Spring 2003, Issue 1
Art Project Receives Grant
By Corey Jewart the work area English 208: Technical/ for Geffen and Professional Writing interns, the signs and A grant of $17,500 was other materi- Inside this issue: recently given to Alle- als, and will gheny College Professor also provide Project Pericles 3 of Art, Amara Geffen, to access to weld- continue her artistic ex- ing equipment. pansion on the Read Be- Allegheny Col- Raise Your Voice 5 tween the Signs project. lege will hire Week The grant goes towards student interns supporting phase two of to work on the the four-phase project that project during Careers in Non- 5 will be completed by the summer; profit 2005. PennDOT will Organizations The entire project in- hire an intern volves the ongoing part- as well. Penn- nership between Alle- DOT and Alle- The Vanishing 7 gheny College, the Penn- gheny will allot Forests sylvania Department of funds equal to Transportation the value of Getting to Know 9 (PennDOT), and Geffen. As part of phase one, students installed “flowers” the grant to the The working project is de- made of street signs at the intersection of Routes pay for the in- Neighborhood: signed to celebrate the 322 and 102. terns and ma- French Creek watershed terials. Geffen The Center for and surrounding land- every day. GRANT ... (Continued on page 8) Family Services scape while promoting PennDOT will provide opportunities for commu- nity involvement and ap- preciation of art as a part NEW Civic Engagement Website: a Virtual Organization of daily life. The grant will enable By Erin Bastow While focusing on impor- nator of Civic Engagement PennDOT, Professor Gef- Eng 208: Technical/ tant contributions of stu- and Community Out- fen, and Allegheny Col- Professional Writing dents and faculty, this reach, explained the goal lege to continue their ef- website will operate as the of the website as forts to beautify the How can Allegheny stu- hub for active community “providing a virtual um- “gateway” to Meadville, dents become more in- involvement in and brella for civic engage- located at the intersection volved in the community? around campus. ment at Allegheny, so all of Routes 322 and 102. A recent addition to the Dr. Judy Lynch, Coordi- WEBSITE…(Continued on page 9)
This intersection is one of Allegheny website, the the busiest roads in the Civic Engagement web- Visit http://civicengagement. county, with over 24,000 page provides access to a cars passing through plethora of opportunities. allegheny.edu Page 2 Civic Engagement Newsletter
Civic Engagement Newsletter Contact Information and Contributers
Professor of the Technical/Professional Writing Class that Coordinator of Civic Engagement and Community created the newsletter: Outreach: Ann Bomberger,
Center for Political Participation: Coordinator of Values, Ethics, and Social Action Program: Dan Shea, Director,
Director of Center for Economic and Environmental Director of the Office of Community Service and Service- Development: Learning: Eric Pallant,
Newsletter Student Assistant and Layout Editor: Kristie Seelman ‘03
Writing Interns Available to Work with Non-Profits
If your organization would like a writing intern, please contact Ann Bomberger, 332-4334
Expanding Civic Engagement: Allegheny and Project Pericles
By Jason Stronz English 208: Technical/ Professional Writing Colleges Participating Allegheny is one of ten pilot schools participating in Project Peri- In Project Pericles cles, an association funded primarily by the Eugene M. Lang Foundation Institution President dedicated to blending civic engage- Allegheny College, Meadville, PA Richard J. Cook ment into liberal arts education. Each of the ten schools has been Bethune-Cookman College, structuring its civic engagement mis- Daytona Beach, FL Oswald P. Bronson, Sr. sion for the past two years and will Elon University, Elon College, NC Leo M. Lambert now meet, April 2-3, in New York Hampshire College, Amherst, MA Gregory S. Prince, Jr. City, to discuss the prospects and Macalester College, Saint Paul, MN Michael S. McPherson challenges of the project. According to Dean of the College Lloyd New England College, Henniker, NH Ellen Hurwitz Michaels, the ten schools will bring Pace University, New York, NY David A. Caputo delegations consisting of Presidents Pitzer College, Claremont, CA Marilyn Chapin Massey and Deans, trustees, key faculty members, students, and community leaders to decide on a starting point for collective action. The Market Alley Project: Currently, Allegheny is in the Rejuvenating Downtown Meadville midst of six-year campaign to raise $105 million, and the strategic plan By Rob Kyle for the capital growth includes an English 208: Technical/ initiative to build a "Lifetime of Civic Professional Writing Responsibility." The Lang Foundation provided a Close your eyes and challenge grant that aided in starting imagine: sounds of this mission, and two unnamed trus- flowing water, walkers tees matched the sum. The Lang softly chatting as they Foundation's commitment to success cross a wooden foot- can also help complete the formida- bridge, visions of local ble task of successfully constructing artwork as well as his- Project Pericles. torical and ecological The Lang Foundation is primarily information, all while known for its "I Have a Dream" pro- enjoying your lunch on ject that began when Lang, a lead- a park bench with a ing philanthropist, offered to pay col- good, relaxing book. lege tuition for every sixth grader at The current Market Alley that will be transformed into a Although this may Public School 121 in New York who park with a stream. sound like a fantasy in graduated high school. The chal- downtown Meadville, it lenge gained national attention, and tion, and, second, how to strategize will soon be a reality thanks to the Mar- now 180 "I Have a Dream" Projects (the project's) funding opportunities." ket Alley Project. Market Alley is a cur- serve over 13,000 students. Shea, who also heads the Center for rently run down and unattractive Allegheny delegates see the April Political Participation (CPP) at Alle- space that is predominately used for meeting as an opportunity to further gheny, continued, "All of the schools garbage storage behind Chestnut the goals of civic engagement while are doing good things, but we need Street businesses such as Otters Pub, distinguishing Project Pericles from help." Travel Experience, and Valenti’s Restau- similar organizations. Associate Professor of Economics rant. "This meeting needs to strategize Don Goldstein, who will make his The Market Alley Project seeks to on two issues," Associate Professor of first appearance at a Pericles func- transform the alley into a green space Political Science Dan Shea said. "First, PERICLES... (Continued on page 14) MARKET ALLEY... (Continued on page 12) how to best announce the founda- Page 4 Civic Engagement Newsletter Announcements 5 Students Attended COOL Conference Lambda Sigma Children’s Carnival
Karen Hoerst, Keith Lindner, Andrea McMillen, Caitlin Gembol and Ben Houghton represented Allegheny at this year’s Campus Outreach Opportunity League (COOL) Conference in Cleveland, Ohio on March 13-15. The title of the conference was “Students Leading the Way.”
