REGISTRATION REQUIRED EVENTS

Two additional events that also require registration are described below. Be sure to register early if you are interested in the Engaged Public Scholar workshop or the Volunteer events, as space is limited for both.

1. Becoming an Engaged Scholar: A Workshop on Public Engagement (Friday (6/22)  8:30-9:40am)
This workshop is designed to help social scientists consider ways in which they can translate and disseminate their academic work to non-academic settings. Participants will be encouraged to identify social issues in which they might get involved, the kinds of impacts they wish to have, audiences with whom they wish to engage, and strategies through which their work may be used to inform public debates and relevant policy. Participants will explore these and related topics through a combination of presentations, interactive activities, and group discussion. The workshop is especially likely to be useful to those who have limited or no prior experience with public engagement. Up to 24 participants may register for this workshop. 

2. Volunteer Opportunities:

(a)HISTORY OF CHARLOTTE/REFUGEE NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITY SERVICE. A service project with the University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC) Crossroads Charlotte and the Museum of the New South. 

SPSSI volunteers will arrive at the Museum of the New South (a short walk from the Omni) where thy will receive an orientation to the changing demographics of Charlotte and the dynamic immigrant/refugee communities that have emerged in the city.  Charlotte historian Dr. Tom Hanchett will give the overview.  Volunteers will then board a van for a short tour of immigrant neighborhoods in Charlotte, ending in the Farmpond neighborhood. Volunteers will then work with Farmpond residents on a community service project.  Participants will be working with community residents and AmeriCorps VISTAS on community organizing activities like creating signs, distributing flyers, and surveying residents. Participants will want to dress comfortably for the warm to hot Charlotte summer and wear walking shoes.Volunteers will be returned to the Omni at the end of the project. Individuals who are unable to participate in a service project are encouraged to contribute funds to support transportation and supply expenses.

WHEN? Thursday Afternoon, June 21 (Approximately 3.5 hours)

                REGISTRATION CAP:  The event is limited to 30 volunteers.

(b) SERVICE PROJECT: URBAN MINISTRY CENTER, Sunday, June 24^th     Time:  9:30:12:00 a.m.

The Urban Ministry Center, located at  945 N. College Street ,  a walk of  approximately 17  minutes from the Omni Hotel   ( www.urbanministrycenter.org),   is an interfaith organization that serves poor and homeless people -- our neighbors -- with love, compassion and tangible help by providing  several services and programs. This SPSSI volunteer service project, coordinated with Johnson C. Smith University and the Urban Ministry Center, will begin with a program overview from the Urban Ministry Center Development Director, Lauren Cranford, and will be followed by a tour and service activity.  Please wear comfortable clothes. Volunteers should meet at 9:30 a.m.  At the front desk of the Omni Hotel.  We will provide transportation for those who prefer not to walk.

If you cannot volunteer for more than an hour you can return to the hotel on your own or with transportation.  It is a direct walk from the hotel to the Urban Ministry Center.   Please join us and learn about the unique features of this organization and how you might help.

Urban Ministry Services

Basic Services including a Soup Kitchen, showers, laundry, mail, counseling with referrals, and more to help people survive and eventually take steps to find employment or permanent housing. Nurse and dental van for homeless neighbors only. Permanent Supportive Housing through the Housing Works program at Moore Place and scattered sites around Charlotte, benefits the chronically homeless. Temporary Shelter from March through December is provided with the assistance of 130+ congregations and organizations coordinated by Room In The Inn. Enrichment Programs in   the Community Works department helps build relationships through art, soccer, gardening, singing, and advocacy. Substance Abuse Treatment provided through the  SABER Program helps men with substance abuse treatment, housing and supportive services. Community Education connects congregations and groups to build a better understanding of  the issues surrounding homelessness and poverty. All of these programs rely on community support (time and resources) to succeed.

REGISTRATION CAP:  15- 20 VOLUNTEERS

PRE-CONFERENCE EARLY-CAREER WORKSHOP

This one-day workshop will focus on mentorship and professional development and feature "mini-panels" on each of the 2012 SPSSI conference three "E" themes: equity, education, and the environment.  Time for discussion with panelists and other mentors will be built into each session.  Lunch with SPSSI Council and a post-workshop happy hour will provide opportunities for further informal mentoring.

WHEN? Thursday, June 21st (Approximately 4 hours)