College students as catalysts for social change: a case study
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Limitations of StudyI only researched one group rather than conducting a cross-case analysis with college founders of other student movements with a national impact. The focus on just one group is both a strength and a limitation. This approach allowed for a level of in-depth detail but only of the founders of SLP, and due to this the generalizability of my findings are limited. Having been involved with this group since 2004 in a variety of ways, I bring this knowledge base and access to the participants to this study. Strauss and Corbin (1990) call this “theoretical sensitivity”—the awareness on the part of the researcher of meanings of the data and of the study. Having this insight into the group gave me the ability to give meaning to the data and a capacity to understand it. My own personal experiences were another form of data to consider in my analysis, along with the literature review and the analytical processing of the data collected. Kirby and McKenna (1989) call this “conceptual baggage” and urge researchers not to ignore it. They explain: “conceptual baggage is a record of thoughts and ideas about the research question at the beginning and throughout the process, making thoughts and experiences explicit, and is another layer of data to investigate” (p. 32). It was also a limitation in that I had to remind myself not to make assumptions about what had occurred. In addition I do very much admire the work of the four individuals and it was a challenge for me initially to look critically at the work they are doing. During the research I found myself pulling back from the founders and not offering input or suggestions as I had in the past in their endeavors. This may be one of the cautions about doing research “in your own backyard” (Glesne & Peshkin, 1992). Although I do not work with this group in a formal capacity knowing them as well as I did and caring about them as individuals proved to be one of my bigger challenges in the research. SummaryThis chapter discussed the design of the study including the research questions that were addressed. It also discussed the methods used in data collection and management and the validity of my research. The chapter finished with a discussion of the methods used in data analysis and the development of the themes from the research. The limitations of my study were also presented. The next chapter will present the findings of my research. CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS This findings chapter is divided into an introduction and two sections corresponding to the two domains of individual qualities of the founders and organizational components of SLP. The individual qualities of the founders have directly determined the organizational components, reflecting their hard work and determination to create an organization that is becoming a national student movement. In many cases it was hard to separate the values of the individuals from the way their beliefs have influenced the tenets of the group, so overlap is present. The first section addresses the larger domain of the individual qualities of the founders of SLP. This is subdivided into three themes. First, SLP founders exhibited individual traits and values that included a high degree of selflessness. The founders were shaped by individual experiences including strong familial influences. The founders are also, finally, committed to a common vision, clear purpose and goals. These address the original research questions that were asked in the beginning of the study. What motivated the founders to create SLP? What are the leadership characteristics and experiences they contribute to sustaining and expanding the group? What barriers did they encounter in starting the group? What impact did the founder’s educational program have on the development of the group? The second overarching domain is the organizational components of SLP. This is also sub-divided into three themes. First reviewing programmatic elements created by and unique to SLP will be discussed. The internal and external foundational elements that influence the operation of SLP will then be presented. The numerous outcomes demonstrate the complexity of judging the 'effectiveness' of SLP and these will be offered. This study also began with the desire to answer research questions regarding influences on leadership and civic engagement and how the program model of SLP impacts these areas. In addition what social factors help them to persist? These questions will be addressed in this final section as well. IntroductionMotivation: The Vision and DreamThe first objective of my research was to determine what motivated these students to create SLP. Looking at the vision and dream for the group is important prior to moving to the individual experiences and influences that brought them to that mythical dorm room meeting over ramen noodles. The notes from the very first meeting of the founders indicate they visualized what the end of the trip would look like. The following vision statements are taken from those first notes on September 18, 2003:
Nickers joined the group after the first two meetings. In an interview Nickers says “a lot of it is dreaming, ‘dreaming big,’ we were quoted in the Star Tribune freshman year.” Greenleaf (1991), known for his work with servant leadership, talks about the importance of the dream: Not much happens without a dream. And for something great to happen, there must be a great dream. Behind every great achievement is a dreamer of great dreams. Much more than a dreamer is required to bring it to reality; but the dream must be there first. (p. 9) By the following night the group had received a commitment for an advisor, and they had outlined the itinerary for their trip. Two nights later they met again and developed the following mission and vision statement, included here in its entirety and as written.
