Building a learning community

First class is always an interesting experience; as a professor, I enjoy the dynamics of the first class meeting. The group has a wealth of experiences and variety of perspectives which should encourage lively, engaging discussions. As we continue in class and through this online mechanism, we will get to know each other better.

Dr. Rhodes talked about the class as a learning community. The community is starting to emerge:
- economic and entrepreneurial aspects (renting/selling texts)
- communication and sharing of information (how to get a blog started - thanks Megan)

If you need local resources, much of my community experience is in Austin as a part of the early childhood community and the city/county health and human services system, including the Community Action Network, Success by Six with United Way and FamilyConnections . Please feel free to call or email me to get contacts or my perspective.

One topic that intrigues me as we continue to discuss community building is the role of change agents. Dr. Rhodes talks about the special responsibility of public servant; being a part of the elite without being elitist. From the perspective of the privileged, it requires a personal commitment to understanding, knowing full well that you can only begin to understand the reality of another person. I cannot truly understand the experience of someone living in poverty. Even though I grew up in a single parent working class household, my family never was at risk for hunger or homelessness. From this perspective, my understanding of abject poverty can only be partial at best. More on this...