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>> I'M BIANCA LAMOSE [ASSUMED SPELLING]
AND WELCOME TO TUNING IN.
[ MUSIC ]
ON TODAY'S SHOW WE HAVE ADELE LANGWORTHY
FROM THE INTERFAITH CENTER AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH
AND DR. JUAN BENITEZ FROM THE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
WHO ARE BOTH RUNNING PROGRAMS
THAT ARE GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.
THE UNIVERSITY INTERFAITH CENTER AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH LOCATED
IN BROTMAN HALL 178 HAS BEEN AROUND ALMOST
AS LONG AS THE UNIVERSITY.
ALTHOUGH THE CENTER IS RAN BY RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS,
THEY INSIST THEIR CENTER IS A PLACE
WHERE ALL STUDENTS CAN COME TOGETHER.
THE CENTER OFFERS COUNSELING AND INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS
TO VARIOUS RELIGIOUS FAITHS ON CAMPUS.
ALTHOUGH MANY MAY NOT BE AWARE
THAT THE CENTER ALSO PROVIDES FOOD FOR ALL STUDENTS
AND A LOUNGING AREA TO REST OR SOCIALIZE WITH FRIENDS.
FINE ARTS MAJOR STEPHANIE SUEY [ASSUMED SPELLING] TELLS US HOW
SHE FOUND THE CENTER.
>> STEPHANIE: I FOUND IT ACTUALLY THROUGH A FRIEND.
HE WAS REALLY NICE.
HE BROUGHT ME HERE AND WE SHARED COMMON FAITH,
I GUESS, CATHOLICISM.
BUT YEAH, I JUST CAME IN HERE.
I SEEN THIS PLACE A FEW TIMES PASSING BY AND I REALLY WAS
LIKE WHAT IS THIS PLACE?
IT LOOKS FUN AND COMFY AND IT HAS SOFAS
AND IT FEELS LIKE FAMILY HOME.
BUT IT TURNS I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT
UNTIL MY FRIEND TOLD ME IT WAS AN INTERFAITH CENTER.
>> BIANCA: WHILE A PRESBYTERIAN PRESENCE HAS BEEN AFFILIATED
WITH THE INTERFAITH CENTER FROM THE START,
THE CENTER IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
WITH VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS RUNNING THE CENTER
AS VOLUNTEER STAFF.
BESIDES PROVIDING SNACKS FOR STUDENTS,
THE CENTER ALSO RUNS A CANNED FOOD DRIVE WHICH ALLOWS PEOPLE
TO TAKE EVERYTHING FROM PEAS TO PASTA SAUCE.
STEPHANIE SUEY SHARES HOW SHE
AND SOME STUDENTS ENJOY THE SERVICE.
>> STEPHANIE: YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES CHECK THE FRIDGE AND,
YOU KNOW, THERE'S FOOD THERE.
WE CAN SIGN OFF AND YOU KNOW WITH THE PANTRY AND EAT THERE
AND GET A QUICK BITE TO EAT AND THEN HEAD OFF.
>> BIANCA: THE FOOD PANTRY FEEDS OVER A HUNDRED STUDENTS PER WEEK
AND IS AN ONGOING SERVICE.
DONATIONS FOR THE CENTER ARE ACCEPTED
AT THE CLA DEAN'S OFFICE AND CLA DEPARTMENT.
TODAY IN STUDIO WE HAVE ADELE LANGWORTHY
WHO WILL BE SHARING A LITTLE BIT
ABOUT HER SERVICE THAT'S GIVING BACK TO STUDENTS
AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH.
ADELE, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY.
>> ADELE: THANK YOU, BIANCA.
>> BIANCA: SO YOUR SERVICE IT'S ACTUALLY A CANNED FOOD DRIVE
THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS HERE
AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH FOR STUDENTS.
>> ADELE: YEAH.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT KIND
OF SERVICE IS THIS CANNED FOOD DRIVE?
>> ADELE: IT'S A SERVICE THAT WE PROVIDE TO STUDENT LONG TERM
BECAUSE MANY STUDENTS AREN'T ABLE TO GET ENOUGH FOOD TO EAT
TO BE ABLE TO THINK TO DO THEIR HOMEWORK
AND TO BE CREATIVE IN THE CLASSROOM.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT INSPIRED THIS PROGRAM?
>> ADELE: CONCERN, STUDENTS COMING
INTO THE UNIVERSITY INTERFAITH CENTER AND CONCERN
ABOUT THEIR LIVES AND THEIR STRUGGLES IN LIFE AND THEN
IN CONVERSATION WITH MARK WILEY WHO'S ALSO
ON STAFF HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY.
>> BIANCA: AND YOU'VE BEEN WORKING AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH
FOR 18 YEARS; IS THAT RIGHT?
>> ADELE: YES.
>> BIANCA: AND YOU WERE INSPIRED BY A PERSON WHO CAME IN ONE DAY
AND USED TO TAKE THE SERVICE; RIGHT?
>> ADELE: YES.
