Implementing a community-based work fair on a college campus

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Abstract

One way to communicate the importance of service-learning and volunteering on campus is by demonstrating the work of those involved in service. A fair highlighting the challenges and achievements of students in various service experiences can do just that. The annual "Project Fair on Community Based Work" is a campus-wide fair showcasing the diverse work of University of Michigan students and faculty that provides an opportunity for participants from the university and representatives from community agencies to meet and reflect on their efforts. Syreeta Jemison, an AmeriCorps* VISTA with the Michigan Campus Compact at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, (2004-05) submitted this effective practice that answers the question, “What are the most effective ways to attract the desired audience to this type of event?”

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Issue

There are many educators and administrators who do not fully understand service-learning and its impact on a university and surrounding communities.

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Action

When implementing a service-learning fair, consider the following steps:

  • Depending on the audience (i.e. students, faculty, administrators, community partners), consider making the fair part of an all-day event that will attract the desired participants (i.e. workshops, lunch, keynote address, service project).
  • Rent a space large enough to accommodate presenters and allow enough room for participants to mingle
  • Create an on-line registration form, asking for presenter’s specific space needs and requirements (i.e. easels, TV equipment, Internet connection).
  • Send out a “Call for Participation” to faculty who support service learning, encouraging them to make this a requirement of their course.
  • Contact student groups that participate in service and encourage them to contribute.
  • Ask other units and academic departments to co-sponsor the event; co-sponsors can assist financially as well as through advertising.
  • Create publicity materials to advertise the event, such as posters and handbills, e-mails over service discussion lists, invitations to university dignitaries, letters and faxes to community-based organizations.
  • Assign presenters a space in the facility beforehand, and create a diagram that maps out presenters’ locations; include this diagram in a program for attendees.
  • Number assigned easels, tables, etc. according to a number assigned to each presenter.

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Context

At the University of Michigan this event is referred to as the Project Fair, and is part of an annual all-day symposium on community-based work.  The fair includes workshops for community partners geared towards better utilizing university resources, a keynote address, and lunch open to the public. 

The Project Fair runs from 1:00-2:30pm.  It is held in the ballroom of either the Michigan Union or Michigan League.  Presenters are given table space, easels, and other materials to display their exhibits.  Some presenters also bring laptops for PowerPoint presentations, or rent TV equipment to show videos or performances.  Community partners and university affiliates are encouraged to view the different exhibits and network with the presenters.  Presenters are required to stay with their exhibit to explain it to the audience.

The Project Fair is paired with The Rosalie Ginsberg Awards for Community Service and Social Action. Together, these dynamic, interactive events are designed to recognize the many ways local communities and the University of Michigan are working together to create social change.

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Outcome

Organizing this type of event to display community-based work can help demonstrate its impact to the campus community. It also encourages faculty to incorporate service into their courses, persuades other students to engage in service, and gives community partners new ideas about collaborating with local colleges and universities.

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Evidence

In the third year of holding the Project Fair at the University of Michigan, at least 80 exhibits from more than 60 classes, student groups, and academic units were solicited, and the event was attended by over 100 community partners and many more university affiliates.

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Posted On

February 20, 2009

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For More Information

Ginsberg Center
1024 Hill Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
USA
Phone: (734) 647-7402
Fax: (734) 647-7464

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