Interrogating Consequential Education Research: Exploring Social Networks Connecting Communities With a University Environmental Service-Learning Program

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Three
  In Roundtable Session: Connecting Communities Within and Beyond School Walls (Table 9)

Abstract

Based in a Land Grant University in New England, Project Local (pseudonym) is a university-community service-learning partnership supporting environmental education and sustainability. To advance theory and practice on social networks and service-learning, this study offers an initial exploration of the composition and formation of the Project Local network and identifies the outcomes of the student projects from the perspective of community liaisons. Exploratory survey data (n=12) showed that liaisons became connected with Project Local through potentially homophilous pre-existing professional relationships and instructors’ mass communication efforts and that student projects benefited communities in addressing local environmental issues. Conclusions inform approaches to reaching out to new communities, especially communities which have experienced environmental racism and/or been excluded from environmental protection.

Authors

• Hannah Cooke, University of Connecticut
  Presenting Author

• Rebecca A. Campbell-Montalvo, University of Connecticut
  Presenting Author

• Chester Arnold, University of Connecticut
  Non-Presenting Author

• Todd Campbell, University of Connecticut
  Non-Presenting Author

• John Volin, University of Maine
  Non-Presenting Author

• Marisa Chrysochoou, University of Connecticut
  Non-Presenting Author

• Peter Diplock, University of Connecticut - Avery Point
  Non-Presenting Author

• Byung-Yeol Park, University of Connecticut
  Non-Presenting Author