I USED TO GIVE FREE FOOD OUT IN THE STUDENT UNION
WHEN THEY WOULD HAVE MOVIES AND THEN I WOULD HAVE FOOD EACH WEEK
AFTER THAT AND THE STUDENTS COULD COME OVER AFTER
THAT AND BE ABLE TO ENJOY.
AND THERE WAS ONE STUDENT THAT WOULD COME
IN WITH HER LITTLE BACKPACK ON WHEELS
AND LIKE THIS LITTLE SUITCASE AND SHE WOULD TAKE FOOD
AND SHE WOULD JUST SHOVE IT IN HER SUITCASE.
AND SHE WOULD PUT IT IN HER POCKETS, AND COME TO FIND
OUT THAT SHE WAS HOMELESS AND THE FOOD THAT SHE WAS TAKING
ON THOSE THURSDAYS WAS THE FOOD
THAT SHE WAS LIVING OFF OF FOR DAYS.
>> BIANCA: AND BECAUSE THIS PROGRAM IT HASN'T BEEN OFFICIAL
FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS?
>> ADELE: RIGHT.
>> BIANCA: BUT IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR QUITE A WHILE.
>> ADELE: WE WEREN'T DOING CANNED FOOD.
WE WERE DOING REAL FOOD, COOKED FOOD, FRESH FOOD FOR STUDENTS.
I'VE BEEN DOING THAT THROUGH THE MINISTRY THAT I DO
AT THE INTERFAITH CENTER SINCE I'VE BEEN HERE.
BUT THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE STARTED A COUPLE YEARS AGO
WHEN WE REALIZED STUDENTS NEEDED FOOD TO BE ABLE TO TAKE HOME
TO PREPARE TO EAT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE FOR LATER IN THE DAY
WHEN THE UNIVERSITY INTERFAITH CENTER WASN'T OPEN
THAT THEY COULD GET AT ANOTHER PART OF THE CAMPUS.
>> BIANCA: AND THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE ISN'T JUST FOR PEOPLE
WHO MAY BE EAT A CERTAIN TYPE OF FOOD; IT'S AVAILABLE
FOR VEGETARIANS AND OTHER TYPE OF DIETS; RIGHT?
>> ADELE: RIGHT.
WE CAN'T ALWAYS HAVE VEGAN FOOD BUT WE TRY TO.
AND WE HAVE VEGETARIAN FOOD AND WE HAVE REGULAR FOOD.
WE HAVE KOSHER FOOD.
>> BIANCA: AND I HEARD THAT YOU GUYS ALSO HAVE FRUIT SOMETIMES?
>> ADELE: WE HAVE A LOT OF FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
AND ACTUALLY FRESH MEALS ALSO.
ONE OF THE AGENCIES WHERE WE GET THE FOOD FROM IS
WITH FRESH & EASY AND SO THERE --
SOME OF THEIR MEALS ARE REALLY FRESH
AND SOMETIMES STUDENTS ARE EATING SALMON AND SUSHI
AND THINGS LIKE THAT AS WELL.
>> BIANCA: OH, THAT'S SO NICE.
AND WHAT IS PROCESS OF ACTUALLY GOING TO LIKE FRESH & EASY
AND GETTING THE FOOD FROM THEM?
>> ADELE: THE FOOD'S ACTUALLY DONATED TO SOME LOCAL CHURCHES
AND THE CHURCHES USE IT TO SUPPORT THEIR MINISTRIES
AND THEN THEY SHARE IT ALSO WITH UNIVERSITY INTERFAITH CENTER.
>> BIANCA: AND ARE THESE CHURCHES ALL FROM LONG BEACH OR?
>> ADELE: YES.
>> BIANCA: WHAT -- WHICH CHURCHES ARE THEY?
>> ADELE: COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND BAY SHORE UCC CHURCH.
THOSE ARE THE TWO BIGGEST CHURCHES
THAT BRING THINGS TO THE CAMPUS.
>> BIANCA: AND DID YOU GUYS REACH OUT TO THEM IN ORDER
TO MAKE THIS FROM HAPPEN OR?
>> ADELE: YES.
>> BIANCA: AND AT YOUR INTERFAITH CENTER YOU ALSO HAVE
ONLY TWO EMPLOYEES BUT YOU HAVE MANY STUDENTS WHO COME IN
AND HELP OUT WITH THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE AS WELL.
>> ADELE: CORRECT.
THE INTERFAITH CENTER ITSELF DOESN'T HAVE ANY EMPLOYEES.
WHAT -- THE WAY THE CENTER'S MADE
UP IS THERE ARE DIFFERENT MINISTRIES
THAT ARE MEMBERS OF IT.
AND SO THE MEMBERS ARE VOLUNTEER WITHIN THE CENTER ITSELF.
AND THEY ARE THE ONES THAT HELP PUT THAT TOGETHER.
I COORDINATE IT AND WHEN DELIVERIES ARE MADE,
STUDENTS HELP PUT THE FOOD AWAY
AND SORT IT AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
>> BIANCA: AND YOU HAVE A SIGN IN SYSTEM
FOR THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE; IS THAT CORRECT?
>> ADELE: YES.
