International Expert on Rebuilding After Disasters Visiting Tuscaloosa

• June 29th, 2011
• in News, People

TUSCALOOSA "” An international expert on rebuilding after disasters, Dr. Adenrele Awotona, a University of Massachusetts professor who directs the Center for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities after Disasters, is in Tuscaloosa for two days (Wednesday and Thursday, June 29-30) to lead a workshop for area and university officials and citizens.

The College of Education and the Division of Community Affairs are co-sponsors of the workshop, which focuses on children and their families. The workshop covers such issues as assessment of impact, identifying children needs before, during and after disasters; developing a comprehensive post-tornado action plan; and future disaster risk reduction, said Dr. Rick Houser, professor and head of the Department of Education Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology and Counseling.

"The aim of the workshop is to ensure that the needs and priorities of children are integrated into official reconstruction policies," Houser said.

About 75 individuals representing cities, counties, schools, churches, foundations, businesses, neighborhood organizations, academic and service departments are on hand for the workshop.

Dr. Samuel Addy, director of UA's Center for Business and Economic Research, released a six-page study to participants that estimates the economic and fiscal impact of the April tornadoes. Addy's report is careful to point out that these are estimates and that all of the storm effects are temporary.

"¢ 6,000 unemployed, but after returns and other factors, reduces to 3,761 as a direct effect of the tornado.

"¢ Jobs temporarily lost range from about 5,600 to 13,200.

"¢ Total lost earnings, $219 million to $508 million

"¢ Taxes lost, $19 million to $44 million

"¢ Recovery activities (cleanup, assistance, rebuilding, etc.) will pump $2.6 billion into the state economy in 2011. These funds will come mostly from insurance and federal sources.

"¢ Another $2 to $3 billion in rebuilding will continue into 2012, resulting in about 37,000 to 74,000 jobs and $1 to $2+ billion in earnings for an average of about $32,000 per worker and $63 to $126 million in state income and sales taxes and $24 to $47 million in local sales tax receipts

All of this "will generate enough revenue to cover damage-induced losses to state finances as well as the state spending for cleanup," if assumptions hold, according to the report by Addy and Ahmad Ijaz, CBER director of economic forecasting.

CCBP Awards Ceremony 2011 in Pictures

• May 10th, 2011
• in Events, News, Wrap-up

Faculty and staff, students and community partners convened for the fifth Center for Community-Based Partnerships Awards Ceremony in Tuscaloosa on April 22.

Representatives of the Community Affairs Division of The University of Alabama presented awards for outstanding engagement activities initiated by students, faculty, and partners. David Wilson, the keynote speaker and president of Morgan State University, accepted an award for leadership in engaged scholarship.

More information to follow in subsequent posts.

Call for Applications to the 2011-12 Imagining America PAGE Summit and Working Group

• May 9th, 2011
• in Call for Proposals (RFP), News

Sustained Graduate Engagement
The Call for PAGE 2011-2012 Fellows

Submission Deadline:  June 1st
Click here to apply

PDF version

PAGE (Publicly Active Graduate Education) is Imagining America's network for publicly engaged graduate students in humanities, arts, and design. PAGE enhances the theoretical and practical tools for public engagement; fosters a national, interdisciplinary community of peers and veteran scholars; and creates opportunities for collaborative knowledge production.
 
IA invites graduate students with a demonstrated interest in public scholarship and/ or artistic practice to apply for a 2011-2012 PAGE Fellowship.  Awardees receive $600 to attend a half-day Fellows Summit on September 21st and the 2011 Imagining America national conference, September 22-24, both in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The PAGE director will partner Fellows with senior scholar mentors as well as help promote opportunities for peer mentorship and support from IA's network.   Upon acceptance of a Fellowship, participants also commit to participating in a yearlong working group to promote collaborative art-making, teaching, writing, and research projects. In doing so, PAGE is looking to foster a cohort of Fellows interested in pursuing collective and innovative scholarly practices.   Fellows are asked to present such publicly-engaged scholarship/ art before the close of the academic year at either an IA regional meeting, a campus workshop of their own design, or another appropriate professional convening.
 
Within the frame of our 2011 national conference, themed around "What Sustains Us?" the PAGE Summit will take up questions similar to the gathering as a whole (see below), but through the lens of graduate education.  This is an urgent moment in higher education, not the least in graduate programs, requiring us to think through sustaining public engagement through the intersections of mentorship, diversity, real-world interaction, student success, and scholarship.  Fellows will be asked throughout the year to reflect upon their own public practice in the cultural disciplines, its place in making higher education a more democratic space, and the ramifications of the changing economic climate.
 
