12th Annual National Gathering with Educators for Community Engagement

Posted by on January 27, 2006

Educators for Community Engagement invites you to the 12th Annual National Gathering

“Many Voices, Common Ground”
June 15-17, 2006

University of Wisconsin, Parkside
(in Kenosha, 30 miles from Milwaukee and 55 miles from Chicago)

ECE’s National Gathering is like no other conference for faculty, staff, students, and community leaders committed to service-learning/community-based learning and civic engagement.

The heart of the National Gathering is learning circles, a powerful form of democratic dialogue. In an era of polarized political debate, widespread distrust, and far too much isolation, this event offers a space for people to share their stories, knowledge, and perspectives as equals. By coming together to explore critical questions and imagine new possibilities for partnerships and change, we prepare ourselves to deepen our work at home.

For the first time, participants will be encouraged to read a common book beforehand. “Population 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time” captures Michael Perry’s reflections on his return to New Auburn, WI, and his involvement with the town’s volunteer fire department. This book will provide “common ground” as we share the stories of the places where we live and work.

On June 15th, participants will choose among site visits and workshops, including one led by the recipient of Campus Compact’s 2006 Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning. Participants then join one learning circle for the rest of the event, exploring one particular issue in greater depth.
Watch http://www.e4ce.org/NG2006 for updates on the program, registration, and scholarships, or contact Tom Schnaubelt at thomas.schnaubelt@uwp.edu with questions.

Sponsored in collaboration with Wisconsin Campus Compact and the University of Wisconsin, Parkside, University of Wisconsin Extension, Gateway Technical College, and Carthage College.