STUDENTS COME IN AND THEY JUST SAY HI
AND WE TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THEIR DAY.
AND THEN THERE'S A PIECE OF PAPER AND WE JUST ASK HEM
TO WRITE THEIR FIRST NAME DOWN AND SOME OF THE FOOD
THAT THEY TAKE SO THAT WE CAN DO A TRACKING SYSTEM.
IF SOMEBODY REFUSED TO WRITE THEIR NAME,
WE WOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT IT.
WE DON'T CHECK IT.
IT'S MORE OF A COUNTING SYSTEM.
BUT WE ALSO FELT IF STUDENTS WERE ABLE TO WRITE THEIR NAMES,
THEY'D BE HELD A LITTLE MORE ACCOUNTABLE
AND THEY WOULDN'T TRY TO HORDE OR TAKE MORE
THAN THEIR FAIR SHARE.
>> BIANCA: AND IS THERE A CERTAIN TYPE OF ATTITUDE
THAT YOU GUYS GET FROM NEW STUDENTS
OR STUDENTS THAT ARE RETURNING?
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEIR REACTION TO THE PROGRAM?
>> ADELE: NEW STUDENTS COME IN A LITTLE LEERY,
JUST KIND OF COMING IN TO CHECK
AND SEE WHAT IT'S REALLY ALL ABOUT, IS THIS REALLY FREE;
ARE THERE ANY STRINGS ATTACHED?
THE STUDENTS THAT HAVE BEEN COMING FOR A LONG TIME,
THE OFFICE IS JUST A REALLY SAFE, RELAXING PLACE YOU CAN SIT
AND EAT YOUR FOOD THERE; YOU CAN TAKE IT WITH YOU.
AND SO IT'S JUST A PLACE KIND OF LIKE HOME FOR THEM.
>> BIANCA: AND DOES THIS PROGRAM HELP THE INTERFAITH CENTER BRING
MORE STUDENTS INTO YOUR FACILITY OR?
>> ADELE: I WOULD SAY IT BRINGS MORE STUDENTS
INTO THE FACILITY, YES.
>> BIANCA: AND I WOULD THING SOME PEOPLE MIGHT THINK THERE
ARE RELIGIOUS INCENTIVES TO COME IN AND MAYBE IF YOU GO IN
AND YOU RECEIVE SOME FOOD YOU MIGHT HAVE TO BE INVOLVED.
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH THAT?
>> ADELE: I THINK THAT'S SOME OF THE LEERINESS WHEN THEY COME IN,
THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT.
BUT THAT ISN'T A PROBLEM.
WE JUST KIND OF CHECK IN AND SAY HI, HOW'S YOUR DAY GOING;
HOW'S CLASS; YOU KNOW THOSE KINDS OF THINGS.
AND THEN IF THE STUDENT WANTS TO HAVE A RELIGIOUS CONVERSATION,
SPIRITUAL CONVERSATION, WE'RE ABLE TO DO THAT WITH THEM.
BUT THE STUDENT HAS TO INITIATE; WE DO NOT INITIATE THAT.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT KIND OF --
HOW REWARDING HAS THIS BEEN FOR YOU WORKING
WITH THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE AND IN THE INTERFAITH CENTER
AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH?
>> ADELE: I FIND IT REALLY REWARDING
BECAUSE THE STUDENTS ARE VERY THANKFUL
AND THEY'RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR IT.
THEY DON'T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED.
AND SOME STUDENTS WILL COME IN, ONE STUDENT IN PARTICULAR CAME
IN AND SAID, YOU KNOW, I NEVER WOULD HAVE PASSED THE TEST HAD I
NOT BEEN ABLE TO EAT TO BE ABLE TO THINK SO I COULD STUDY.
AND BEFORE I KNEW ABOUT THIS, I WOULD, LIKE,
BE WORRYING ABOUT HOW I WAS GOING TO GET LUNCH
AND HOW I WAS GOING TO GET DINNER AND HOW I WAS GOING
TO BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT TO STUDY.
AND THAT MAKES IT REWARDING.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT KIND OF ATTENTION HAS YOUR CENTER GOTTEN
BECAUSE OF THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE?
>> ADELE: WE'RE GETTING MORE BY BEING HERE TODAY.
WE GOT AN ARTICLE IN THE NEWSPAPER NOT TOO LONG AGO.
WE HAD AN ARTICLE LAST YEAR IN IT.
WE'RE GETTING A LITTLE MORE VISIBILITY FROM THAT.
>> BIANCA: AND HOW HAS THE PROGRAM INCREASED IN POPULARITY
AFTER ARTICLES IN THE DAILY 49ER?
>> ADELE: I WOULD SAY WE'RE GETTING PROBABLY FOUR
TO FIVE MORE STUDENTS A DAY, NEW THAT ARE COMING IN.
AND ALSO THE PROFESSORS HAVE BEEN GREAT
BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT.
I JUST HAD SEVERAL STUDENTS COME IN LAST WEEK AND SAID OH,
MY PROFESSOR WAS TELLING ME ABOUT THIS.
SO THAT WAS REALLY GOOD.