Graduate students at all stages of their MA/MFA/PhD programs, including previous fellows, may apply to be PAGE Fellows. Applicants must be graduate students during the 2011-2012 academic year, but do not have to be planning a career within higher education.  Note: Only students who are affiliated with Imagining America member institutions are eligible for this award. For a list of member institutions, and more information about Imagining America, visit www.imaginingamerica.org.
 
Applicants must submit a CV and a short reflective essay (up to 500 words) on past, current, or future work in the context of one of the following issues, posed in the IA National Conference CFP:
 
How can the increasing efforts to realize the democratic, public, and civic purposes of American higher education be sustained and forwarded? What sustains our engaged practices within a context of diminished resources and rapidly shifting cultures within higher education?
 
How can engagement efforts contribute to sustained economic and cultural viability in urban and rural communities?
 
What sustains stakeholders confronting challenges around power, race, class, and privilege?

Questions?  Please contact National Director of PAGE, Adam Bush at asbush@gmail.com



Tornado Disaster Relief

• May 6th, 2011
• in News

To our Council for Community-Based Partnerships family:

We hope that this email finds you and your families safe and well.

As we seek to address the many needs that our community has in the aftermath of the 4/27 tornadoes, and as we look toward the future, we would like to ask for your assistance with a specific project that requires our immediate attention.

Within the next few days, the tornado relief center that has been located at Holt High School will be relocating to Holt Baptist Church, and the relief center at Leland Lanes will be redirecting volunteers and resources to Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. We are asking for your assistance in:

1) Directing volunteers (faculty, staff and students) to these churches;

1) Coordination of volunteers and/or coordination of UA summer courses that could use service learning to assist those who have been affected by the tornado; and

2) Offering of service learning opportunities through existing courses that you  or others may be teaching in the 2011 Interim, Summer I and summer II semesters.

Initially, a primary focus for our support of communities in the Holt and Alberta City area will be in serving as a point of contact for individuals who may be seeking a variety of services. Additionally, we are hoping to address issues related to limited transportation for those who have been affected by the tornadoes.

If you are interested in assisting us with this work, or have further questions, please contact us at:
(205) 348-7392, or at the following email addresses:
Chris Spencer: christopher.spencer@ua.edu
Heather Pleasants: hmpleasants@ua.edu

Additionally, please see the list below of websites and facebook pages for additional ways to be of assistance. This list is not comprehensive"”we encourage you to visit these web spaces in order to gain more information on ways to help those in need.

Facebook pages:

Recover Tuscaloosa
Give Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa City Schools
Kelly Horwitz
Help Tuscaloosa
Rebuild Tuscaloosa
Toomer's for Tuscaloosa
T-Town, Never Down "“ Tuscaloosa Tornado Disaster Relief
Animals lost and found from the tornadoes in Alabama on 4/27/11

Websites/Blogs:

Recovertuscaloosa.com
Helptuscaloosaschools.com
www.givetuscaloosa.com
University of Alabama College of Education Relief Efforts: http://education.ua.edu/about/news/tornado-relief/
University of Alabama Acts of Kindness Fund: https://www.ua.edu/advancement/giving/donate/?division=2&account=349
Alabamapossible.org/blog
http://ttowntornadorelief2011.com/

Homegrown Farmers Market WILL GO ON this Thursday, May 5

• May 4th, 2011
• in Events

Hello ladies and gents,

I hope that this email finds you and your loved ones safe and sound after that terrible storm. Canterbury Episcopal thankfully was not damaged and has been functioning overtime as a collection center for donations. I hate that our fourth year will begin in these circumstances, but Homegrown will be sure to contribute to the relief effort however we can. Despite the turmoil around us (and today’s gloomy weather), everyone needs good fuel, a little pep in their step, and a hearty laugh every once in a while. So come out to the market and enjoy yourselves.

The market this week will function both as its normal fun-loving self and as a drop-off point for donations for the ongoing disaster relief. Customers are encouraged to donate produce and other goods purchased at the market in addition to bringing outside donations. Cash donations will be accepted in order to provide food assistance for those affected by the storms. Other items that can’t be purchased at the market but are still needed include: canned/boxed food, can openers, tarps for covering roofs, medical supplies, batteries, flashlights, hygiene products, ponchos, underwear and socks; baby items including diapers, diaper cream, wipes and formula; pet supplies including newspapers, dog/cat food, carrying crates and litter; new and gently used children's toys.

Limited parking for market customers will be available on Canterbury’s lawn this year.

