Registration Now Open for 2006 Educators for Community Engagement National Gathering
The annual Educators for Community Engagement National Gathering is a conference for faculty, staff, students, and community leaders committed to service-learning/community-based learning and civic engagement. The heart of the National Gathering is the learning circle, a powerful form of democratic dialogue. In an era of polarized political debate, widespread distrust, and far too much isolation, this event offers a space for people to share their stories, knowledge, and perspectives as equals. On the first day of the conference, participants will choose among site visits and workshops, including one led by the recipient of Campus Compact's 2006 Thomas Ehrlich Faculty Award for Service-Learning. Participants then join a learning circle for the rest of the event, exploring one issue in greater depth. Most learning circle topics will focus on particular community issues, such as housing and homelessness, environmental sustainability, community and economic development, racism and classism, and youth issues; a few will focus on broader philosophical themes. This year, the conference will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside from June 15-17. Please visit www.e4ce.org/NG2006 to register for the National Gathering and view updates on the program, registration, and scholarship opportunities. More information about Learning Circles is available at www.e4ce.org/LearningCircles/LearningCircles.htm. If you have questions, please contact Dan Neumann, /262-595-2002, or Heather Vallejos, /262-595-2637.