Senior Citizen Recognition Day Date: Saturday, March 29th Friday March 28th will be the annual Senior Recognition Time: 11am-1pm Day at Allegheny. Senior citizens will be touring the campus and visiting classes. Student volunteers are Place: Wise Center needed. Please contact Dave Roncolato, 332-5318, if you There will be food, games, and prizes for children of all would like to help out. ages. Over 30 student groups will be running games and booths. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact junior Karen Hoerst,
The Center for Political Participation will debut its first newsletter in the Fall of 2003, honoring CPP’s first Bonner Brass Visited Allegheny anniversary. Keep your eyes peeled! Contact Christine Norwood,
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection The Bonner group met with President Cook, the Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch presented AmeriCorps Bonner Leaders, David Roncolato, Brooke Allegheny College President Richard Cook with a token Martin, Judy Lynch and other members of the of appreciation for Allegheny College’s participation in Coordinating Council for Civic Engagement to discuss the Pennsylvania’s first ever “Rush to Recycle” on March 10, AmeriCorps Bonner Leaders’ program and a possible 2003. new grant for community-based research.
The event also featured Allegheny College students Community-based research is a new civic engagement helping local preschool children create an art project as initiative. Allegheny is hoping to be able to accept part of the national “Earth Day Groceries Project,” and a requests from the community to utilize the human visit by the costumed characters “The Recycle Team.” resources of faculty, students and staff at Allegheny to assist the community in information gathering and Forest Landowner Workshop analysis. The Bonner grant for community-based “Visualizing Your Forest” research will make this initiative a reality.
Come out and enjoy a visual presentation on woodland Summer Research Opportunity management practices and decision-making alternatives on your own woodland property. in Participatory Politics
FEATURED SPEAKERS: The Center for Political Participation (CPP) is pleased to DR. JIM FINLEY - Associate Professor of Forest Resources announce a Summer Research Stipend of $1500.00 for a Penn State School of Forest Resources collaborative research project between one student and PAUL ROTH - Research Assistant one continuing faculty member from any department in Penn State School of Forest Resources the broad area of participatory politics. Two stipulations Thursday, March 20, 2003 exist: 1) the student must play a substantive role in the 7:00 --9:00 p.m. project 2) the research will be presented at a fall recep- Quigley Hall, Rm. 101. tion. CPP staff and a panel of Allegheny faculty will re- Contact: Terry Bensel (332-2787), or Kathy Uglow (332-2713) view proposals. Applications may be obtained from the for more information. CPP office or website and returned to CPP, Box 98. The deadline is May 1, 2003. For more information, contact the Center at cpp.allegheny.edu, or extension 6201. Spring 2003, Issue 1 Page 5 Raise Your Voice Week By Hanh Nguyen English 208: Technical/Professional Writing
“It doesn’t matter if you are for or against certain is- sues, as long as you speak out,” states Judy Lynch, a coor- dinator of Civic Engagement & Community Outreach Pro- grams in the Center for Political Participation. Allegheny College and 600 other colleges nationwide proudly pro- vided students the opportunity to discuss critical issues through Raise Your Voice Week, [Feb. 16- 23rd]. The pro- gram is an initiative by the Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges dedicated to civic engagement. The organization’s function is to enhance, deepen, and cele- brate more student involvement in political campaigns and causes on campuses. It is sponsored by Pew Charita- John White, author of The Values Divide: American Politics and Culture ble Trusts for colleges across United States. in Transition, lectures about the role of values in motivating political Allegheny College students celebrated a full week of participation. His talk was sponsored by the Center for Political Par- Raise Your Voice activities. Initially, President Richard ticipation as part of Raise Your Voice Week. Cook invited eight students from the Allegheny Student Government, Allegheny Service Network, Center for Po- litical Participation and the Emerging Leaders Program to Non-Profit Workshop a luncheon meeting to brainstorm the issues they felt most significant to the student body and to plan the ac- By Karrie Presutti and a “complete online tivities for the week. English 208: Technical/ resource center for the Andrea McMillen, a student leader and chairman of Professional Writing global nonprofit commu- the Raise Your Voice Steering Committee, says, “It is com- nity.” Visitors to the web- plicated. A lot should be improved and students’ voices Students learned to “Put site find an assortment of have the ability to produce change.” Three issues Your Idealism to Work” at information regarding emerged in the student discussion as the most compel- a Careers in the Nonprofit nonprofit jobs, organiza- ling and controversial: capital punishment, poverty and Sector Workshop co- tions, services, and more. Iraq. The Steering committee planned events around sponsored by Allegheny The organization also pro- these issues. Seven organizations informed students how College’s Center for Expe- vides various workshops, to get involve in Raise Your Voice Week at the Issue Fair riential Learning (ACCEL) such as this one, to stu- on Feb. 13. and Actions Without Bor- dents and organizes non- Capital Punishment: On Feb. 18th, about 13 students ders / Idealist.org on Feb. profit job fairs. Interested saw an episode of The Practice in Brooks Dining Hall, 12. With over 44 atten- applicants can subscribe to which was followed by a discussion led by students Anne dees participating, the receive e-mails regarding Shoupe and Dominic Randazzo. Shoupe pointed out that event marked success. specific job openings, vol- one of the problems with capital punishment is discrimi- Dan Kessler, Campus unteer opportunities, non- nation. Statistics confirm that more males than females, Outreach Manager of Ide- profit events, and more. and more blacks than whites are eventually executed. alist.org, directed the Useful information is pro- Randazzo, however, argued that capital punishment is a workshop and provided vided for first time and ex- deterrence to crime and that some crimes are so violent useful information about perienced users. that only the death penalty makes sense. It was noted nonprofits, such as statis- During the workshop, that the state of Illinois has just commuted the sentences tics compiled by Inde- Kessler answered rumors of its death row inmates to life in prison and that many pendent Sector, a non- regarding work in non- other states may be following Illinois’s example. Capital profit research organiza- profits, such as the oppor- Punishment is one of Amnesty’s topics, an international tion. They report that tunities for moving up in organization designed for students’ interests in civil rights over 1.5 million nonprofits an organization, making a movement. exist in the United States, sufficient salary, and politi- The Impact of Poverty: Approximately 20 students raising $670 billion in an- cal beliefs. He provided came to discuss the class differences and poverty issues nual revenues, and em- handouts and discussed that affect the Meadville community, Pennsylvania, the ploying one in twelve each rumor thoroughly. United States and the world. Poverty in Meadville and in Americans. A panel of three Alle- Pennsylvania are very close to the national average: 10% Idealist.org exists as a gheny alumni and one life- RAISE YOUR VOICE... (Continued on page 12) nonprofit organization IDEALIST... (Cont’d on page 14) Page 6 Civic Engagement Newsletter
