DEEP Service Magazine Spring/Summer 2014

DEEPCONNECTIONS A “Civic Sense” Siena College is featured as an institution of higher education practicing community engagement in sustained ways. Drawing on their connections to more than two decades' experience in the Bonner network, Deepening Community Engagement in Higher Education: Forging New Pathways (Palgrave Macmillan, September 2013) features chapters by more than a dozen institutions of higher education that practice community engagement in sustained ways. The volume features strategies to promote community engaged learning that is deep, pervasive, integrated, and developmental, qualities recognized by the Carnegie Classification. Respected scholars and practitioners present proven models for student leadership and development, sustained partnerships, faculty engagement, institutionalization of campus centers, and changes to teaching and learning. According to Brian Rosenberg, President of Macalester College, "The continued vitality of American higher education will depend in part on the development of strong partnerships with the communities and organizations beyond the boundaries of any campus. This volume is a wonderful guide to how such partnerships are being developed now and how they might be developed even more successfully in the future. This article was taken from “A Civic Sense”, an occasional spotlight from the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation for leaders of community engaged learning. AmeriCorps Members Celebrate AmeriCorps Week by Showing Commitment to Service By Adriana Battle, Siena AmeriCorps*VISTA Fellow This March, the AmeriCorps members in Siena ACE’s programs celebrated National Service Week by participating in a weeklong campaign with many activities that showcased our commitment to service. The purpose of this week was not only to celebrate our love for service but also to highlight all the hard work AmeriCorps members have done this past year. This year’s National Service Week took place March 24t with many ways to get involved. The week kicked oﬀ with a day of direct service, giving participants the chance to experience a more hands on approach to volunteerism. Participants could choose between a few opportunities including helping with children’s activities at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany, sorting food donations at the Regional Food Bank, or removing brush and debris at the Albany Shaker Historical Site. On Tuesday, we were able to attend an Open Mic Night at one of the Siena VISTA Fellow’s service sites, Albany Barn. The Open Mic Night featured talent from all over the Capital Region including poets, singers, guitarists, and hilarious comedians. The night gave us the chance to relax and get a bit creative while supporting a great organization. Our grand finale took place right on Siena’s campus in the President’s Dining room. After a fun filled week we all came together to sit down for a nice meal and reflect upon what we learned and share highlights from the week. We also had fun learning proper dining etiquette along the way and, paired with our nice attire, we got to feel a bit fancy for a while. All in all, the week turned out to be a very fun and relaxing experience. It was a great way to step back from what can be a very hectic and busy environment. It is easy to forget about the impact we are having on our communities and I believe we all felt a sense of renewed commitment to our service sites and our projects. The recognition an appreciation we received in that week reminded us all that what we are doing is valued and appreciated, and that appreciation goes a long way! DEEP Service Magazine | Page 29

DEEP Service Magazine Spring/Summer 2014 | Page 29