First Measurable Outcome Met!
- Posted by mtam on March 29th, 2009 filed in Fiscal Health in Franklin Field Project Updates
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Dear Transdisciplinary Service Learning Program Stakeholder,
There have been several developments since our last update! For one, the Transdisciplinary Social Impact Team (TSIT) celebrated reaching their first, self-defined measurable outcome this past Friday, March 27th, 2009 with a delicious Jamaican-style meal at Lorenz Island Kuisine. Their goal – “To identify three priority actions for at least two cases and complete the first priority action for each case by March 27th, 2009.” – was developed seven weeks ago at the program orientation and had to meet the SMART criteria:
- Specific: Do you know exactly what you want to accomplish with all the details?
- Measurable: Are you able to assess your progress?
- Attainable: Is your goal within your reach given your current situation?
- Relevant: Is your goal relevant towards your purpose in life?
- Time-Sensitive: What is the deadline for completing your goal?
Since the initial program orientation, the team has met three times for service-related activities and has had three topic-focused learning modules. Pictures from these meetings can be found in our SCRAPBOOK.
The team of students from BU Schools of Education, Law, Medicine and Public Health is eager to continue their existing relationships community residents and to work with even more residents from the BHA Franklin Field Housing Development!
Current Challenges
The natural progression of the program has resulted in a variety of challenges:
(1) How will we decrease barriers to attending meetings so as to maximize community resident participation?
Two main obstacles for community participation in the program have been identified by team members, community partners and community residents: (1) transportation and (2) childcare services. We’ve been trying to decrease transportation issues by finding a meeting location within the Franklin Field Housing Development, closer to residents’ homes. We are also exploring a partnership with DotWell volunteers to provide childcare services. Let’s hope that we can overcome this challenge soon! If you have any ideas, let us know!!
(2) How can we best integrate this pilot program into Boston University?
As the pilot program moves forward, we have been meeting with a variety of potential collaborators from the Boston University community to explore possible partnerships. There are many options for integrating the program into a more sustainable, long-term relationship between academia and communities. If you are interested in getting involved with this effort, send us an e-mail!!
Until next time!