Over Fall Break, the SRU Bonner Program visited Pittsburgh for a Domestic Community-Engaged Learning experience facilitated and coordinated by Amizade, a nonprofit that organizes safe, sustainable, and collaborative global learning experiences for all people. The goal of the Community-Engaged Learning experiences is to offer immersive, hands-on, reflective service opportunities for Bonner Leaders in their second year of the program. These experiences are both informative and transformative.
Pittsburgh has been listed as one of the most livable cities in the country; however, that is not the reality for those many people who live there. While there is an influx of companies that are leaders in robotics and technological advancements, there are still many residents who do not have the same access to opportunities as the rest. This experience exposed Bonners to service opportunities relating to food security, public health, and urban renewal around themes of gentrification, food access, and social justice.
Over a four day experience, Bonner Leaders explored and served in many Pittsburgh neighborhoods, including the Hill District, the North Side, the Strip District, and Hazelwood. Amizade worked with various partners, including Light of Life Rescue Mission, Lion of Judah Enterprises, and Ujamaa Collective, to educate the group and provide a historical and personal perspective from those who live in the communities of Pittsburgh. This gave the Bonner Leaders an opportunity to engage in and with each community to get a deeper understanding of the people who live there and their experiences.
As the Bonners took an opportunity to reflect during these experiences, they noticed a deep and clear sense of community in pride in each of these communities, and the City of Pittsburgh as a whole. The students were informed of some realities that would not be present to those visiting Pittsburgh. Participants included Jeffrey Rathlef (OCEL Director), Tori Kapopoulos (Bonner Director), Carlene Murray (Bonner GA), Montanna McClue, Jaeden Chapman, Hanna Ruland (Bonner Interns), Miguel Moya, Nybert Samuels, and Johnny Strickland (2020 Bonner Leaders). The Bonner Leader Program plans to continue a partnership with Amizade for future Community-Engaged Learning experiences.
Visit Amizade's website to learn more about the organization!