I THINK THE NEWS IS GETTING OUT TO THE PROFESSORS AS WELL.
>> BIANCA: AND HOW HAS THE PROGRAM HAD REACTION FROM HIGHER
UP PEOPLE IN CAL STATE LONG BEACH?
>> ADELE: WE HAVEN'T REALLY KIND
OF GONE REAL FAR WITH ALL OF THAT.
BUT THROUGH STUDENT LIFE AND DEVELOPMENT,
THEY'VE BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF IT AND LIBERAL ARTS
WHERE MARK WILEY IS WE'VE HAD A LOT OF SUPPORT FROM THEM.
THEY'RE ACTUALLY THE ONES THAT ARE DOING FOOD DRIVES ON CAMPUS
TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE CANNED FOODS OVER.
AND NICOLE IS THE STUDENT ASSISTANT WORKING
WITH THAT RIGHT NOW.
AND WHEN WE TALKED LAST WEEK SHE HAD 216 CANNED FOODS TO BRING
AND THEY'RE BRINGING IT ON A WEEKLY BASIS
SO THAT'S REALLY, REALLY GOOD.
>> BIANCA: AND WITH THE FOOD
WHERE DO YOU GUYS ACTUALLY STORE IT?
IS IT SOMEWHERE INSIDE THE INTERFAITH CENTER OR?
>> ADELE: YEAH.
I HAVE SOME BOOK SHELVES BEHIND.
MY DESK IS KIND OF TOWARDS THE CORNER
AND THEN I HAVE BOOK SHELVES IN THAT CORNER.
AND I ARRANGE IT ALL SO IT KIND OF LOOKS LIKE A STORE
AND THE STUDENTS HELP DO THAT.
SO IT'S ALL ON SHELVES AND ALL BROKEN UP IN PACKAGES
SO IF SOMEONE BROUGHT US A PIG PACKAGE ON GREEN BEANS,
A BIG CASE OF THE CANS, WE BREAK IT ALL UP SO THE CANS --
THE STUDENTS CAN COME IN AND JUST GRAB A CAN AND BE ABLE
TO GO AND DON'T HAVE TO WORRY
ABOUT RIPPING OPENING THE PACKAGING
BECAUSE STUDENTS ARE TIGHT ON THEIR SCHEDULES SOMETIMES.
IT'S HARD FOR THEM TO GET ALL THE WAY OVER TO BROTMAN HALL
TO GET IT AND THEN THEY HAVE GOT TO RUN BACK TO CLASS
AND SO WE TRY TO HAVE EVERYTHING VERY ACCESSIBLE.
>> BIANCA: AND IS THERE -- IS THERE ANY TYPE OF INSPECTION
OF THE FOOD THAT YOU GUYS BRING IN?
>> ADELE: I JUST KIND OF GO OVER IT TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S FRESH
AND IT'S GOOD AND IT'S SAFE.
>> BIANCA: AND WHO ARE -- WHAT COMPANY CONTRIBUTES THE MOST?
YOU MENTIONED FRESH & EASY?
>> ADELE: FRESH & EASY BRINGS A LITTLE BIT IN.
I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY ONE COMPANY.
IT'S A LOT OF LITTLE DRIVES THAT MAKE IT HAPPEN.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE GOAL
WITH THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE AT THE INTERFAITH CENTER?
>> ADELE: THAT IT WOULD BECOME A BIGGER AND MORE A PART
OF THE INSTITUTION TO REALLY BE ABLE
TO HELP THE STUDENTS ON A LONG TERM BASIS.
>> BIANCA: AND WITH THE CANNED FOOD DRIVE, DO YOU GUYS DO THIS
AS WELL OUT OF -- OUTSIDE IN THE COMMUNITY?
>> ADELE: NOT WITH THE INTERFAITH CENTER, NO.
>> BIANCA: AND ARE YOU INVOLVED
IN OTHER PROGRAMS OUT IN THE COMMUNITY?
>> ADELE: YES, I AM.
I'M A PASTOR AT A CHURCH IN DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH
AND SO WE WORK WITH CHRISTIAN OUTREACH IN ACTION
WHICH IS A BLOCK AWAY AND THEY DO FOOD DRIVES
AND FEED THE POOR OF THE COMMUNITY.
AND SO IF THERE'S STUDENTS I'LL ALSO REFER THEM THERE.
YOU KNOW IF THEY'RE LOOKING FOR MEALS OR LOOKING
FOR BIGGER THINGS OR HAVE BIGGER THINGS THAT WE CAN MANAGE,
I WOULD REFER THEM THERE AND THEY'RE ABLE
TO GET ASSISTANCE THERE.
>> BIANCA: WELL, ADELE, I THINK IT'S A GREAT PROGRAM
THAT YOU GUYS ARE PROVIDING FOR STUDENTS HERE
AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH.
AND IT'S BEEN AN HONOR TO INTERVIEW YOU HERE TODAY.
>> ADELE: WELL, THANK YOU.
>> BIANCA: THANK YOU.
>> NEVER LOOK A HOWLER MONKEY IN THE EYE.
