From Silos to Synergy was the first event in the UNC Engaged Scholarship Series (ESS). The event was open to community members and campus members who already are or would like to be involved in community-engaged work. Attendees enjoyed food and fellowship, while helping shape the future of the series and increase the impact of community-engaged work. Of the 42 attendees, 1/3 were community members 2/3 were UNC faculty, staff, and students from at least 8 different counties across North Carolina.
Speakers Patricia Parker, Angella Dunston, La-Mine Perkins, and Giselle Corbie shared their excitement and expertise with attendees.
Max Owre presented the Principles of Publicly Engaged Activities listed above.Al Richmond, Angella Dunston, and others at a table brainstormed publicly engaged activities.
Carolina Public Humanities’ Max Owre and Joanna Flynn shared a presentation on an essential part of engagement “Exploring Spaces for Community Dialogue.” One of their slides included the Principles of Publicly Engaged Activities:
Scholarly program with rather than for the public
Responsive, collaborative programming
Emphasis on cultivating lasting, ethical relationships with partners
Driven by social, moral, and democratic imperitives
Understanding that public scholarship is a two-way street
Then, they led a brainstorming activity for identifying a variety of publicly engaged activities. Attendees randomly drew potential locations, communities, and qualities then had to brainstorm as a group what various events might look like in:
That place,
Serving that community, and
With a mission of promoting that quality.
What does the future of community-campus partnerships look like?
Attendees at From Silos to Synergy were asked to visualize and draw what the future of community-campus partnerships looks and feels like. Together, they created a mural which included responses like:
First name basis (no titles necessary)
Intergenerational conversations, shared meals, and discussing value of civic and democratic engagement
People over deadlines – relationships take priority
Weave engagement throughout UNC
Lived experience = expertise
Broader impacts
What are the steps needed to move from silos to synergy?
Attendees shared what they see as next steps and opportunities for further discussion during the Engaged Scholarship Series.Al Richmond with Community-Campus Partnerships for Health thanked everyone at the closing of the event.
Reducing bureaucracy especially around pay/reimbursement
Community building for artists at a museum
More networking opportunities to guide programs/research that’s community inspired and led
All results shared in community-friendly, jargon-free formats
Use of partnership agreements – what each side brings + gets