In addition to the extensive variety of produce that’s normally available, this year the market will feature locally grown, all natural grass feed beef and goat cheese.

Another exciting addition: Homegrown now accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps. An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) machine will be at the market to transfer SNAP funds into $1 and $3 tokens with the Homegrown Alabama label. As part of an incentive program, Homegrown will match every $10 spent using SNAP with an additional $5 in tokens (while funds last).

Musicians Ham Bagby and Friends will perform at the opening market. We’ll also have children’s activities, including face painting and coloring booklets.

I hope to see you there!

Andrea

—
Homegrown Alabama

(205) 210-9621

www.homegrownalabama.org

Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market Kicks Off at UA

• April 27th, 2011
• in Events, News, Previews

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. "“ The Homegrown Alabama Farmers Market will open on Thursday, May 5, with a Cinco de Mayo celebration and will continue every Thursday from 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 27 at the Canterbury Episcopal Chapel lawn on Hackberry Lane between Bryant Drive and University Boulevard.

Homegrown Alabama is a nonprofit, student-led group at The University of Alabama. The program seeks to educate students and community members about the value of local produce, as well as to foster partnerships between local farmers, UA and the greater Tuscaloosa community.

The Cinco de Mayo celebration will feature Mexican food and music, and artisans will be on hand along with the weekly vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, baked goods, beef, cut flowers, coffee and tea, eggs, homemade herbal teas, soap, pralines, canned goods, hot foods and arts and crafts.

Homegrown Alabama recently received approval to accept Electronic Benefit Transfer, the system for distributing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

A machine will be located at the market to transfer EBT-SNAP funds into $1 and $3 tokens with the Homegrown Alabama label. Tokens can be used to purchase fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, maple and honey products, and seeds and plants that produce foods.

As part of an incentive program, Homegrown will match every $10 spent using EBT with an additional $5 in tokens, while funds last. The tokens cannot be refunded but will never expire and can be used at any Homegrown Farmers Market throughout the 2011 season or any season thereafter.

In addition to accepting EBT, Homegrown Alabama will continue its participation in the Canterbury Episcopal food pantry program, Deacon's Deli, which distributes vouchers to its patrons to purchase produce at the market. Market vendors and customers will also be encouraged to donate fresh food to Deacon's Deli and Meals on Wheels.

For more information on the EBT incentive program and how to donate, call 205/210-9621, or visit http://homegrownalabama.org/market.html.

Story courtesy of The University of Alabama.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER

• April 21st, 2011
• in Events, News

Click here to download an application 

The Community Service Center is accepting applications for a summer Habitat project in Baldwin County, Alabama known as House United.

We are excited about this new project where 20 UA students will work with 20 Auburn University students to build an  entire house for a family in just one week, and we want to encourage you, or other students that you know, to apply for this unique opportunity.

The dates are June 12-18.  The cost is $250 which covers meals, lodging, and transportation.  The deadline for applications has been extended to Wednesday, April 27–the application is attached.  Please consider volunteering for this opportunity, and please feel free to forward this message to other students who may be interested in participating. If you have questions about this project, please direct them to:

Wahnee Sherman, Ed.D.

Director, Community Service Center

The University of Alabama

Box 870292

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

wsherman@sa.ua.edu

www.volunteer.ua.edu

Make a Difference.Change the World. VOLUNTEER.

Call for Editor and Editorial Fellows: 2011 IARSLCE Conference Proceedings

• April 20th, 2011
• in Conferences, News

The IARSLCE is soliciting applications for the positions of Conference Proceedings Editor and Editorial Fellows.  The Conference Proceedings Editor and Editorial Fellows will oversee the publication of a new online IARSLCE Annual Conference Proceedings, comprised of all accepted 1000-word conference submissions from each year’s conference. The published Proceedings will include abstracts only, rather than full papers, and will serve as an added resource, especially for international audiences. The new Proceedings will increase the public visibility of the conference scholarship and the potential of communication with other researchers.

To Apply

Please submit, by May 2, 2011,a letter of interest highlighting research background and interests, editorial review experience, and CV, to the Publications Committee Co-Chairs, KerryAnn O’Meara and Barbara Moely, at the IARSLCE Office: sobrien1@tulane.edu.

Editorial work will occur over the summer prior to the Fall IARSLCE conference.

The Editor and Editorial Fellows will be appointed by June 15, 2011 and begin their work in July, 2011.

Proceedings will be published on line prior to the annual conference, no later than October 1, 2011.

Please see the attached document for full instructions, or click here to view on our website.

