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BONNER NEWSCongress Reps, Bonner Interns & Student Leaders

M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R

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K e e p i n g y o u r s t e a m

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead

monthly July 20107th ed it ion

BONNER E -NEWSLET TER

appy summer of service! By now, many of you are probably on your way to successful completion of your summer hours. In this month’s newsletter you will find some things that may help you with that process.

Now that SLI is over, we have lots of events to look forward to! We will all be welcoming our new freshman class to our campuses and participating in orientation and fall retreats. Then, Bonner

Congress will be right around the corner! Be sure to stay in touch and start thinking of ideas around how you can make your BIG IDEA come to life!

Before we get too wrapped up in worrying about the school year, don’t forget to have fun in the sun and enjoy your summer break! It is always nice to just take a few days off, kick back, and relax before a busy school year.

~ Michael Richardson, Bonner Foundation

Take Action!!Writing your Summer CLAIt’s that time again! Don’t forget to create your summer CLA. Read more to better understand just how easy creating a CLA really is!

School SpotlightsWe are looking for creative ideas for Freshman Orientation as well as Fall Retreats!-- If your school does something cool, be sure to e-mail BAB@bonner.org with a brief explanation so you school can be in next month’s spotlight!

Resources/ToolsSocial Media ToolsCheck out all the ways you can stay connected within the Bonner Network!

What’s Happening?The BAB! Say What?This month learn more about the Bonner Advisory Board and how you can join to represent your region!

Discussion Board“How was SLI 2010?”Read some SLI reflections from various attendees.

Cool Schools Do Intense Community Service!!

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At one time or another we have all received an email asking us to create a Community Learning Agreement for our new service site. This seems like a daunting task: describing what you do on a daily basis at the site you perform service, but in fact, it is quite easy. I’ll admit I have always been a little slack about creating my CLA. Nevertheless, this past year I decided that I wanted to create strong CLAs so that I would not have to constantly rewrite them. How did I do it? Here’s a few tips...

CLA InformationThe first section contains your main CLA information. Fill in the first three fields and let your director/coordinator fill in the “Status” field.

Commitment InformationYou want to be detailed for the position description. Write what days you will be regularly active at the site, the time period, your job description, what organization you will be working with, where the site is, and any other details you think may be helpful.

Primary ObjectiveFor the next section fill in your main position title and how many hours per week you spend working. The next section gives you some pre-written options so choose what fits best and describe why you want to work at this site. Think resume writing! This is your chance to translate your service work into the professional objectives and activities entailed.

Learning GoalsFinally, you have to fill in your learning objectives. Fill in the two objectives that are required and then describe what skills or experience you hope to gain from working at this site. Fill in your site supervisor’s name and voila! You’re all done making that perfect CLA.

Writing a proper CLA

Proposal...by Jack Kelly,

Stetson

Using Social Media to keep informed and in touch with your Bonner Network this summer

