Transitioning to the Critical Service-Learning Model: Integrating Meaningful Advocacy into a Student-Run, Service-Learning Organization

Presenter

Kriti Dhiman

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Ellen Correa, Department of Civic Engagement & Service-Learning, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board C24, Poster Showcase Room (163), Row 3 (C21-C30) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

In higher education service-learning, course content is combined with community engagement. Traditionally, service-learning has emphasized community service and reflection. In contrast, critical service-learning scholar Tania Mitchell argues that the goal of service learning “is to deconstruct systems of power so the need for service and the inequalities that create and sustain them are dismantled" (Mitchell 2008, p. 50). Essentially, approaching service-learning critically means incorporating an aspect of social justice into the learning experience. With this in mind, I am undertaking a project to create a policy/advocacy component for a student-run service-learning organization at UMass Amherst.  

The Boltwood Project was designed in 1969 to provide enrichment, socialization, and recreation for adults and children of varying abilities. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, student leaders have expressed interest in and begun to engage in legislative advocacy for disability rights. Although Boltwood has tried various methods of advocacy work recently, the program leaders’ struggle with institutionalizing policy and legislative advocacy within service-learning praxis. As a co-coordinator, my project is focused on exploring how Boltwood can meaningfully and continually advocate on behalf of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). I will achieve this through researching the issues that are relevant and important to the community, attending workshops and training, and partnering with organizations such as The Arc of Massachusetts to advocate for legislation to benefit those with I/DD. This project will result in a proposal on how to integrate praxis on public policy advocacy into the Boltwood curriculum. 

Keywords

public policy, advocacy, service-learning, disability rights

Research Area

Disability Studies

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