2019 Continuums of Service Conference

Mindfulness practices can expand how academic knowledge is constructed and valued. Influenced by an Ethnic Studies/Gender Studies/ Queer Studies framing of community engagement, this session explores community-based learning as multi-layered contested terrain rather than a neutral intellectual project. We will discuss the impact of using contemplative practices as a means to foster an asset-based, intersectional, and social ecological approach to community-based learning. Representing different types of institutions (e.g. community college, private university, public university, and liberal arts), presenters will discuss contemplative methodology, reflect on its impact and will facilitate some of the methodology. We will offer mindfulness tools that can be used by faculty, students, and community partners to build capacity and resources. This includes collective grounding, relational mindfulness and embodied dialogical pedagogies.