Beyond Superheroes and Sidekicks: Empowerment, Efficacy, and Education in Community Partnerships

Abstract

To support the work of service-learning and community engagement (SLCE) being done in a high-quality, sustainable way, ("Combining Service and Learning: A Resource Book for Community and Public Service"), Kendall offered three Principles of Good Practice: (1) integrating service-learning programs into the central mission and goals of the schools and agencies where they are based; (2) establishing a balance of power between educational and community partners; and (3) wedding reflection to experience. Stanlick and Sell state that they are still grappling with Kendall's recommendations, notably establishing a balance of power in partnerships. They raise some thought provoking questions and provide answers for: (1) How do we establish a balance of power in genuine, life-giving ways- ways that support the self-actualization and growth of all stakeholders? (2) How do we ensure that partnerships are flexible, inclusive, and encouraging of the growth of everyone involved? (3) How do we avoid the pitfalls of dysfunctional helping when power is unbalanced and community partners are diminished or paralyzed by the social and economic privilege of the academy? (4) In what ways can we build a culture of humility and reciprocity to bring about a balanced power dynamic? [Note: Publication date of Spring 2017 indicated on PDF; publication date of Fall 2016 indicated via URL.]