Our ultimate goal is to simply make an impact—to leave an everlasting mark, proving that we can change the world… one person at a time. Vision Four college kids up at 3am, talking and eating Top Ramen and Easy Mac—a typical night in the dorms, one might say. However, what sets this group apart is a life-changing, far-fetched idea that is so crazy, that it just might work. It started as a vision: a vision to change people’s lives, to change the college stereotype of Cancun spring breaks, to change the world. Some may call it insane, others see it as naïve. We see it as faith—faith in God, in mankind, and ultimately, faith in the idea that no dream is too big, that nothing is impossible, and that one person can make a difference. As materialistic views continuously increase, our world continuously becomes more impersonal and more vicious. It seems as though every person and occupation possesses some type of negative connotation. However, we still believe in goodness and we believe in exposing others to this goodness. We strive toward breaking not only the stereotype for college students, but for all people across the nation—from the lying politician, to the money-grubbing businessman, to the insensitive teen. We aim to serve these poorly represented people, especially those who proudly represent us: the politicians. Often the point of ridicule and the people to blame, we take our politicians for granted. It is our vision to positively acknowledge these people and to serve them with the appreciation and gratitude they deserve. As college freshmen, 17 to 19 years of age, we have a dream of changing the world, a dream of making a difference—one person at a time. We are not building an empire; we are simply emphasizing the importance of the everyday tasks, proving that the little things matter too, whether it be building a house or making a kid smile. The love is there and we hope that people will soon follow, and that our love will endlessly spread. It’s a risk, yes we know; but the greater the risk, the sweeter the fruit. We are willing to give our all: our hearts, our dreams, our devotion to help leave a positive influence on the people around us. We desire to lead, to serve, to be an example; we will help the overlooked and support the abandoned. We strive for servant leadership—an idea that we not only lead by example, but by first showing the path, and then stepping back to help others on their paths. We are not looking to be first in line; we merely want to start and finish this project in the eyes of God. We want to illustrate active roles of leadership by boldly stepping down and showing others their talents and bringing out the best in them. We will use our gifts to their fullest potentials, while forever aspiring to be the vessel of God’s will, with His guidance every step of the way. Yes, we are college kids. Yes, this is crazy. Yes, we are 17 to 19 year olds. And Yes, we can make a difference…we can change the world. For we are the Student Leaders Program (SLP Minutes, September 21, 2003).
The first year we met with a couple of them [politicians], but then we went away from that, because it wasn’t the best use of our time. We wanted to interact with politicians, but if they are doing something, instead of sitting around talking about something, like let’s interact while doing something. That’s why they are more than welcome to come on the service project, when they are actually taking some action. This statement follows a common theme of being very action oriented in their approach with a commitment to service. The idea for the community service trip came out of a similar program that Roy had heard about when working in Australia, and he shared the idea the first week of his freshman year and asked the others to join him. The basic motivations at that point were “to change people’s lives, to change the college stereotype of Cancun spring breaks, to change the world.” This clear vision, a tenet of good leadership according to Bennis & Nanus (1995), has continued to direct the group. They have not deviated from their early purpose, although they have expanded the ways in which they carry out their programs by adding leadership camps, high school and middle school trips and creating leadership opportunities whenever they can. To understand the motivation of the founders in the creating the Student Leadership Program, it is useful to look at their background experiences and influences and what they each brought to the development of SLP. Directory: assets -> files files -> Класс unit 1 Чтение files -> Darcy was born February 16, 1953 in Vancouver and played 11 years in the nhl drafted 13 files -> Judicial Action in the Aftermath of Aviation Accidents: a global Perspective files -> Version: 19 November 2015 files -> Rules of Procedure of the ospar commission files -> Citizenship: United States business address files -> December 29, 2005 memorandum for: directors, field operations files -> Pprd east Programme Final Conference and 3rd Steering Committee Meeting Brussels, 13 June 2014 Download 0.54 Mb. Share with your friends:
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