University of Missouri Kansas City Civil Engagement Blog Reflection Paper

1,000-word blog (about four pages) should incorporate quotes or paraphrase specific evidence from at least two of the theoretical/critical pieces that we have read, as well as commentary from your own blog entries and, of course, your argumentative claim (at the end of your introduction) regarding the prompt you select. Consider responding to these questions, though if you have a different direction you’d like to pursue, please propose it by all means:

• What is current theory in the area of “civic engagement” and where are the intersections with theory about youth development, student success, and long-term civic engagement? What major approaches (e.g. civic curriculum, service learning, organizing) are associated with what outcomes?

• To what extent are program practices anchored in/informed by theory? Can we identify programs that demonstrate the link between quality civic engagement and specific outcomes (e.g. positive youth development, increased sense of agency)?

• At the same time, what cutting-edge program practices are informing theory? What current innovations and initiatives are being evaluated with regard to new outcomes (e.g. K-12 student organizing)? Does community service lead to other forms of civic engagement (other than volunteering) over time?

• What else do we need to know? For instance, do we know what developmental pathways contribute to individuals developing the commitments, dispositions, and sense of agency to participate long term (if episodically) in civic ways? What about family, income, class, religion, community, race/ethnicity, immigrant status? What environmental factors (e.g. political climate, school mission, quality and duration of community engagement experiences) contribute to the same characteristics? 3

• How do we use what we know? How do practitioners, researchers, and funders make research accessible and share promising practices? What approaches to funding will most effectively advance research and practice? Are there ways to leverage existing longitudinal studies?