" ummer is the season of the year where students shut off " their brains and attempt to return to a pre-school state of ignorant bliss. Summer can be a tough time for many things: paying attention to work, checking emails, long distance relationships, and especially service to name a few. Nevertheless, just because you are not currently busy with schoolwork does not mean that you have to lose contact with the service world and the Bonner Network. The Bonner Network provides a plethora of ways to stay in contact with other Bonners and to know that your team of national Bonners are working just as hard as you are. Thanks to Al Gore (not really), the internet has become a wonderful tool for communication and keeping in touch with friends. At the top of the internet list is Facebook. If one were to log on to Facebook and search for the National Bonner Network they would find an up to date resource containing over 1,000 people who can assist in your community ventures. Look through the friends list of the organization and you may just find some Bonners that you have met before." Next on the list on social media tools to help you stay in touch with the network would be Bonner’s very own Wiki. Now, you have probably heard all the talk about this site, and hopefully you have visited the site as well, but if not the address is www.bonnernetwork.pbworks.com/. The Wiki provides access to basically every inch of Bonner material one may need. Wondering how a friend’s school can start a program? Check it out on the Wiki. Wondering about the Summer Leadership Institute or the Fall Congress Meeting? Check the Wiki. Don’t know what Issues to Impact is all about? Hey, the Wiki has all that information! Essentially, the Wiki is like your Bonner best friend and handbook (in fact, it even has one for you: http://bonnernetwork.pbworks.com/Student+Handbook+Live)." Are you working on a certain issue right now but having a hard time finding information without your school being in session? Well Bonner has a great option for you. If you head to Delicious, a shared bookmarks site, and search for “BonnerNetwork” you will find a group of over 400 websites that can assist you in finding information on different topics within service." Did you attend a Bonner conference and see a great presentation that you wish you had memorized? Well we can help! Go to Slideshare at www.slideshare.net/BonnerFoundation/presentations and you can find almost every training workshop Bonner has presented in a slide show format!" Have you heard of LinkedIn? LinkedIn is like Facebook for connecting with different businesses through your professional profile. Create an account and search for the Bonner Scholars Program to gain access to over 100 different people who can help you get connected in the service world." Finally, for those of you who love Twitter; get online and follow @bonnernetwork to find out what the foundation has been up to lately! If you want to have a source of insight into what’s happening in the service world there is no better way that to get a tweet from the head honchos!

~ Contributed by Jack Ke!y, Bonner Advisory Board Member "om Stetson University

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Bonner Highlights: Summer Leadership Institute Takeaways

his summer in Berea, KY, nearly 500 people descended onto Berea College’s Campus in order to attend the Bonner 20th Anniversary Celebration, SLI, and/or an Alumni Networking Session -- three Bonner Conferences in one week! Students, Community Partners, Staff, and Presidents came together to celebrate past achievements, but more importantly, envision a dynamic and engaged future. Through the Congress, Senior Intern, and Administrator tracks, attendees strategized ways that their individual campuses could move forward.

" Congress representatives were introduced to the new “Congress Constitution,” a document developed to clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of a representative. This constitution (now available to view on the wiki: www.bonnernetwork.pbworks.com/congress-constitution ) builds off the historical roles of a congress representative -- Represent, Build, and Lead. Congress representatives learned some of the historical factors leading to the Bonner Foundation, and how having the knowledge to be able to represent the foundation, their programs, and their communities encourages a dynamic process of information sharing. Similarly, Congress representatives strategized how to build the capacity of their programs or communities through a Big Idea. Finally, Representatives brainstormed ways in which they could lead their fellow students in an engaging and efficient manner.

" Senior Interns attended workshops related to their roles as

program leaders, as well as sessions featuring presentations by Bonner Alumni that addressed careers, vocational choices, resume writing and interviewing and other skills.  These students explored different leadership styles and methods, and worked with their campus teams to offer insight regarding “Big Ideas.” In addition, participants had an evening arts workshop with Alfredo Escobar, muralist, and a drumming circle with Berea faculty member Bill Tripp. Senior interns also had the opportunity to stay an extra day to build skills and network with Bonner Alumni.

" Let’s capitalize on the momentum generated at this summer’s meeting with the following benchmarks: Senior Interns should meet with director/coordinator teams to talk about work styles and roles to take on this year. Congress Representatives will have Big Idea

proposals due in September -- keep brainstorming! Early in the Fall, the Bonner Advisory Board will be in touch with campus student leaders to check in and answer any questions. Let these liaisons know the easiest and most efficient ways to stay in touch.

~ Contributed by Jared Smith, Bonner Advisory Board Member "om Davidson Co!ege

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The Bonner Foundation Staff and Berea Team getting ready for a fun filled, busy week at the 2010 Summer Leadership Institute!

Alfredo Escobar joined the Bonner Family at SLI to paint a reflection to celebrate 20 wonderful years of being committed to social justice.