Spring 2003, Issue 1 Page 7 The Vanishing Forest By Brooke Woods to emphasize heightened Eng 208: Technical/ awareness and imple- Professional Writing mentation of “forestry for the future,” meaning for- The United States is losing its for- est management practice ests. that would allow for the Forests cover 33% of this country, conservation of forests, as and private citizens and companies well as landowners to own 58% of this total. Because of meet their economic ob- the spread of residential and com- jectives. mercial development, as well as on- The NWPWA was going, destructive forest practices, formed in 1998 as a result such as substantial logging, there of work in previous Envi- exists no guarantees that many pri- ronmental Science [ES] vately-owned forests will be around Junior Seminars at Allegheny Col- land ownership and management in in the near future. lege. A requirement for all students Pennsylvania. Bensel encourages his According to Allegheny College who pursue the major in Environ- students to seek answers to the ques- Professor Terrence Bensel, private mental Science or Studies, the ES tions, “What are the best forest man- forest owners are free to use their Junior Seminar is designed to get stu- agement practices for private forest properties as they wish to seek eco- dents to begin thinking about up- landowners?” and “Why care?” nomic gain. In an effort to sustain coming senior research, and provide The focal point of Bensel’s semi- privately-owned forests of Erie, Craw- them with the opportunity to de- nar, and also its title, is “Sustainable ford and Warren counties, Bensel velop a sense of community involve- Development,” which can be defined works as an associate member of ment. In an effort to combine learn- as “meeting the needs of the present Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland ing and civic engagement, Bensel without compromising the ability of Association’s (NWPWA) advisory designed his ES Junior Seminar to future generations to meet their own board. NWPWA is an association of focus on extensive reading, explora- needs.” This is why Bensel’s students private forest landowners, managers tion of research methods, and hands- will work with the NWPWA and visit and interested others. Their intent is on work pertaining to private forest- FOREST... (Continued on page 8)
Spring Break! Cullowhee, NC, Here We Come?
By Simona Wright programs. The trips are providing recreational and English 208: Technical/ specific experiences in educational services. Professional Writing which Allegheny students They also helped provide travel off campus and en- the basic needs of indi- When you hear the gage in community ser- viduals and families who words “Spring Break” you vice. The students gain have been relocated from might envision a bunch of access to “hands-on” ex- their home country be- college students going perience that exceed the cause of dire circum- wild, roasting under the typical volunteer service. stances. sun, and forgetting all Each group was com- • Cullowhee, NC- Stu- worries. Well, there is an posed of one faculty mem- dents assisted the elderly alternative to that. ber, two student leaders and disabled by engaging This year marks the and eight students. in activities of emergency tenth annual year Alle- Each year the location home repair, including gheny has offered the Al- of the trips vary. This year construction of handicap ternative Spring Break pro- Allegheny offered five access ramps. On this trip gram. This program is in trips, which is impressive students experienced the connection with Break for a small college. They rich Appalachian culture Away, a national non- were: and faced rural poverty profit organization sup- • Buffalo, NY - Students Last year, an Alternative Spring Break issues. porting the development assisted the VIVE Interna- trip to Tennessee focused on clearing ASB... (Continued on page 10) of quality Spring Break tional Refugee Center in trails of a local park. Page 8 Civic Engagement Newsletter
The public will have direct involvement in the process GRANT... (Continued from page 1) with open discussion forums where they can give their ideas and input. This will lead to a greater sense of com- is also looking to draw help from the neighboring com- munity ownership of the fence and a greater respect for munity, such as the Crawford County Area Vocation- art as a part of our lives. “The community has ultimately Technical School. benefited by gaining an art form to make their drive to The upcoming phase of the project will span approxi- Meadville more interesting,” says Molke. ♦ mately four months, beginning in May and lasting until August of this year. The goal is to complete at least 400 For more information on the project or a possible intern- more feet this summer, leaving 600 feet to work on for ship, contact Amara Geffen (
WEBSITE... (Continued from page 1) cause it’s attention grabbing, Getting to Know the opportunities can be accessed and easy to interpret and find through a single door.” In- what you’re looking for.” To deed, with a single click, inter- further facilitate searches for Neighborhood: ested students will find a gate- Kreutter and other interested way into six areas of civic en- students, the site will provide a gagement. These areas are calendar of events, which will Politics, Environment, Service, list ongoing and upcoming op- Outreach, Education, and Ex- portunities for civic engage- By Gina Esposito pression. Each area provides ment. These opportunities will English 208: Technical/Professional Writing links to organizations and pro- include future community- jects providing some sort of based research projects, which Between a construction site and a busy street, a community involvement and will stem from the community, parking lot and a mall, there is a place to find help, support. These links include but utilize student involvement support, and comfort. Whether cleaning supplies, the Center for Political Partici- to carryout the tasks. clothing, counseling, or