Expressions. Inclusion & Community Engagement

Transcription

1 Expressions Inclusion & Community Engagement January 2013

2 Future Teachers... Learn Through Service On Thursday December 13, 2012, eleven UTSA College of Education students taking Applied Service-Learning in Social Studies Grades 4 8, with Dr. Elizabeth Pate, delivered boxes upon boxes of donations to the Salvation Army Women s Shelter. Students set up donation bins around the UTSA campus and also invited friends and family members to contribute. What began as a book drive evolved into a collection of books, clothing, shoes, toiletries, electronics, toys, and more. During the donation delivery, students completed a new library for women and children and spent time talking with some of the shelter s residents. Students in Dr. Pate s class chose the project after identifying a need in the community and visiting the agency; they also reflected upon the experience throughout the semester. One student wrote that This was a personal, first-hand account of how our service was put to good use, as we were able to see exactly who benefited from our service. Many other students reflected on how they will implement service-learning in their own future classrooms. If a teacher can involve their students in projects like these, then they are creating an environment that is not only culturally relevant and socially just, but one that places an importance on: teamwork, service, compassion, community awareness, and authentic learning experiences. The Salvation Army Women's Shelter is a place for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence to come for support, encouragement, and guidance. To learn more about the Salvation Army Women s Shelter visit

3 FEATURED STUDENT ORGANIZATION Largest volunteer organization at UTSA VOICES members completed 3850 hours in Fall 2012, their goal is to complete 8,000 hours by the end of Spring VOICES has several programs planned for Spring United to Serve Special Spring Project Alternative Spring Break in Atlanta and San Antonio Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter UC South Meetings are every Wednesday at 5pm in the UC Retama

4 Get Your Hands Dirty This Spring Break Alternative Spring Break 2013 What? Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a chance to give back during your break Where? Atlanta, GA and San Antonio, TX When? San Antonio- March and Atlanta- March Who? A college student who is ready to have fun and make a difference... You! Why? Past participants have consistently said it is one of the best experiences of their lives! It is a chance to travel while making a difference and meeting new people. Past trips include Habitat for Humanity in Corpus Christi, Big Bend National Park, New Orleans Rebuilding, Orphanages in Piedras Negras, Mexico, Oklahoma City, and more! Spring 2013 trips will be to Atlanta, GA to focus on creating community and urban poverty; and San Antonio, TX to focus on education and mentoring youth. Applications are now available! Applications Application deadline February 1, 2013 at 5:00pm UC South Or

5 The Progression An Exploration of Civil Rights Congratulations to all 38 UTSA students who were selected to participate in this once in a lifetime experience. This program allowed for students to leave the state of Texas and become immersed in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Look for, The Progression: An Exploration of Civil Rights featured article in our upcoming February issue of Expressions.

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7 Are you serving the community as a part of a UTSA class or program this semester? Apply for the $500-$1000 Wells Fargo Community Leadership Award by February 4th! Please find all eligibility requirements on the application. servicelearning@utsa.edu or call for more information.

8 The Inclusion and Community Engagement Center UC (above Chili s Too) Follow Us on Like Us on Facebook.com/ICEatUTSA Visit our Inclusion and Community Engagement (ICE) Center Staff Yvonne Peña Ann Margaret Trujillo Jennifer Rames Cristina Dominguez Assistant Dean of Students Associate Director Associate Director Program Coordinator Corey Benson Graduate Assistant Leslianne Garcia Graduate Assistant