>> WE BUILT THE ENTIRE LIBRARY OUT OF RECYCLED BOTTLES.
>> BRIGHT ANTS ARE DELICIOUS.
>> WE FINISHED THE CLINIC IN A RAINSTORM.
>> REALLY?
>> IT WAS A CONFIDENCE BUILDER.
>> MY STUDENTS ACTUALLY ENDED UP TEACHING ME.
>> SO I LEARNED THIS DANCE.
I'LL SHOW YOU THIS DANCE.
[ PAUSE ]
>> [ FOREIGN WORDS ]
>> THE CLASSROOM WAS MORE OF A CLASS TENT.
>> YOU THINK MANAGING A SALES TEAM IS TOUGH?
TRY WORKING WITH FIVE DIFFERENT VILLAGES.
>> MY ALARM CLOCK WAS A ROOSTER.
>> BEANS FOR BREAKFAST, BEANS FOR LUNCH, BEANS FOR DINNER.
WE ATE A LOT OF BEANS.
>> I LEARNED A THIRD LANGUAGE.
>> MY SEAT MATE ON THE BUS WAS A GOAT.
>> ALWAYS INCLUDE THE VILLAGE ELDERS, ALWAYS.
>> MY MORNING COMMUTE WAS BY CANOE.
>> AFTER TWO MONTHS I WAS READY TO QUIT.
BUT AFTER TWO YEARS, I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE.
I DIDN'T KNOW I HAD IT IN ME.
>> I TURNED TWO YEARS OF SERVICE INTO A LIFE TIME OF EXPERIENCE.
TO ALL THE PIECE CORPS VOLUNTEERS,
PAST RECOLLECT PRESENT AND FUTURE,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO YOUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD.
>> I USED TO HAVE A GOAT.
WHERE DID IT GO?
IT WENT TO A FAMILY WHO REALLY NEEDED IT.
YOU SEE GIVING A FAMILY AN ANIMAL IS
LIKE GIVING THEM A BUSINESS.
WOOL, MILK, EGGS, ALL TURN INTO INCOME FOR MEDICINE, SCHOOL,
CLOTHING A BETTER HOME, A SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD.
SOON THE FAMILY IS PASSING ON THE GIFT
OF THE ANIMAL'S OFFSPRING TO ANOTHER FAMILY WHO DOES THE SAME
AND ON AND ON UNTIL THE WHOLE COMMUNITY IS LIFTED
OUT OF POVERTY.
THAT IS WHERE MY GOAT WENT AND THAT'S WHY YOU GIVE
TO HEIFER INTERNATIONAL.
[ MUSIC ]
>> MONICA: OKAY.
MY NAME IS MONICA DELGADO
AND I'M THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR.
SO THE CCE STANDS FOR CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
AND WE'RE A CENTER HERE ON CAMPUS THAT WORKS
TO BRING THE CAMPUS TOGETHER WITH THE COMMUNITY BASICALLY.
THE IDEA IS THAT WE SHARE OUR RESOURCES AND OUR EXPERTISE,
OUR KNOWLEDGE AND ALSO RECEIVE THE SAME FROM THE COMMUNITY
BECAUSE THERE WAS ALSO A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE.
SO MY ROLE HERE AT THE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS
TO WORK WITH FACULTY ON CAMPUS
WHO ARE UTILIZING SERVICE LEARNING APPROACH
IN THEIR CURRICULUM.
AND I HELP THEM PARTNER
WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS DEPENDING ON THEIR DISCIPLINE
AND ON THE RELEVANCE OF THE COMMUNITY PROJECT.
AND I ALSO HELP STUDENTS GET PLACED AT THOSE DIFFERENT SITES.
I HELP THEM THROUGH --
TRACK THEIR SERVICE HOURS USING A DATABASE
THAT WE HAVE CALLED THE SL PRO.
AND I ALSO HELP THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ESTABLISH
AFFILIATION AGREEMENTS THROUGH OUR RISK MANAGEMENT OFFICE
TO MAKE SURE STUDENTS WHO ARE OUT IN THE FIELD ARE GOVERNED.
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HERE AT THE CENTER IS JUAN BENITEZ.
OUR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR IS CARINA SASS
AND OUR ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR IS CARMEN ARREOLA.
WE ALSO HAVE A PROJECTS SPECIALIST, KENDRA JENNIS,
WHO WORKS WITHIN OUR AMERICORPS PROGRAM
AND ALSO CHRISTIAN PONCE, WHO ALSO WORKS
ON SPECIAL INITIATIVE PROJECTS.
YEAH. WE HAVE STUDENT ASSISTANTS WHO WORK BOTH IN THE OFFICE
AND OFF CAMPUS AT SOME OF OUR PARTNER SITES.
I FEEL LIKE THE WORK THAT I COULD HAVE --
THAT I'M GETTING DONE TO HELP THE COMMUNITY
AND TO HELP PEOPLE GET MORE INVOLVED
WITH COMMUNITY WORK IS LIKE TENFOLD.