new toys are needed, the pation (CPP), the Center for Details of several current Center for Family Services (CFS) can provide assis- Economic and Envi- undertakings tance to those in need. Located in downtown Meadville on West Center ronmental Develop- The website can be found on Street, the CFS assists the area’s low-income families ment (CEED), Com- provides “a virtual the site as well. munity Service and One of the cur- and offers support programs. Service-Learning in umbrella for civic rent community- With Crawford County’s unemployment rates ACCEL, Community- engagement at based research climbing from 5.7% in 1997 to 7.1% in 2001 and Based Research, Val- Allegheny, so all ventures is the the mean household income at just $33,560 per ues, Ethics and So- opportunities can be Tool and Die year, it is not surprising that there is a need for or- cial Action Program accessed through a Study, an in- ganizations like the CFS. (VESA), and Writing single door.” depth look at The CFS operates a free store out of the build- and Investigative – Judy Lynch the most impor- ing, and they welcome donations of clothing and Journalism. The tant industry in household items, such as bed sheets and dishes. website brings all of these the Meadville area (see article The CFS also oversees a program that collects and groups together into a unified on page 16). Major links in- distributes used furniture. “virtual organization,” which is clude Project Pericles and the According to Melissa Rubin, Bonner Leader for perfect for students searching Civic Engagement Newsletter. the CFS, “the most important thing the CFS needs for ways to be involved in civic Allegheny College is a found- right now is personal care items including soap, engagement activities. For ing member of Project Pericles, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, femi- those contemplating taking which is a multi-college pro- nine products, etc.” service-learning courses or be- gram for enhancing civic en- Melissa is looking towards her peers on campus coming political activists, this gagement (see article on page to help. “We are looking for a group or groups who website will provide the neces- 3). This edition of the Civic En- would be interested in taking on a personal care sary tools to search for and gagement Newsletter, as well drive as part of their organization,” Rubin ex- identify a fulfilling project. as future editions, will be avail- plained. Senior Rod Troupe, a politi- able online as one of the many These personal items are what the CFS has the cal science major, contributed resources highlighted on the most trouble getting and people desperately need. to the development and de- Civic Engagement Website. “Our sorority organized a clothing and toiletry drive sign of the site. He described The website can be ac- to benefit the shelter. It was really easy, and they the design as “very basic,” cessed at http:// were so thankful for our support,” Allegheny stu- which allows for easy naviga- civicengagement.allegheny. dent Colleen Riley reports. tion and exploration. He edu, and will eventually have a According to administrative secretary for the added that the website was link on the Allegheny home- CFS, Jackie Waring, the CFS is working to “designed for both prospective page. The doorway to com- strengthen their educational programs. “Many of and current students to learn munity involvement is open the teens who come in for anger management how to become more involved and waiting for visitors. Every classes are court ordered, so we try to make the ser- in the community.” First-year student and faculty member vices readily available and inexpensive,” Waring ex- student, Stephanie Kreutter, can benefit from visiting the plains. agreed with Troupe. Upon site as we explore this “virtual The CFS also offers a “transparenting” class, viewing the site for the first organization” for civic engage- which is now required by Crawford County for time, she commented that “the ment at Allegheny College. ♦ families with divorcing parents. Classes are priced setup is really well done be- on a sliding scale so they are affordable to those CFS... (Continued on page 10) Page 10 Civic Engagement Newsletter
what it means to tackle a problem Habitat for Humanity as a team.” This experience is CFS... (Continued from comparable to the service learn- page9) Fundraiser ing components attached to many classes here at Allegheny or who need them. Make A Difference Day. But this The CFS’s newest pro- experience is far more intense. grams are a tobacco-free The Alternative Spring Break program geared towards 5K run / walk works so well because of the the schools in Crawford enormous contribution of student County, and a parenting leadership. “There is no doubt support group for parents April 26, 2003 that the single most significant of young children who feel factor in the success of our ASB overwhelmed. We are building a house for a Meadville Family, programs over the years has been The CFS also employs the outstanding student leader- housing advocates and beginning in August 2003. ship,” said Roncolato. Student counselors who aid fami- We only need $5000 more. Leaders selected the trips, helped lies in danger of losing For more information: select the teams and then co-led their homes, and these the week of service. The leader- counselors work with the e-mail: [email protected] ship skills gained from this week families to secure afford- or call 332-2800 help tremendously in service pro- able and appropriate hous- jects at school, home and even in ing. the everyday activities. Volunteers at the CFS Another reason for the success fulfill a multitude of duties of Alternative Spring Break is at- which include answering tributed to the dominating learn- phones, filing, or working ing component. Living and working at the food pantry located amongst a diverse group of people, stu- on Arch Street. dents gain an ample amount of cultural The CFS often needs ASB... (Continued from page 7) awareness and deal with global issues they assistance for one-time may not have been exposed to while at projects that require much • Washington, DC - Students worked Allegheny. On top of all that, you depart more time and energy with Food & Friends, Inc., a non-profit from this experience possessing many fond than the basic staff of the agency that prepares and delivers food memories, developing solid friendships, CFS can provide. These in- and meals to individuals in the greater DC and knowing you made a difference in clude events like the boot area. Besides preparing and delivering someone else’s life. drive, where donated food, they had some personal contact and To summarize the level of satisfaction boots are individually sized visitation with those linked with Food & from participating in Alternative Spring to the client and distrib- Friends, Inc. Break, student Rosa Diaz best expressed it, uted. ♦ • Huddleston, VA- Students volun- “This experience has been thrilling from my teered at the second