Service-learning combines service objectives with learning objectives with the intent that the activity change both the recipient and the provider of the service. This is accomplished by combining service tasks with structured opportunities that link the task to self-reflection, self-discovery, and the acquisition and comprehension of values, skills, and knowledge content. In the past several years, the idea of service-learning has spread rapidly throughout communities, K-12 institutions, and colleges and universities, including WKU. If you are interested in service-learning as part of your curiculum and have no idea where to start, contact the Alive Center (listed below) for assistance. The following are a few places to start: Service Learning Opportunities

The American Democrary Project

The American Democracy Project is a multi-campus initiative that seeks to create an intellectual and experiential understanding of civic engagement for undergraduates enrolled at institutions that are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The goal of the project is to produce graduates who understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful actions as citizens in a democracy. The project targets undergraduates enrolled at institutions that are members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). The project grows out of a concern about decreasing rates of participation in the civic life of America in voting, in advocacy, in local grassroots associations, and in other forms of civic engagement that are necessary for the vitality of our democracy. The goals of the project are:

1) to increase the number of undergraduate students who understand and are committed to engaging in meaningful civic actions by asking participating institutions to review and restructure academic programs and processes, extracurricular programs and activities, and the institutional culture; and
2) to focus the attention of policy makers and opinion leaders on the civic value of the college experience. This project uses the definition of civic engagement proposed by Thomas Ehrlich and his colleagues in Civic Responsibility and Higher Education:

“ Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.” (Preface, page vi)
“ A morally and civically responsible individual recognizes himself or herself as a member of a larger social fabric and therefore considers social problems to be at least partly his or her own; such an individual is willing to see the moral and civic dimensions of issues, to make and justify informed moral and civic judgments, and to take action when appropriate.” (Introduction, page xxvi).

The project seeks to
1) create a national conversation among many campuses about the theory and practice of civic engagement;
2) develop institutional commitment by involving senior administrators, faculty, staff and students; by addressing core institutional mission and purpose; and by focusing on civic engagement as a learning outcome for undergraduates;
3) initiate new projects, courses and teaching strategies, extracurricular programs, and other programs to increase civic engagement, supported by the national project office;
4) measure the civic engagement outcomes of undergraduates on participating campuses, and assess the impact of this project in contributing to greater civic engagement outcomes; and;
.) disseminate the models that result to a wide audience of higher education institutions, individuals, and policy makers. http://www.aascu.org/programs/adp/about/default.htm

The Outlet Alliance

The Outlet Alliance is a GLBTQ Student organization striving to provide a safe, confidential environment for all members, the student body, and the Bowling Green Community. 

The Faculty Staff Outlet Association

The Faculty & Staff Outlet Assoication provides a social and political support system for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trangender, and Allies at Western Kentucky University. Formed in May, 2005, the organization works to ensure LGBTQ faculty and staff are provided a safe and nondiscriminative work evironment, are afforded partner benefits, and are recognized as vital part of the campus community.