TIMOTHY KRUMREIG

CONNECTING WITH BONNERS AND BONNER ADMIN/STAFF HAS SHOWN ME WAYS IN WHICH I CAN BETTER SERVE THE OBERLIN BONNER COMMUNITY AS A CONGRESS REP.

TIFF TAYLOR

SLI WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO BEGIN PLANNING THE CHANGES WE WISH TO SEE IN THE FUTURE OF THE BONNER PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND.

WILLIAM CANON

THE REPRESENTATIVES ALL WENT BACK TO THEIR SCHOOLS WITH FRESH PERSPECTIVES AND A DESIRE TO IMPROVE THEIR PROGRAMS.

MARC BENTLEY

NOT EVERY IDEA PRESENTED BY ANOTHER BONNER SCHOOL MAY WORK FOR OUR CENTRE BONNERS, BUT BY ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS AND APPLYING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS, WE CAN ADAPT THE IDEA TO SUIT OUR CAMPUS' SPECIFIC AND UNIQUE NEEDS.

ISIAH LYMAN

MY FIRST SLI WAS AWESOME! I TOOK AWAY MANY CONNECTIONS, GREAT SUGGESTIONS OF HOW TO IMPROVE TUSCULUM COLLEGE'S BONNER PROGRAM, AND NEW WAYS OF HOW TO BETTER SERVE OTHERS.

MAIRE MORIARTY

AFTER EXPERIENCING THE PERSPECTIVES OF HUNDREDS OF OTHER BONNERS AND SEEING WHAT THEY'VE DONE WITH SERVICE WORK IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES, I AM RETURNING TO URSINUS REFRESHED AND FULL OF NEW IDEAS TO TAKE WHEREVER OUR SERVICE-WORK MAY LEAD US.

EMILY SCHORR LESNICK

AFTER MY MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE AT SLI, I AM STILL WRESTLING WITH IMPORTANT ISSUES OF SOCIAL JUSTICE, PRIVILEGE AND POSITIONALLY WHEN DOING SERVICE WORK, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ASKING QUESTIONS AND I WILL CONTINUE TO THINK ABOUT THESE ISSUES.

ALYSE BIGGER

WHEN I LEFT SLI TWO THINGS I LEARNED THAT I WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OUR BONNER PROGRAM ON CAMPUS IS HOW TO BETTER SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND IMPORTANT REASONS TO IMPLEMENT OTHER POSITIONS SUCH AS A "COMMUNITY PARTNER LIAISON" OR A "BONNER LEADERSHIP TEAM" WHICH WILL ALLOW OUR PROGRAM TO NOT ONLY BECOME DYNAMIC BUT TO HELP IN OTHER AREAS.

STAR MIYATA

THE CONGRESS TRACK HELPED ME CONNECT TO OTHER REPS AND GAVE ME A GREATER SENSE OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A REPRESENTATIVE FOR MY SCHOOL. I CAN'T WAIT TO CONTINUE AT BONNER CONGRESS ALL THAT WAS BEGUN AT SLI!.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE REFLECTIONS

~ Gathered by April Risley, Bonner Advisory Board Member "om Siena Co!ege

Issues to Impact: Racial Profiling Against the Latino Community and the Need for Reform“Immigrants are stealing our jobs.” “They are committing crimes.” “They are taking our resources.” Are they really? As the immigration debate continues within the United States, more and more policies are being implemented that are directly affecting undocumented and documented immigrants, as well as natural born residents of the United States. Policies such as 287 (g) were created with the “intent” to create safe, secure communities by giving local law enforcement the authority to act as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). All undocumented persons who commit the most heinous, level 1 offenses such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and other major drug and violent offenses are to be detained and deported by law agencies with 287 (g). Although this program may appear to be effective in dealing with criminal activity committed by undocumented persons, it is important to look at how the policy is actually being implemented, who is being affected, and what are the economic implications of this policy.