Building a Diverse Health Care Workforce

• April 18th, 2011
• in Conferences

From April 13-15, the University of Alabama Nursing School hosted the Building a Diverse Health Care Workforce. The purpose of this program is to examine the call to build a diverse health care workforce; the current status of the existing workforce, the role of health care policy and disparities, and ways to promote diversity in the healthcare workforce.

Taylor Hicks, Reuben Studdard to Perform at Culture Fest

• April 11th, 2011
• in Events

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. "” Planners hope to attract large crowds to the third edition of Culture Fest by going back to the original crowd-pleasing formula they used in 2008: Invite an American Idolwinner.

That year it was Birmingham's Ruben Studdard who brought out 15,000 to the kickoff of CultureFest at McKenzie Court in Tuscaloosa. He was named the American Idol in 2003.

This year the big draw could very well be another Birmingham native, R&B singer Taylor Hicks,who won the competition in 2006.

Both Studdard and Hicks will perform at Culture Fest.

The University of Alabama's Office of Community Affairs and Holt Community Partnership will host Community Culture Fest 2011 at Holt High School on Sunday, April 17, from 1-6p.m. Among the other entertainers will be Caroline Shines, Arrow Trim (featuring local lawenforcement officers), local gospel groups, and other artists from the Tuscaloosa community,representing country, gospel, R&B and more.

New this year will be a custom car and motorcycle show featuring area enthusiasts.

"Culture Fest is an opportunity to show the wealth and diversity of West Alabama culture," saidDr. Samory T. Pruitt, community affairs vice president. "We are pleased that so many groups have come together with the University to make this event possible."

Culture Fest 2011 will transform Holt High School into a multicultural atmosphere with streetsblocked off to make way for entertainment, food, community service groups, health screenings,sports tournaments and other activities. The festival will take place throughout the entirety ofHolt High School campus on Jack Warner Parkway.

Culture Fest 2009, held in downtown Northport, featured Alabama Music Hall of Fame member Rick Carter, the Homemade Jamz Blues Band, jazz guitarist Eric Essix, a Mariachi band, andother headliner musicians.

"Culture Fest showcases our community's cultural wealth while strengthening ties between theuniversity and its neighbors," said Brice Miller, assistant director of Crossroads CommunityCenter at the university.

Culture Fest began as an idea by University students that envisioned a festival that would unite the Tuscaloosa community with entertainment, games and fun activities for people of differentages and cultures. It is produced by student interns in the Division of Community Affairs. Theseinterns have organized this multicultural festival for three years, and have brought people fromdifferent locations of Alabama to the Tuscaloosa community. The process has been one ofteamwork, dedication and educational experience as the interns have learned such skills as eventplanning, staging, sound setup and crowd management all while juggling their classes.

"From planning for food vendors and activities to working with professional artists, the process has been both demanding and rewarding as the festival has developed into an atmosphere forindividuals of all cultures," Miller said.

One goal of Culture Fest is to "showcase and recognize the amazing cultural heritage around us that we don't recognize on a daily basis," Miller said. Another goal is to unify communityoutreach organizations and to inform the community about the array of resources they provide, he said.

There will be face painting, finger painting, storytelling, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, cotton candy, inflatable bouncers and other activities. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the NAACP chapter atthe University and the UA Student Government Association will assist with the festival.

The UA Student Health Center, Good Samaritan Clinic and Tuscaloosa Red Cross will be among the health care providers attending. Free blood pressure screenings will be available.

Other UA organizations that will be on hand include Cultural Connections, Ghanaian master drummer/dancer Emmanuel Agbeli, the Community Service Center, Collegiate 100, Team Ferg,Freshman Forum, University Programs and the Center for Community-Based Partnerships.Dozens of volunteers from many student organizations will assist. The event will be free ofcharge, and CrimsonRide will provide pick up and drop off at the Ferguson Center.

Fitzgerald Washington, general sales manager of Buffalo Rock, a partner for the third consecutive Culture Fest said the festival "has a solid vision of developing proven strategies that attract localcitizens from diverse backgrounds and providing activities to strengthen the community, idealsthat Buffalo Rock also shares."

Culture Fest 2011 is the "ideal gateway to summer," Miller said. "Rain or shine Culture Fest will spotlight the unique community that is Holt and will welcome all West Alabama residents backhome to Holt."

The partnership of Holt residents, local school staff members, community service agencies,church leaders and numerous UA schools, colleges and departments was formed in 2009. Thepurpose was to promote the general well being and social welfare of the Holt Community througheducational, social and health services, by improving and maintaining community parks andpublic spaces and cemeteries, and by promoting community festivals, concerts and programs forthe benefit of the Holt Community.