largest lake in Virginia head to my toe.” ♦ and took part in these various activities: The CFS is open weekdays maintenance, construction, and nature in- If this is something you’d like to do next from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Inter- terpretation . year, contact Dave Roncolato, Office of ested volunteers can contact • Statesville, NC- Allegheny’s Habitat Community Service, Reis Hall, 332-5318, or Bonner leader Melissa Rubin for Humanity chapter sponsored this trip to [email protected] for any further at [email protected], or the CFS at 814-337-8450. build housing for low-income families. details. They also examined housing and poverty issues. As expressed by Dave Roncolato, Direc- Football Camp for Youth tor of Community Service, “These are ‘alternative’ spring break trips because stu- Date: Saturday, April 26th dents are asked to live and work as a com- Location: Wise Center munity, something that is counter-cultural Time: 9 AM- 12 PM . indeed! Students engage in activity, gain- ing countless experiences and skills. The camp is free of charge and is open to all children in grades two Through ASB, students learn not only through six. Lunch, a T-shirt, and prizes are included. To sign-up your about a particular social issue but also child contact Lori Thompson at (814) 332-3350. Spring 2003, Issue 1 Page 11 Participate— Be a Candidate Workshop
By Michael Stamcoff spoke of the need for English 208: Technical/ passion in a candidate. Professional Writing “A particular mission – driven by self-serving Politician. intentions” often cre- Perhaps no other word incites as ates the best candidates many diverse and powerful emo- and used former Gover- tions. Greater numbers of people are nor Tom Ridge as an apathetic to politics and many offices example. are vacant. With this dilemma in She also reiterated mind, the Allegheny College Center that the process is very for Political Participation (CPP) hosted difficult and candidates the Participate – Be a Candidate must know what voters workshop on February 4. are looking for. Lynch The panel encouraged local citi- later summarized that zens to run for political office. “civic engagement is a “Voters deserve a choice!” exclaimed very broad area. So Particpate – Be a Candidate panelists (from L to R): Marsha Political Science professor Daniel M. many things can be in- Furno, Clerk of Elections (Crawford County); Professor Judy Lynch; Shea in explaining the high incum- volved…There is no Jane Smith, political reporter, Meadville Tribune; Professor Dan bent reelection rates because of a community – no glue Shea; Jane Anderson, League of Women Voters; and David lack of opposition. Numerous vacan- without civic engage- Kennedy, student government advisor, Social Studies Dept., cies currently exist in several low ment.” MASH. The forum took place in Henderson Auditorium Feb. 4 level offices simply because there are The event was another and was sponsored by the CPP. few civic-minded citizens in the com- in a long line of CPP munity. projects designed to Former 20-year Erie County Ex- Student Government Advisor merge “what we’re doing at the Cen- ecutive and accomplished politician David Kennedy spoke of “nurturing ter with the broader community,” Judy Lynch added, “Anybody gains and making public service attractive added Shea. The CPP is one of the in running for office, even if you to youth” through his program at many civic engagement projects at don’t win. It teaches you a lot about Meadville High School and detailing Allegheny designed to “bring stu- the democratic process.” the growing trend of disengagement dents and the community together “People are interested, but un- among young people. in a common experience of citizen- aware of how to begin the process. The need for the John and Jane ship, democracy and growth.” They are intimidated and we aimed Does of the community to be in- Sponsored by the Meadville- to help overcome barriers with the volved was the issue of the day. Western Crawford County Chamber relaxed forum,” said Shea, author of “It’s important for the system be- of Commerce and the Service Corps Campaign Craft: The Strategies, Tac- cause diversity of candidates leads to of Retired Executives, other guest tics, and Art of Political Campaign a fuller exchange of ideas,” said Shea. speakers included Jane Anderson Management. Lynch provided an extensive candi- from the League of Women Voters, The panel held before a crowd of date checklist for getting started and Christine Norwood of Allegheny Col- about fifty citizens and students in- organizing campaigns, and she lege and George Wright of SCORE. ♦ cluded not only guest speakers, but also vibrant interaction among the Allegheny College's Center for Political Participation attendees along with a thirty-minute is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the vital link between question/answer segment. engaged, active citizenry and a healthy democracy. The non- Marsha Furno of Crawford County Voter Services provided the partisan Center has a broad range of ac- details pertaining to deadlines, rules tivities which include student-centered and regulations. programs, distinctive community out- Jane Smith, political correspon- reach projects and scholarly activities. dent from the Meadville Tribune as- Students may contact the CPP via our sured potential candidates that the press tries to “present as much to the web site at
MARKET ALLEY... (Continued from page 3) RAISE YOUR VOICE... (Continued from page 5) that will be a central part of the Urban Pedestrian Walkway, and nearly $350,000 has been allotted from a federal grant of people and 15% of children in Pennsylvania live in to do so. The Project will link recreation with business poverty, compared to 11.3 % and 16.2 % nationwide, downtown by re-facing the building facades that face the respectively. The Hunger and Homeless, directed by alley and placing a footbridge over a “daylighted” portion Becky Ritterhouse, raises awareness of poverty on cam- of Mill Run, a stream that has its headwaters in Tamarack pus each semester. Lake, runs behind the high school, comes into town near Focus on Iraq: What are the driving forces that lead North Street, runs under much of downtown, through Mar- the Bush administration toward Iraq? A tape of the ket Alley, under the French Creek Parkway, and into French documentary “The War Behind Closed Doors,” from the Creek. “Frontline” program that aired on PBS was shown to 30 The Project, a joint effort between Allegheny College and students. A member from the Meadville community the City of Meadville, is moving forward this semester with came and challenged the students with five questions. students Michelle Logut and Mike Soltis, who are doing an Students were actively engaged in the discussion of the independent study under Professor of Environmental Sci- affect of the war on their lives. About three weeks ago, ence Eric Pallant. Shortly after this story went to press they an organization called “Allegheny