[Cbrnet] Introduction

[Sam Marullo]

Hi Folks,
Sam Marullo here at Georgetown University.  I am a sociologist and have
been directing the Community Research and Learning (CoRAL) Network here
in D.C.  This is our metro-wide initiative to promote community based
research and service-learning among the D.C. universities.  The CoRAL
Network has been focusing on community-based research, developing
faculty and community-based organizations' capacity to undertake
collaborative, participatory, community-driven research, most of which
involves undergraduate students (for the most part).  To support this
work, we have: 1) developed a web-site for soliciting project ideas from
community organizations and faculty's/staff's/students' interests in
undertaking such projects; 2) supported faculty development work on DC
campuses to strengthen each university's ability to undertake this work;
3) supported particular projects through funding, staff support,
facilitation, and match-making; and 4) undertaken lots of outreach to
community organizations and cbo support and umbrella organizations (such
as the Washington Council of Agencies, Greater DC Cares).
   The CoRAL Network is housed in the Georgetown University Center for
Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service.  We are currently seeking
funding to establish the CoRAL Network as a separate 501-c-3 nonprofit
in DC.  We are uncertain how long this process will take, to move CoRAL
from under GU's auspices to separate incorporation, but have received
some local foundation funding to start this process.  This is one of the
issues that we are currently grappling with, as there are clear
financial incentives for remaining under a university's home base, yet
our institution is quite strapped in terms of funding and space that it
can offer the network.
   My own research has focused on community mobilizing around violence
prevention and community development (and opposition to
displacement/gentrification).  I have been doing CBR projects with
students in the community for the last several years.  Unfortunately, I
have not taken the time to write up this work for an academic audience.
More of my recent writing has been on the scholarship of students'
learning, through community based learning pedagogy.  Along with Kerry
Strand, Nick Cutforth, Randy Stoecker, and Pat Donohue, we have a book
coming out in May, titled Community-Based Research and Higher Education,
published by Jossey-Bass.
   I am happy to support our development of a national CBR network and
am honored to be working with you all.  I am looking forward to meeting
and seeing you in February.
Peace,
Sam
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