Community Engaged Learning

In my Civically Engaged Learning (CEL) studies this semester, I was able to focus on the CEL pathways of Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibilities. Learning more about these areas has better prepared me to serve and work in my community in a way that will make a real difference. 

My goal of being an ally for the Deaf community has been enhanced by the things I’ve learned as part of the Philanthropy module in the Civically Engaged Learning pathways. As I studied more about Philanthropy, I learned that not all giving is not created equal. People are often quick to give “stuff”, but less quick to give the things that have been proven to do the most good - money, time, and skills. There are times when material goods are helpful. For instance, at Christmas time the Utah chapter of RID organizes a “Secret Santa” for local Deaf families in need and asks for specific goods to be donated as gifts - clothing items, electronics, toys, and so on. However, one way to enhance my efforts as an ally in the Deaf community is to look for ways my time, money, or skills are needed. For instance, the upcoming Sego Lily Gala (which raises money to help support abused Deaf individuals) is an event that needs all three of those things: time spent volunteering to contact donors, decorate, and so on, money donated for prizes to be auctioned off, and skills like fundraising, decorating, etc. By focusing on responsible Philanthropy, I can be a better ally for the Deaf Community.

My role in addressing social change for the Deaf community through Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility depends a bit on where in a corporate structure I find myself. If I am outside of the business (not an owner or employee), then my role would be to support businesses that are socially responsible. Specifically, to support businesses that are mindful and culturally sensitive to the needs of the Deaf community. An example of this would be a company like Apple. While not perfect, they do try to be inclusive and make their services accessible. I recently learned that Apple directly hires interpreters (as Apple employees) to work full time in certain stores in areas with large concentrations of Deaf individuals. If I am inside of the business as an employee or owner, then my role to help spur change for the Deaf Community could include things like raising awareness, standing with Deaf co-workers on issues of language accessibility or inclusion, or even something like bringing up Deaf organizations as possible groups to sponsor for corporate charitable giving.   

As I have engaged in service in the local Deaf Community, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and have some great experiences. I was able to attend the Show Up Higher Ed Service Summit at the Governor’s Mansion and learn more about how to be civically engaged and find ways to serve in the community. It was a really neat experience! Going to the Granite Education Foundation and learning about the community they serve and how much need there is right here in Utah profoundly impacted me. It is easy to fall into a mindset where you view your normal as everyone’s normal. It was eye opening to me to see the varied circumstances people live in just a half hour drive up the road from me. The things I learned gave me a desire to work on behalf of underserved populations and help them have a voice and feel seen. Another meaningful experience for me was getting to serve at USDB and with the PIP program. Each time I got to volunteer with these organizations I met sweet Deaf children and interacted with their (usually) hearing families. Working with these kids and families helped to fuel the fire in me to continue to be an ally for the rights of Deaf children to have a bilingual education and end language deprivation. The time I have been able to spend in the community has been invaluable for me to make connections with the things I’ve been learning in class and to see how I can make a difference even though I’m only one person.