College Peace Coali- were to present their plans to the Meadville City Council tion (ACPC)” was born; ACPC is designed for individuals and then to PennDOT a few days later. City manager Joe who are against the Iraq war. Chriest and councilman Brian Hill are the city’s leaders on Peace Vigil: On Feb. 23 approximately 40 students the project. According to Hill, the project is moving ahead and community members assembled at Diamond Park. with the City government fully behind it. Despite the biting cold, all who were there expressed The Project started well over a year ago, when Amara their hope for peace. Various speakers stated praying Geffen, Professor of Art, and Rich Bowden, Associate Pro- for peace was something everyone could do. fessor of Environmental Science, took the City’s idea to cre- Most Allegheny students are busy with overbur- ate an urban pedestrian greenway and put it into motion in dened schedules and have no time for another commit- their Liberal Studies 301 class, the culminating course in the ment. However, Raise Your Voice Week was an oppor- Arts and Environment minor. The course set up a plan and tunity to explore and speak our concerns and skepti- model for the Market Alley Project, and last semester, Prof. cisms. ♦ Pallant kept the project rolling in his Environmental Studies class, “Junior Seminar in Sustainable Development - Market Alley.” The class examined a number of the Project’s important issues, including renovating the backs of businesses, the environmental impacts of opening up Mill Run, plans for Miles for Minds waste reduction and removal, and plans for installing a number of plaques along the walkway which would give Fundraising Walk both historic and ecological information about the site. The full class reports can be found at http://merlin2.alleg.edu/ Help raise funds to create a dept/envisci/epallant/FinalReports.html. Service-Learning scholarship Some of Pallant’s students walked through Mill Run un- by der downtown, found the stream in great condition, and sponsoring one of the team’s walkers. If you’d discovered at least eight species of fish, as well as crayfish, like to make a donation, contact Elizabeth frogs, insects and spiders. While some of these animals re- Weiss Ozorak at
By Kristen Gall Allegheny students in the summer. From May to August English 208: Technical/Professional Writing there remains a real need for service in the community. Martin claims “summers are the best learning experience In 1998 Allegheny College became the first institution for students” because they are “entrenched in what’s to offer the AmeriCorps Bonner Leaders program to going on” at their sites. Allegheny offers 300-hour college students. Bonner Leaders commit to performing summer-only Bonner Leader positions as an option for three consecutive 300-hour terms of service at one students who cannot make the two-year commitment. agency. Allegheny “Bonners” can be found working with After spending a summer on campus, Martin claims the the elderly at Wesbury United Methodist Community, individual student’s “perceptions about Meadville with at-risk youth at Bethesda Children’s Home, and with change.” She believes that “all the way around, Bonners the mentally ill at CHAPS. Others are kept busy at become greater advocates for the community.” Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center caring for Junior Karen Hoerst, the Bonner for Penn Lakes Girl animals. Bonners can be found in more than fifteen Scout Council, spends at least 10 hours a week prepping agencies in Crawford County! projects for her troop, planning field trips, and meeting with her twelve girls at Gill Village. In addition, Hoerst is Allegheny’s Bonner Congress Representative. As the liaison between Allegheny and the Bonner Foundation, she attends two national conventions a year where she meets like-minded service leaders from across the nation, helps shape Bonner policy, and learns about what other schools are doing with the program. As the best testimony to Martin’s claim about Bonners being great advocates for Meadville, Hoerst was busy cutting out paper letters for a Raise Your Voice Week event while being interviewed. She was creating a trivia game with questions about the country and the Meadville community for the “Impact of Poverty” program. Passionate and dedicated, Bonners tend to hold many leadership roles on and off campus. Bonner Leader Abby Klinshaw and Peer Project Leader Frequently, the work that students perform as Bonners Jess Buck lead a group of first year students to Bethesda relates directly to their studies and/or career interests. to do some service. Hoerst, not surprisingly, has self-designed a Values, Ethics, and Social Action major that requires a significant service As compensation, dedicated 2-year Bonner Leaders leader position. receive work-study during the school year(s), an Just as beneficial to the community is the Peer Project Allegheny and agency stipend for summer service, and a Leader program. Melissa Burlingame, the Office of substantial education award at the completion of 900 Community Service Program Coordinator, describes PPLs hours. as students who wish to take “an extra step” more than a Brooke Martin, the Assistant Director of Community regular volunteer to make the experience more Service, proudly emphasizes that “Allegheny was used as meaningful. PPLs “lead by example” as they recruit their a test case” for the new program in 1998. Now over 40 friends, halls, and organizations to volunteer at their sites. campuses have adapted this program to fit their This is a great option for students like Jess Buck, a campuses and communities. Allegheny caught the Resident Advisor, who could not commit to the time attention of the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner requirements of a Bonner. Other students work in pairs Foundation partly due to the strength of the Allegheny- like PPLs Josh Maxwell and Tom Donovan at Neason Hill initiated Peer Project Leader program. Peer Project Tutoring Program. Leaders (PPLs) are students that operate as liaisons Burlingame finds the Peer Project Leaders “really between the college and community service sites. As inspiring” because they devote from two to five hours a student leaders, PPLs act as advocates for their agency, week to sites such as Adult Basic Education and the recruit and train other Allegheny students, and work Humane Society strictly as volunteers with no alongside with volunteers at the site. compensation. Whether a Bonner, PPL, or volunteer, While other institutions that adopted the Bonner Allegheny students Find out more about either program by con- Leaders program frequently send their students are, as the elsewhere during the summer months, Allegheny tacting the Office of Community Service at AmeriCorps motto 332-5318, Brooke Martin Bonners remain in the county to meet needs in the local states, “getting (