The majority of persons who are being detained, deported, and subjected to 287 (g) are not in fact Level 1 offenders, but the law abiding Latino community. 287 (g) has been deemed as “legalized racial profiling” due to the methods in which ICE officers have gone about detaining and deported undocumented persons. Check points and unwarranted house raids in predominantly Latino neighborhoods, illegal search of verifying people’s birth certificates or other documents within different work places and many more tactics are being used, creating deep fear within both the undocumented and documented Latino community. With this 287 (g) policy, if an

undocumented person reports a crime, they are also at risk of being arrested and deported due to their citizenship status.

More and more policies are being created and efforts attempted to implement them such as the Arizona Senate Bill 1070 which is a revised edition of 287 (g) that will also fine and imprison individuals who aid undocumented persons coming to this country. In their new revision they also state that any person who appears to be “illegal” is subject to arrest and deportation (they fail to include what the appearance of an undocumented person looks like…). The parallels between 287 (g) and the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 are frightening. Arizona has also introduced an “Ethnic Studies Ban” that will force all public schools to stop the teaching of any history other than European or American history because they claim that Ethnic studies teaches people of color that white people oppress them. It is important that when policies like this are being created, that we are being mindful and critical and asking questions such as, “Why are people immigrating in the first place?” or “What are reforms that can be made that will not disenfranchise, marginalize and rob people of their human rights and dignity?” Regardless of whether a person is documented or undocumented, practices and policies that instill fear, and arrest persons solely because of their appearance and ethnicity are not policies that we should support. The economic

conditions of Mexico and many other Latin American countries, as well as all throughout the world (because undocumented persons that come to the U.S. are not just Latino or Hispanic) force many people to flee to the U.S. Even in the language we use to define undocumented persons as “illegal” is powerful in recognizing how we actually view the issue of immigration, that these persons are not even people, but illegal and criminals. In the slam poem “Flashy Words” by Shihan he says, “Flashy Words make the world turn but the world don’t turn right, so I use these real eyes to realize the real lies being spoken but not heard because we are more fascinated by that which is fabricated.” I encourage you to educate yourself on this issue of immigration from both view points. Knowledge is power and we cannot solve problems with the same consciousness that created them. For more information go to: http://reformimmigrationforamerica.org/blog/.

~ Contributed by Juliet Carrington, Bonner Advisory Board Member "om Guilford Co!ege

Message From the Bonner Advisory Board: What is the Bonner Advisory Board?The Bonner Advisory Board is a group of students who will work to maintain and utilize the relationships with the Bonner Congress Representatives in order to ensure successful initiatives across the Bonner Network. This dedicated group is comprised of students from around the country, working to make regional communication and idea sharing more commonplace in the time between conferences.

We want YOU!Click HERE to fill out your

application.

In order to accomplish these responsibilities, Advisory Board members will be contacting schools assigned in regional groups to answer any questions that the schools might have, to offer resources in support of the schools’ “Big Ideas,” or to relay any important information from the Bonner Foundation. Each region has around ten constituent schools and there are seven regions.

Interested in Being A Part of the Board?

The Bonner Advisory Board, or the BAB for short, is tasked to fulfill the following roles:

• Know and Understand the Roles and Responsibilities of a Congress Representative

• Promote Communication and Coordinate Activities between Regional Schools

• Act as a Liaison Between Bonner Student Congress and the Bonner Foundation, Highlighting Resources that are Available

• Assist with Fall, Summer, and IMPACT meetings

• Submit Information for Student Leadership Newsletter

• Support Congress Representatives to Be Successful With their Campus Initiatives

If you would like to be a part of this Advisory

Board, we would love to have you -- especially if you are from the Midwest or West Coast areas. Feel free to watch the attached videos, or find more information on our updated web page: www.bonnernetwork.pbworks.com/bonner-

advisory-board. You can also e-mail us at BAB@bonner.org! Please check out the attached application, which is due on the wiki July 1st. We will then host phone interviews between July 6th and 8th. The Bonner Advisory Board hopes to

hear from you soon!

Click here for What is the Bonner Advisory Board

Video

Click here for this years Bonner Advisory Board!!