.: Print Version :.
1 of 1
http://bgdailynews.com/articles/2011/02/01/news/news6.prt
Last modified: Tuesday, February 1, 2011 11:34 AM CST
Students’ community role lauded
By AMIRA AHMETOVIC, The Daily News
The Bowling Green Coalition of Active Neighborhoods - also known as B.G. CAN - held its Winter Rally of the Neighborhoods on Monday night at
Bowling Green Parks and Recreation.
B.G. CAN is a networking organization consisting of several neighborhood groups and individual residents who are interested in improving the
community, according to city neighborhood action coordinator Karen Foley.
“We address neighborhood problems in liaison with the city government,” she said.
The event featured presentations from Nadia DeLeon, community engagement coordinator at Western Kentucky University’s ALIVE Center for
Community Partnerships, and Terry Shoemaker, program coordinator for the WKU Institute for Citizenship and Social Responsibility.
The presentations by Shoemaker and DeLeon focused on how WKU students get involved and participate in projects to benefit the community.
With participation from the audience, Shoemaker highlighted the key factors that make a healthy community, including communication, pride, willingness
and relationships.
Using Robert Putnam’s “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” as a reference, Shoemaker described “disconnectedness”
within communities.
“Every way we’re connected went down over the years,” he said.
With more help from the audience, Shoemaker described some causes of this “disconnectedness,” a wide range of contributors including consumerism,
television, computers, working, air conditioning and attached garages.
Air conditioning and attached garages increase comfort at home and result in fewer instances of neighbors speaking to one another, according to
Shoemaker.
To improve community involvement, DeLeon promoted volunteerism and partnerships.
“Volunteerism is open to everyone and partnerships (are) between the campus and the community,” she said. “Students can also build partnerships by
developing their own projects in the community.”
Volunteer opportunities are available through the ALIVE Center, with activities including the $100 Solution, WKU’s Hill House and a “Wii The People”
bowling league.
“I appreciate Western’s efforts in getting the students involved,” said Dean Howlett, president of the board for B.G. CAN.
Pat Henderson, a resident of the Sandra Street neighborhood, said the presentation was an interesting learning experience.
Foley said a spring rally is scheduled for sometime in April. Anyone interested in starting a neighborhood group can call her at 393-3674.
— For eligibility requirements and more details on volunteering, visit www.wkualivecenter.com or www.wku.edu/icsr.
2/2/2011 4:39 PM