Presents an exploratory study based on 20 interviews with Swedish conscientious objectors. The interviews represent a special form of institutional discourse, the evaluative interview, designed to help decide whether or not the conscientious objector is to be recommended for alternative civilian service. The practice has recently been abandoned in…

Argues for redefining the mission of the 21st-century university in order to focus on one overriding objective serving the public. Effective, expanding engagement with communities provides expertise and service to communities in ways in which universities are co-equal partners with other organizations and interests; it also provides rich…

Addresses the impact of postmodern modes of thought on both the rise of academic professionalism and the decline of civic engagement at the heart of the land-grant mission. Argues that the revitalizing of this mission requires rebuilding the social personae of the academic profession through ethics and moral praxis. (DSK)

Presents a case study that describes how the Fairfax County Public (VA) has reinvented itself as a public service corporation by developing a public-private model for fund development using a top managerial committee. Discusses volunteer programs, partnerships with local utility companies, and staff training in managing patron problem behavior.…

Through Nickelodeon's Big Help program, and with assistance from the Chicago Region PTA, students at six Chicago schools learned about the satisfaction of making a difference in their communities. Over the course of one week, students participated in various community service projects and were rewarded for their hard work with a visit from the…

After five years, the AmeriCorps program, a federal program designed to encourage youth to perform public service by providing substantial scholarships after completion, has been both praised as effective in getting things done and criticized as cost-ineffective. Some feel the money could have been better spent for federal grants or work-study…

Explores the history and evolution of the "Wisconsin idea," a commitment by this university to provide direct benefits to its commonwealth. Discusses the idea's origins from 1874 to 1914, "going national" from 1914 to 1956, the post-World War II transition, and current, varied linkages with state agencies, private companies,…

This multi-site study of candidates in programs in the National Service Learning in Teacher Education Partnership measured gains in participants' teaching efficacy, commitment to teaching, service ethic of teaching, and acceptance of diversity, as well as their intent to personally engage in community service and use service learning in their own…

Draws from the experiences with community engagement of scholars across Michigan State University to construct a model of the "engagement interface," exploring the dynamics of the processes that underlie successful university-community partnerships. Offers an example of the university's commitment to engaged scholarship: a learning…

Contains articles written by two former Frontiers of Justice participants about their experiences and reflections on the legacy message of the Church in El Salvador. Also includes a poem written by the Archbishop Oscar Romero, and an extensive bibliography of resources in English on the Church in El Salvador. (VWC)

Describes two significant theoretical approaches to service learning (philanthropic and civil) so that professors are aware of two different impulses that inform service learning. In addition, addresses three critical concerns about service learning: it takes too much time and too many resources, it should not be required, and it should be…

Explains how professors can engage disabled students in service learning, noting that such students are good candidates for providing service to others. Discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities as recipients of service, individuals with disabilities as service providers, and practical advice for developing…

Offers some resources for faculty initiates to service learning that may assist them in understanding service learning and the role it can have in enhancing learning among college students. Describes the contents of several publications on service learning. (EV)

Living in an information age, targeting the news media has become one of the most effective methods used by national service programs for transmitting information to the public. This report describes a strategic approach that can assist public relations departments to determine: (1) Who one's audience is and what their opinions, attitudes, and…

Students often participate in service learning because it looks good on college applications or is a natural outcome of their church or club activities. If they stumble into careers of service later, it is usually an afterthought, not part of a planned path. Considering the social, environmental, and economic equity issues that today's students…