While you’re surfing the net… IDEALIST... (Continued from page 5) Check out Http://civicengagement.allegheny.edu long activist/volunteer described their personal experiences in nonprofit jobs and answered questions from the guests. Students learned not only about the “real world” but life in nonprofit work as well. Heather Bossert, ‘93, currently works at City High in Pittsburgh, a charter PERICLES... (Continued from school “that changes the traditional learning environment for students and page 3) teachers.” Students of City High are taught “academically, technically, person- ally and socially” to face life after graduation. Bossert also has shown dedica- tion, added, “We will be looking to tion to nonprofits in many other locations throughout the world. see the extent to which participation Nicky Mason, ‘00, has recently ended a two-year commitment to the Peace furthers our goals in civic engage- Corps in Guinea, West Africa, where she worked with food protection and ment.” preservation. She currently works at Creek Connections on campus. Over the past five years, Alle- Jennifer Smith, ‘97, helps low- gheny's participation in civic engage- is a search income students through the Teach Idealist.org for America program in Baton ment has expanded significantly. engine for nonprofit job The Center for Economic and Envi- Rouge. This program places teach- ronmental Development (CEED), for opportunities (over 33,000 ers in most-needed areas through- example, earned three Governor's organizations are in the out the United States. Smith Awards for Environmental Excellence database). It also lists teaches first grade students. and the Three Rivers Environmental volunteer opportunities, a Michael Stoops is one of the foun- ders of the National Coalition for Award for Higher Education. The Nonprofit Career Center, and project, headed by Eric Pallant, Pro- the Homeless (NCH) and a lifetime fessor of Environmental Science, information regarding career activist and nonprofit worker. NCH served as a model for the CPP, which fairs. advocates for basic human rights works to encourage political partici- for the homeless from Washington, pation among young Americans. DC by believing in “the principles that affordable housing, civil rights, access These steps have worked collec- to health care, and living wages are fundamental rights in a civilized society.” tively with the development of the Associate Director of Career Services, Jim Fitch, explained his goals for the Coordinating Council for Civic En- workshop as helping the students understand what nonprofit actually means, gagement, a gateway for furthering presenting information on the nonprofit world, and having the students inter- civic engagement at Allegheny. The act with the panel. He was very happy with the success of the workshop. College hired Dr. Judy Lynch, chief Fitch claimed the workshop to be “the most rewarding single event since I executive of Erie County for the past have been [at Allegheny College].” 20 years, as the Director of Civic En- He also hopes to hold the workshop annually with Idealist.org and recom- gagement and Outreach programs, mends students attend. There are “things we are passionate about especially and she founded the council in addi- when we are young and it’s easy to lose sight of those passions,” states Fitch. tion to establishing national connec- Attending this workshop can help students discover what their passions are tions promoting Project Pericles. and find a satisfying resolution in the nonprofit world. “Project Pericles is about stimulat- Students undoubtedly left the workshop with a new outlook on their own ing civic engagement,” Lynch said. lives and more clarity in their direction in the nonprofit world. One student “If (civic engagement) is not en- thought the event was “helpful” and enjoyed “being able to meet other like- hanced, future generations will not minded students and people already in the job market.” have the civic commitment necessary Another student found “the workshop to be an incredible, educational ex- for sustaining democracy.” perience that has helped immensely.” ♦ Many challenges face Allegheny and other Pericleans. According to To learn more information about the panelists’ careers, visit www.cityhigh. Michaels financial constraints and org, www.peacecorps.org, www.teachforamerica.org, or www. uncertainty in the nation's economic nationalhomeless.org. and political landscape are the larg- est concern. "The foundation's track record has branded us as a school competitive groups such as Campus Contact, of which Allegheny is a found- particularly attracted to community ing member. service," Michaels said. "It is not clear to me what makes Pericles distinctive yet," Michaels said. However, the mark of the Lang "What is the value added? What are we going to do together? These are Foundation still does not clearly dis- questions we will have to answer in April." ♦ tinguish Project Pericles from other Spring 2003, Issue 1 Page 15 Writing About the Environment By Kate O’Donnell put down the remote, go Website. eco-tours, which can be English 208: Technical/ outside and experience In the Creek Connec- driven, hiked or biked. Professional Writing the natural beauty of tions project, students Although this assignment Meadville. As in other work to develop a nature- may seem like a nature- College students con- English classes students writing course designed lover’s vacation, students cerned with the birds and are required to focus a cer- for elementary students. are required to address an the bees - and the rest of tain amount on course They will go into a middle environmental issue such the environment of Mead- readings, but there is an- school in Conneaut Lake as concerns about the ville - actively participate other component to this in April of 2003 and teach French Creek watershed. through their “Writing class that really is like ‘a kids about the environ- Their work will be pub- About the Environment” breath of fresh air.’ Along ment. In this way, Alle- lished on the website. class. Taught by Professor with the reading and dis- gheny students pass on "Writing About The En- Kerry Bakken, this course cussion, students must the devotion to nature to vironment” is a fantastic gives Allegheny students a also participate in one of eager young minds. opportunity for “students chance to really connect four Service Learning Pro- The French Creek Jour- to find meaning on cam- with Meadville’s natural jects: Creek Connections, nal, while bearing a similar pus,” says Professor Bak- surroundings. What is French Creek Journal, name to Creek Connec- ken, which will foster “a unique about this class is it Meadville Trees Project, or tions, is a very different commitment to the local encourages students to the Crawford County/NW project. Students will environment.” She hopes turn off the computer and Pennsylvania Eco-tourism work to publish under- that the projects will help graduate art and writing students feel not just like relating to the environ- four-year visitors of Mead- TOOL AND DIE... (Continued from page 16) ment. In addition