We recognize that for some courses, continued service projects will not be possible. If you need other ways to engage students in deeper critical reflection work, we offer these readings, podcasts, and other resources.
We will use this space to continue to share ideas and examples of ways to engage students in thoughtful reflections about civic responsibility and social/environmental justice. If you have your own examples to share here, please email them to Wendy Wagner, wagnerw@gwu.edu.
Reflections on COVID-19
Coronavirus Invites All-Hands-On Deck Citizenship, by Harry Boyte and Dennis Ross
“All hands on deck citizenship points to the need for all citizens, all institutions, and all communities to take responsibility to act civically, as they want to see their leaders act. This involves the ongoing civic disciplines of public work, following through on what each of us believes to be in the best interest of a nation we seek to make better, more civil, more respectful and more productive.”
This episode of NPR's Code Switch focuses on COVID-19 and racism and xenophobia, which may also be a useful reflection resource.
What the Corona Virus looks like in Prison, by The Marshall Project.
“Editor’s note: Last week, the Washington State Department of Corrections announced that a prison employee tested positive for COVID-19. Two men who are incarcerated in different parts of that facility separately wrote to The Marshall Project to provide their accounts of what has happened since.”
Leveraging the Learning Opportunity of a Global Health Situation, by Susan Haarman, Loyola University Chicago's Center for Experiential Learning. This resource is a set of question and prompts for stirring critical reflection.
Perceptions and Misconceptions on COIVD-19's effect on homeless population
Reflections on Civic Responsibility in Times of Crisis
Teaching in Times of Crisis. This blog was created after 9/11 and has useful information about engaging students in processing their own/those closest to them experiences and engagement with crises. Source: Center for Teaching at Vanderbilt University
Center for Civic Reflection. This site provides discussion plans, facilitator summaries, and other resources for engaging students in reflective dialogue, on a range of topics. A few examples relevant to the COVID-19 era:
- How should we respond in a crisis?
- Is crisis a destructive force or an opportunity for renewal?
- Fear and leadership
- What are responsibilities as citizens? Who or what are we responsible for?
Caring for self and others. The World Health Organization created this post about mental health considerations at this time, with good advice for taking care of ourselves and others.
Disaster Response. Melissa L. Finucane, Michael J. Blum, Rajeev Ramchand, Andrew M. Parker, Shanthi Nataraj, Noreen Clancy, Gary Cecchine, Anita Chandra, Tim Slack, George Hobor, Regardt J. Ferreira, Ky Luu, Amy E. Lesen & Craig A. Bond (2020) Advancing community resilience research and practice: moving from “me” to “we” to “3D”, Journal of Risk Research, 23:1, 1-10, DOI: 1080/13669877.2018.1517377
Reflections on Service and Social Change
The Morton Model. Keith Morton's classic work provides helpful language for reflections on the differences between service and social change.
Stop Hurling Starfish. Another article by Keith Morton, shared here by blogger, Katie Jourdenais, her reflection prompts included.
Dan Pallotta's Ted Talk, The way we think about charity is dead wrong. Note Dan Palotta is complicated, and students should be aware of his connection to the Wounded Warrior scandal. The complexity of the value of his message paired with the outcome of an idea taken too far is excellent discussion fodder.
Coronavirus: Wisdom from a Social Justice Lens, by Healing Justice Podcast. “COVID-19 prep for people living with chronic illnesses in the U.S”
Social Justice in a Time of Social Distancing, by Kenneth Bailey and Lori Lobenstine
Demands from Grassroots Organizers Concerning COVID-19
Reflections on Service and Race
This episode of NPR's Code Switch focuses on COVID-19 and racism and xenophobia, which may also be a useful reflection resource.
Tania D. Mitchell , David M. Donahue & Courtney Young-Law (2012) Service Learning as a Pedagogy of Whiteness,Equity & Excellence in Education, 45:4, 612-629, DOI: 10.1080/10665684.2012.715534
Bebelle, Carol. “Conjugating Equity and Ethics in Relationships between Community Organizations and Higher Education Institutions.” The Cambridge Handbook of Service Learning and Community Engagement.
Cole, Teju. “The White Savior Industrial Complex.” The Atlantic.
