2009 ANNUAL REPORT OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Please add narrative text that responds to the questions in the four categories below.
What was the structure and content for the implementation of the developmental model this year? In particular, please share (no more than one page text needed here)
For the 2008-2009 Academic year, the Allegheny Bonner community chose one common commitment per semester to facilitate training topics for our bi-weekly All Bonner gatherings that includes Bonner Scholars and Leaders. Students working on similar local issues gathered to create cross site collaboration and further cultivation of expertise on local challenges. Bi-weekly, Bonner Scholar class gatherings concentrated on presentations on elements of the development model respective to each class and highlighting appropriate components of the development model in the facilitation and execution of trainings for the larger community and cornerstone activities. A multiyear group of Bonners also took on the responsibility of serving as the Community Fund Committee, they updated the community grant application and reviewed funding requests.
All members of the first year Bonner class contributed to the execution and success of the First Year Trip to Laughlin Memorial Chapel. The group worked in a local food pantry organizing donations and serving and delivering meals. The group also visited and assisted with classroom preparation at a school for children with Autism. The trip was co-lead by two senior Bonner Scholars who coordinated service opportunities and facilitated reflection. The Second Year Bonner class hosted Oberlin College in Meadville for a day of service and reflection. The events were planned and led by the Second Year class under the guidance of the Senior Bonner Intern. Third Year students led a training on self-awareness in a changing world and also shared their summer away experiences. The graduating Bonner class shared Presentations of Learning focused around one of the Common Commitments at the annual Bonner and Beyond Banquet. The event was an opportunity for the Allegheny community and Community Partners to celebrate Allegheny’s first graduating Bonner Scholar class and to thank Professor Deborah Dickey, academic advisor for 4 classes of Bonner Scholars.
Students used the “localalleghenybonner” wiki to coordinate Bonner events, trainings and information gathering. Students also used this tool to create a clearinghouse of Bonner site needs, projects and needed volunteers.
Please share a summary of your work with community partners, highlighting your work regarding (no more than one page text needed):
There have been exciting parternships developed that are engageing students. We brought Community Partners together often this year in an effort to increase literacy around the Bonner model and to create a community infrastructure for our expanding Bonner Program. Informational gatherings for partners, hosted by a community agency, were held that lead to the creation of the Bonner Community Partner Advisory Committee. The responsibility of this committee is to guide the Allegheny Bonner program in surfacing issue based service and service-learning initiatives. Two community partners, both on the Bonner Community Partner Advisory Committee, volunteered to co-plan and co-facilitate the New Bonner Supervisor Training that will take place this summer and will continue annually to accommodate new site recruitment.
Please describe key activities and structures related to the development of campus-wide infrastructure and the role of the Bonner Program in enhancing (or being enhanced by) campus-wide culture and participation in service. In particular, share (no more than one page text needed):
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There has been strides in further collaboration with the Allegheny Bonner program and the VESA Minor (Values, Ethics and Social Action). The Bonner Support Network, a collection of faculty and staff, creates a wide net of support and direction to and for Bonner students. This group communicates regularly on the integration of student development and the Bonner commitment.
Please highlight your key activities related to the integration of web-based tools as they are connected to the design, management, and outreach for service. In particular, share (no more than one page text needed):