A community service learning project, appropriate for online coursework, have been selected for this class. This project was identified as a project needed by community agencies in the Dallas or Denton, Texas areas. This project will be completed in the form of your social issues paper (and research you complete for the paper). Each student will select one project.
Students will be researching a topic of interest identified by the community partners as information needed for their agencies.
**Please note that I will not share your names with the community partners. If you wish to continue a volunteer or service relationship with the community partner, it is up to you to contact them separately.
Community Service Learning Research Paper
Students will be graded individually for their research paper. Here are the steps you need to take for this part of the project:
Read the information regarding the two projects. Students will select one project from the following two projects: Be the Match or Frisco Family Services.
All papers must include the following: 4-6 pages not including title and reference page. (**4 page minimum of research).
Papers must follow APA or MLA style of referencing and use both in-text citations and a reference list. All papers must use a minimum of 3 references. Two of these references must be academic references such as academic journals or books. A personal interview with one of the community partner staff or someone working in the field can substitute for one of the academic references. A third reference can be the agency website or information from other relevant websites, such as the United Way’s Community Needs Assessment.
Use 12 point font and double space your papers.
Community Partner and Project Selection Information
1. Be the Match Introduction
This community partner is a National Marrow Donor Program that works towards expanding the donor bank for various ethnic groups. It is often difficult for ethnic minorities to find a marrow match for life-threatening diseases such as leukemia and other blood cancers and diseases. Essentially, Be the Match is attempting to address some of the disparities that exist in healthcare and positively impact the healthcare of various racial and ethnic groups. Here is Kaela’s story:
Kaelas story (Links to an external site.)
More stories can be found on their website at: Be the Match (Links to an external site.)
Community Service Learning Research Paper Instructions
Using the weblink Be the Match Advocate (Links to an external site.), visit the agency’s website.
Introduction and Overview to the Problem (Blood Cancers, etc.) This person should research and write a 4-6 page that provides an introduction and overview to what blood cancers are, the extent of the problem, populations affected, and how organizations such as Be the Match address the problem.
Problems faced by Underserved Groups: persons who are part of groups that are underserved or unable to find a match are the focus of this section. Focus on diversity, ethnic and racial diversity. What are the implications of leaving this problem unaddressed?
Current treatments and obstacles to these treatments. What are the current treatments? What are the obstacles to accessing treatment? Remember this is not a science paper but rather should provide an explanation for anyone who is not familiar with blood cancers.
Treatment Funding: Current issues with payment should be covered in this section. See the website and information on Medicare payment for example.
Advocacy and Awareness: What kinds of advocacy are needed to help address this problem and ways people can get involved. What types of advocacy could you or other members of the community commit to doing to address this issue? How can civic engagement be a part of this?
Innovative or Potential Solutions: What are potential solutions that can make treatment more equitable? How would these solutions impact the problem?
2. FRISCO FAMILY SERVICES
Frisco Family Services’ mission is simple. They help members of our communities who are facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency in the Frisco and Frisco ISD (which includes Frisco, Little Elm, McKinney and Plano) communities. Email: volunteer@friscocenter.org.
Community Service Learning Research Paper Instructions
Research the Programs and Services page of Frisco Family Service’s website
FFS offers a wide range of programs and services to meet the needs of those affected by hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs. We help them and their families by providing programs, information and resources to assist in their journey. We also help by raising awareness through public outreach and media.
Food Distribution
Emergency Financial Assistance
Adult Education
Seasonal Programs
Information and Referral Services