to col- ville, but like residents of lege writing, the journal the city. more cost efficient. Cost can be reduced by the use of will also publish children’s In addition to working new technologies.” writing, giving kids a on their service-learning Shops must also chance to see their work project, students are also become aware of in print. This project is par- required to choose a loca- “modern techniques ticularly interesting be- tion on campus and keep of management,” cause it showcases a dif- a journal of their reflec- because most “don’t ferent approach to envi- tions. They should go at know how to man- ronmental concerns and least twice a week but are age their compa- allows budding artists to encouraged to visit as of- nies.” He says the share their work. ten as they like. Journal research found most The Meadville Trees entries must be at least of the managers are Project may appeal to his- 250 words long and stu- high school gradu- tory lovers in the class. dents may bring colored ates with no training Students will survey his- pencils with them and in management, and torical trees on campus sketch pictures. they are not aware and in the city of Mead- The journal is one of of the economy. The industry is very dependent on the ville and determine their sophomore Kaitlin McCor- dynamics of the global economy because “if people are environmental benefits mick’s favorite parts of the buying fewer cars, then the car companies will make such as air, climate and class. To her they are “a fewer spare parts.” improvement of quality of great opportunity to get He also believes that the government should assist life. After researching the outside, experience things failing shops by cutting taxes, offering management trees, students will be and bring it back into the classes, and reforming the health care program to make asked to write brochures classroom.” Indeed, this it easier on companies to provide health insurance to about their research as class is not an ordinary their workers. He says that the government should take well as articles possibly to English course because it a more active role in its domestic industries. be published in The Mead- brings in a diverse group The tool and die industry will survive, Onyeiwu says, ville Tribune. of students including Eng- “but it will not be the same as we knew it five to ten The final project is to lish and Environmental years ago. It will be weaker.” Most of the larger manu- work with the Crawford Science majors. All of the facturing companies will not be using domestic shops. County/NW Pennsylvania students are concerned “The trend is for manufacturers to go abroad to take ad- Eco-tourism Website. Stu- with studying and preserv- vantage of cheap labor.” ♦ dents will leave their dorm ing the beauty of Mead- room and actually go on ville. ♦ Spring 2003, Issue 1 Page 16 Examining Meadville’s Tool and Die Industry By Jeremy Johnson Talon focused on duce its $90 billion English 208: Technical/ making zippers, a yearly purchasing Professional Writing product which costs. China pro- was invented here duces spare parts Meadville’s biggest industry is dy- in Meadville. It and molds at 30% ing. The tool and die industry, that trained appren- of the cost than is. tices to make zip- local shops. Tool and die companies make pers and also the Changing tools and molds used by automotive, tools for making technology also electronics, and medical equipment them. Most of hurts the industry, manufacturers. Talon’s staff con- as most of the In Crawford and Erie counties, sisted of high small shops here there are about five thousand people school graduates find it difficult to employed at more than 400 tool and who wished to re- keep up with ever- die shops. However, since January ceive training. Fol- evolving technolo- 2001, there has been a 20% loss of lowing World War The Multi-Tool Inc. Building, one of several gies. The increas- jobs and 40% of the shops are pro- II there was an in- local tool and die companies. ing use of com- jected to close. The tool and die in- crease in demand puters in the work- dustry does not seem to have a for spare parts, tools, and molds. place allows the foreign companies bright future. Talon began to meet the demand. In to charge less because as more ma- Profs. Stephen Onyeiwu and Ju- the 1950s and 1960s, people trained chines are used less people are dith Lynch are attempting to make a by Talon began to establish their needed to work. Most domestic com- change. Onyeiwu has been studying own businesses out of their garages, panies still utilize more labor- the practices of local shops and those hoping to get in on the ever-growing intensive systems of production, of shops that seem to be growing to market. which raises costs. The U.S. industry discover the reasons why the local Right now the industry’s domestic is also hurt by the technology due to industry is drying up. He began the shops are being threatened by for- higher purchase costs – rapid project because his “research inter- eign competition. These foreign changes are leaving many shops be- ests focus on small business enter- companies are being utilized more hind because they cannot afford to prises,” and also because he “knew because they offer lower labor costs, keep up. New technologies have that Allegheny College is committed faster return times, and they position also made the industry more trans- to helping the community grow, the OEMs (Original Equipment portable, meaning location is not al- which encouraged me.” Manufacturer, which are companies ways a strong advantage. Meadville’s position in the industry that have parts shipped in from the Also, less skill is necessary to work came as a direct result of the inven- individual tool and die shops and as- in the industry now, and with this tion of the zipper, but exact stories semble these parts to produce cars, new ease comes more opportunities differ depending on whom you ask. etc.) to enter newer, expanding mar- for very cheap labor. The foreign Onyeiwu says the story that receives kets. One company, the Ford Motor market therefore becomes very desir- the most support states that the tool Co., announced within two years able to OEMs looking for a larger and die grew out of the Talon ap- time they will be purchasing $10 bil- profit. prenticeship program. In the 1930s, lion in parts from China to try to re- The domestic industry has advan- tages that the foreign market does not, such as being small and there- fore flexible to the needs of the indi- Centers for Civic Engagement vidual OEMs, containing a highly http://civicengagement.allegheny.edu skilled workforce, maintaining a repu- tation of high quality, and having a location closer to the companies that allows for an easier way to check progress. Onyeiwu says there is still much that can be done to help the failing market. “[The shops] need to under- stand why [they are losing busi- ness].” He says they must “find ways of reducing costs and becoming TOOL AND DIE... (Continued on page 15)