SO I THINK IT'S A GOOD PLACE TO BE AND I'M HAPPY
AND I LOVE WORKING WITH OUR FACULTY, WITH OUR STUDENTS
AND WITH OUR COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS.
>> BIANCA: OUR NEXT GUEST HAS BEEN DISTINGUISHING HIMSELF
IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN LOS ANGELES FOR VARIOUS YEARS.
I LIKE TO WELCOME TO OUR STUDIO, DR. JUAN BENITEZ,
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT THE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.
DR. BENITEZ, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TODAY.
>> DR. BENITEZ: THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME.
IT'S GREAT TO BE HERE.
>> BIANCA: I'D LIKE TO START OFF BY SAYING IT'S AN HONOR
TO HAVE YOU HERE REPRESENTING CCE
BECAUSE TODAY'S EPISODE FOCUSES ON GIVING BACK.
AND THE CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IS CCOB'S UNIVERSITY
WIDE CENTER THAT HELPS NOT JUST THE CAMPUS BUT THE COMMUNITY
IN CREATING A BETTER SOCIETY.
>> DR. BENITEZ: RIGHT.
SO WE DO HAVE A UNIVERSITY MISSION THAT FOCUSES
AROUND THE PUBLIC GOOD.
AND OUR CENTER HELPS TO --
HELPS THE UNIVERSITY TO ADVANCE THAT MISSION.
ALTHOUGH WE'RE NOT THE ONLY CENTER ON CAMPUS THAT INTERACTS
WITH THE COMMUNITY,
WE DO FACILITATE CAMPUS WIDE COLLABORATIONS.
>> BIANCA: AND THERE ISN'T JUST ONE PROGRAM
THAT ENGAGES STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND THE COMMUNITY.
THERE ARE VARIOUS.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE THOSE PROGRAMS?
>> DR. BENITEZ: SURE.
WE HAVE THREE BROAD STRATEGIES OR AREAS THAT WE FOCUS ON
AND WITHIN EACH OF THOSE AREAS WE HAVE DIFFERENT INITIATIVES
AND PROJECTS.
THE AREAS ARE FIRST, SERVICE LEARNING
AND I'LL TALK A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT THAT.
THE SECOND IS WHAT WE CALL COMMUNITY BASED PARTICIPATORY
AND ACTION RESEARCH; AND THE THIRD ARE OUR BROADER COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS WHERE WE SEEK
TO STRENGTHEN OUR CONNECTIONS WITH COMMUNITIES.
>> BIANCA: AND THESE ARE THE INITIATIVES?
>> DR. BENITEZ: CORRECT.
>> BIANCA: AND IN THESE INITIATIVES YOU GUYS CREATE
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS WHERE YOU TEACH PEOPLE ABOUT HEALTH ISSUES
AND ALSO COMMUNITY ISSUES.
IT SEEMS LIKE A BIG PROJECT.
HOW DOES YOUR COMMUNITY --
HOW DOES YOUR CENTER MAKE THIS HAPPEN?
>> DR. BENITEZ: WELL, WE HAVE CURRENTLY THREE LONG TERM PLACE
BASED INITIATIVES IN WEST AND CENTRAL LONG BEACH IS ONE.
IT'S AROUND THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS
OF A HEALTHY COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE ANOTHER LONG TERM PLACE BASED PROJECT
IN EIGHT SOUTHEAST L.A. CITIES.
THAT FOCUSES ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT IN THESE CITIES AND ISSUES
AROUND LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN GOVERNMENT.
AND WE HAVE ANOTHER LONG TERM INITIATIVE IN THE CITY
OF EL MONTE WHICH ALSO FOCUSES ON HEALTH AND EDUCATION.
>> BIANCA: AND BESIDES THESE INITIATIVES
THAT ARE ACTUALLY FACILITATED BY CCE EMPLOYEES,
THERE ARE ALSO SL PROGRAM; RIGHT?
THERE'S ALSO SL PROGRAMS?
>> DR. BENITEZ: THAT'S CORRECT.
IT'S WHAT WE CALL OUR SERVICE LEARNING.
SO SERVICE LEARNING IS A [INAUDIBLE] FRAMEWORK
THAT WE USE TO INCORPORATE LEARNING IN COMMUNITIES
AROUND COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED ISSUES.
CURRENTLY WE HAVE BETWEEN 80 TO 100 COURSES OR SECTIONS
OF COURSES THAT ARE CONNECTED WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS
AROUND THE COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED NEED.
AT ANY GIVEN TIME DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR WE HAVE
ABOUT 2,000 STUDENTS INVOLVED IN SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
AND A IT'S A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES THAT THEY'RE ADDRESSING
ACROSS THE WIDE RANGE OF COURSES IN DEPARTMENTS.
>> BIANCA: AND WHEN YOU STARTED THE SL PROGRAM HOW MANY STUDENTS
WERE INVOLVED INITIALLY?
>> DR. BENITEZ: WELL, IT'S HARD TO TELL
BECAUSE IT'S REALLY HARD TO CAPTURE THAT DATA.
SOME COURSES REQUIRE IT; OTHER COURSES OFFER IT AS AN OPTION.
