Exploring the Impact of Community Engaged Work Through Arts-Based Methods

• In Event: Social Justice

Proposal

Purpose: The purpose of the paper presentation is to show how co-researching can be done through an arts-based lens with 11 diverse, multilingual, and multicultural students and their community-based partners. Together they explored the impact of community-engaged work at their practicum sites. Data & Methods: We applied the Speaking for Ourselves Action Research (SOAR) methodology that involved participants as co-researchers positioning them as authorities of their own experiences and further developing their awareness of systemic issues to move them to social action. Selected Findings: The results of the research were a series of art-based responses (e.g., artifacts) that were done through provocations. Students were asked, Why are you interested in working in the field of child, youth, and family studies and how does that impact why you want to work in this particular field? How will your biases, values, and experiences impact your practice? How do your identities impact your practice and the identities of the communities you want to work with? What is your understanding of how systems of oppression and their influence impact your practice? Do you share any commonalities, identities, or experiences with the community and how does that impact how you share the space with your community partners? Community Partners were asked Why are you interested in working with a CYFS practicum student and how does that impact why you want to work with this particular student and our university? How does your understanding of systems of oppression and their influence impact on how you work with CYFS students and/or community members? Do you share any commonalities, identities, or experiences with the community and how does that impact how you share the space with your practicum student and/or community members? The result was we did a collaborative art piece, as well as, an individual art show that showcased chosen artifacts done by students and community partners. All the artifacts focused on racial and social justice issues. The art show was not only an innovative visual measure and bridge for students to engage with their partners, but it also served as the convener of possibilities that encompass an equitable and viable way to show how “Let Knowledge Serve the City” is applied. Through the art pieces, students recognized their impact on their practicum sites so that they may create spaces for themselves to persist, matriculate, and apply what they learned after they graduate. Significance: Students, community partners, and /or members co-created spaces to showcase their practicum experiences through the Arts. This research provided space for our practicum program to exemplify their community partnerships that support the revitalization of the city, drawing upon our students and community partners' extensive skills and capacity for community engagement.

Author

• Staci B Martin, Portland State University