The Importance of Reciprocity in International Service-Learning: Stories of Equal Exchange. Thursday, 3/27, 5:30 PM at IMU Dogwood Room. Refreshments will be served at 5:30, with the presentation at 5:45. Discussion to follow, until 7 PM. All are welcome to attend.
[Sponsored by Leadership, Ethics, and Social Action program, the Department of Political Science, and the Hutton Honors College International Experiences Program.]
Ms. Combellick will be available to meet with interested students or staff on Friday, 3/28. Please arrange a time by contacting Joelene at lesa@indiana.edu
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Kate Combellick, PhD, Director of Service Learning, Fordham University
I would be interested in sharing how the international service learning program at Fordham's College of Business was constructed, telling stories about equalizing the exchange. Because the program began in Africa, it was particularly important to avoid the paradigm created by aid which often demeans and undercuts. Our international service learning program enhances small fair trade businesses, and increases profits. We have found a ready market on our campus so far. The language of focusing on a common task, selling Fair Trade goods, somewhat prevented the tendency of first world people to distance from those who are less privileged. I in essence underwent life-changing events myself before I began to think about how students would be involved. Having had 8 years of experience with the College of Business' service learning program in the Bronx, I saw that the international program breathed new life into the conventional scenario of semester-long volunteering, when too often the conclusion drawn by the student is: I'm glad it's not me! A spin-off from the international program has been a club to assist in the sales aspect of Fair Trade.