SO WE'VE BECOME BETTER
AT IDENTIFYING WHAT THOSE COLLEGE COURSES ARE
AND WHAT COMMUNITY PARTNERS WE'RE WORKING WITH.
SO FOR INSTANCE, WE HAVE A DATABASE THAT'S FULL OF HUNDREDS
OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS THAT WOULD
LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTNER WITH US.
UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL COURSES HAVE A SERVING
LEARNING COMPONENT.
SO RIGHT NOW WE'RE WORKING WITH ABOUT 100 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
LIKE I SAID IN ABOUT 80 TO 100 COURSES.
>> BIANCA: AND HOW WOULD --
HOW WOULD A CLASSROOM EMBED THE SL PROGRAM
INTO THEIR CURRICULUM?
>> DR. BENITEZ: RIGHT.
SO THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.
WE HAVE A BEST PRACTICES APPROACH WHERE THE CREDIT
FOR THE COURSE IS NOT ACTUALLY ON THE SERVICE.
IT'S ON THE LEARNING THAT TAKES PLACE.
SO THE SERVICE IS CONNECTED TO THE COURSE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
SO IT'S NOT LIKE A VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE;
IT'S NOT LIKE AN INTERNSHIP.
IT ACTUALLY STARTS WITH THE PREMISE
THAT LEARNING OCCURS BOTH IN THE CLASSROOM SETTING
BUT IN THE COMMUNITY AND IT'S BASED
ON WHAT THE COMMUNITY PARTNER NEEDS.
SO THERE'S A RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP.
STUDENTS SHOULD BE OUT IN THE FIELD THROUGHOUT THE COURSE
OF THE SEMESTER.
WE LOOK FOR A MINIMUM OF 25 HOURS BUT IT DOES VARY
FROM COURSE TO COURSE.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT KIND
OF FEEDBACK DO STUDENTS PROVIDE THE CENTER
AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN IN AN SL CLASS?
>> DR. BENITEZ: OVERWHELMINGLY WE HAVE POSITIVE FEEDBACK,
NOT JUST FROM THE STUDENTS
BUT FROM THE FACULTY MEMBERS INVOLVED
AND ALSO THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS.
WE ARE AN ASSET IN THE COMMUNITY.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT HIGHLY VALUED DEGREES, YOU KNOW,
WE HAVE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN
TO HAVE A HIGHLY VALUED DEGREE SO IT'S NOT JUST
ABOUT WHAT WE'RE LEARNING HERE ON CAMPUS BUT HOW WE'RE ABLE
TO APPLY THOSE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGES AND ALSO TAKE
INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE COMMUNITY IS ALSO A SPACE
OF ENLIGHTENMENT.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN
TO HAVE A SL PROGRAM ON THIS CAMPUS?
>> DR. BENITEZ: I THINK IT'S ESSENTIAL TO THE CORE
OF FULFILLING OUR UNIVERSITY MISSION.
AND AGAIN IF WE'RE LOOKING TO GRADUATE STUDENTS
WITH HIGHLY VALUED DEGREES, THIS IS PART OF WHAT IT MEANS
TO GET A HIGHLY VALUED DEGREE.
HOW YOU APPLY SKILLS IN THE FIELD BUT ALSO HOW YOU TAKE
INTO ACCOUNT WHAT THE COMMUNITY ASSETS ARE
AND HOW THOSE CAN BE A PART
OF YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE HERE ON CAMPUS.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT HAVE YOU GUYS HEARD
FROM STUDENTS COMING BACK TO THE CENTER AND SAYING
THAT THE SL PROGRAM DID FURTHER THEIR CAREER
OR FURTHER EXPERIENCE HERE AT CAL STATE LONG BEACH?
>> DR. BENITEZ: WELL, WE'D LIKE TO THINK OF THOSE EXPERIENCES
AS LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES.
MANY OF THE STUDENTS COME BACK AND TELL US, HEY,
I WANT TO TAKE AN ADDITIONAL SERVICE LEARNING COURSE;
ARE THERE OTHER WAYS FOR ME TO BE INVOLVED?
AS WELL WITH OUR FACULTY, YOU KNOW, IT DOES TAKE A LOT
OF WORK INITIALLY TO GET A SERVING LEARNING FULL FLEDGED
PROGRAM GOING THROUGH A SERVICE LEARNING COURSE
SO WE HEAR THE SAME THING
FROM FACULTY EVEN THOUGH THE EXPECTATIONS MAY BE HIGH
ON THE FRONT END, ONCE THOSE EXPERIENCES ARE FULFILLED IT'S A
LIFE LONG PROCESS AROUND BEING A CHANGE AGENTS
AND BEING INVOLVED.
AND WANTING TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY BUILDING INITIATIVES.
>> BIANCA: AND PROFESSORS, HOW DO THEY --
WHAT IS THE FEEDBACK THEY PROVIDE FOR YOUR CENTER AS WELL?
>> DR. BENITEZ: SO IT'S MIXED.
I HAVE TO BE HONEST BECAUSE IT DOES REQUIRE A LOT OF WORK.
