Service Learning

 I saw this on a friends facebook post today and it really made me think about how we view ourselves externally. But what does it take for us to take a deeper look internally? Are we willing to look at our egocentric thinking, our stereotypes and fears and misconceptions?  I thought about the CRAFT model and how each service learning project taught the participants as much about themselves as about others.



As a result of reading the article Voices from the Community: A Case for Service Learning, I was prompted to consider fear, stereotypes, cliques in the context of a learning project.

I am sure each of us has been the recipient of the damage of a stereotype or a clique. Not feeling understood or included...a tough place to be. We want to be liked, understood and supported.  And possibly we, like Paula shared last week in class, are misjudged by the car we drive or don't drive, the neighborhood we live in or don't live in and the list goes on. OR quite possibly you have judged others in the same way and been exclusive in your friendships and not letting people who are different have influence in your life. I wonder what I missed over a greater portion of my life by having friends who were "like me."  And how that limits growth.

I firmly believe fear is a place that cripples and prevents us from being all we are created to be. Often times we are fearful of people who are different, new places, new experiences and a language we don't understand. So, instead of conquering the fear, we stay in our safe comfort zone and never venture out to be influenced by others. And sometimes we venture out but in our fear and immaturity, we hang out with our peers and neglect to connect with the culture or the people. This leads to the idea of being in a clique and therefore, we have reinforced the stereotypes of others. Is it a slippery slope?

I ponder all of this as I step out of my comfort zone to enter the community of Dove Springs. Will I be mindful to connect with the people and allow them to see that quite possibly we aren't that different. Will I be perceived as a person who is willing to listen to needs/desires and embrace the wisdom and knowledge and experience within the community?

I have to also consider the obstacle of fear as I  begin an oral history project for Holly Street. Something completely off the grid than anything I have ever done.  Not only will I be doing an oral project but I will also be encountering a culture that I have not had the privilege to be exposed to.

Moreover, I have to be willing to engage with the people of Holly Street and allow them to see me as an individual who wants to participate in their desires and hopes. I may not be able to to break down the wall of cliques and stereotypes and the negatives that can be associated with a service learning project but I can make an effort to do my part by being aware of my stereotypes and actions and how they can negatively affect others.