms, writing emails and preparing table tents and flyers. This group of students was also creative in developing a game and explaining the rules.
$187.00 was sent to Dakota Woodlands and $187.00 was sent to Lewis House.
The students were involved in civic engagement to benefit a population of people in need in their community. It was a first time experience for some to volunteer. All students were encouraged to continue to participate in a volunteer capacity in the future.