YOU HAVE TO IDENTIFY COMMUNITY PARTNERS;
YOU HAVE TO DEVELOP TOOLS, ASSIGNMENTS,
ASSESSMENTS IN THE COURSE.
AND BECAUSE THE CREDIT AGAIN IS NOT JUST ON THE SERVICE
SO YOU'RE NOT GETTING CREDIT POINTS
FOR HOW MANY HOURS YOU'RE DOING BUT WHAT LEARNINGS ARE PART
OF THAT SERVICE AND HOW THOSE CONNECT BACK TO THE CLASS.
IT'S REALLY THE SAME AS ASSIGNING A PROJECT,
AS ASSIGNING ADDITIONAL BOOKS TO READ.
SO WE LIKE TO FOCUS THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING IN ADDITION
TO SOMETHING IN THE COURSE
BUT IT'S AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COURSE.
>> BIANCA: AND WHICH TYPE
OF CLASSES ARE MOSTLY INVOLVED WITH THE SL PROGRAM?
>> DR. BENITEZ: IT'S A WIDE RANGE.
EVERYTHING FROM BIOLOGY, WE HAVE A CONSERVATION BIOLOGIST,
DR. KRISTIN WHITGRAF [ASSUMED SPELLING] WHO'S BEEN WORKING
WITH US FOR YEARS TO GERONTOLOGY, DR. MARIA CLAVER,
AND FAMILY CONSUMER SCIENCES IS WORKING WITH DOZENS
OF COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO POLITICAL SCIENCE.
WE HAVE PROFESSORS THAT ARE DOING SEVERAL DIFFERENT KINDS
OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS.
ENGINEERING AS WELL.
SO IT IS A WIDE RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES THAT WE HAVE
FOR STUDENTS TO BE INVOLVED THROUGH A SERVICE LEARNING.
>> BIANCA: AND WHAT KIND OF WORK IS REQUIRED OF CCE EMPLOYEES
IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL?
>> DR. BENITEZ: YEAH.
THAT'S A CHALLENGE BECAUSE IT DOES INVOLVE A LOT
OF RELATIONSHIPS BUILDING.
EVEN BEFORE THE SEMESTER STARTS --
>> BIANCA: WITH THE FACULTY AND THE STUDENTS?
>> DR. BENITEZ: WITH THE FACULTY, STUDENTS
AND THEN IMPORTANTLY THE COMMUNITY PARTNER.
SO WE SEE THOSE THREE KIND OF STAKEHOLDERS GROUPS
AS IN FORMING IN HOW THIS PLAYS OUT.
YOU KNOW ULTIMATELY IT IS A UNIVERSITY COURSE
WITH ALL THE RIGORS ATTACHED TO A UNIVERSITY COURSE.
BUT WE LIKE TO THINK OF IT AS THE COURSE,
THE COMMUNITY WORK IS PART OF THE COURSE CONTENT IF YOU WILL
AND SO IT DOES REQUIRE A LOT OF COORDINATION
ON THE COMMUNITY PARTNER SIDE.
WE WORK ON A SEMESTER BASIS, ACADEMIC YEAR CALENDAR.
THE REST OF THE WORLD DOESN'T OPERATE ACCORDING
TO WINTER BREAKS OR SEMESTERS OR HOLIDAYS THE WAY THAT WE DO HERE
ON CAMPUS SO IT DOES REQUIRE A LOT OF FACILITATION
AND COORDINATION BUT MOST IMPORTANT, A COMMITMENT
TO THESE MUTUAL EFFORTS.
>> BIANCA: AND WITH THE SL PROGRAM,
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE IDEAL MISSION?
>> DR. BENITEZ: I THINK THE SL PROGRAM BY ITSELF IS PART
OF A BROADER INITIATIVE OR MISSION.
I THINK THE FOCUS AROUND A BROADER COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
EFFORT FOR THE UNIVERSITY TO HAVE STRONGER TIES TO COMMUNITY
AND TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY ISSUES.
SL PRO IS ONE OF THE TOOLS, ONE OF THE WAYS
IN WHICH WE ACHIEVE THAT.
IT'S NOT THE ONLY.
STUDENTS -- WE STILL ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO VOLUNTEER,
TO GET INTERNSHIPS, TO DO OTHER KINDS OF COMMUNITY WORK.
SL PRO OFFERS A CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF HOW WE CAN DO
THAT INSTITUTIONALLY AND SYSTEMATICALLY
THROUGH THE UNIVERSITY.
>> BIANCA: AND, DR. BENITEZ, I WOULD TO THANK YOU
FOR COMING HERE TODAY AND SHARING THE AMAZING THINGS
THAT YOUR CENTER IS DOING.
>> DR. BENITEZ: THANK YOU FOR INVITING ME
AND I ENCOURAGE STUDENTS AND FACULTY AND STAFF THAT WANT
TO BE MORE INVOLVED AROUND COMMUNITY IDENTIFIED NEEDS
TO COME FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO
AND EXPLORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED.
THANK YOU.
>> BIANCA: THANK YOU.
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