Local Experts Speak on Food, Housing, and Refugee Issues

Over the past two weeks, 9th grade students at University School of Milwaukee wrapped up their community engagement experience by hearing from two panels.

First, on Friday, May 8, various local experts spoke on a variety of topics impacting residents in southeast Wisconsin. Students were able to listen to the guests speak about three topics: food and housing insecurities, and refugee issues. Each discussion was moderated by a USM student. Individuals from the following organizations spoke to students about their work, how it impacts the greater community, and answered questions: Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center; Ozaukee Food Alliance; Interchange Food Pantry; Southeast Asian Literacy; Family Promise Ozaukee County; Bob’s Under the Bridge; Guest House of Milwaukee; Kinship Community Food Center; and Hanan Refugee Group.

On Thursday, May 12, a small group of Upper School students spoke to 9th graders about the volunteer work they have been involved in, why they got involved, and what it’s meant to them. All 9th grade students participate in community engagement, which occurs during the second semester. This event was designed to introduce them to topics in our community and places where they might want to volunteer to satisfy their service hour requirement for graduation. 

“We have found that volunteer service is more meaningful if students know why the work is important and how it impacts the greater community,” said Renee Weber, Upper School French teacher and community engagement program co-director. “It’s also more meaningful if they can understand the perspective of the people they're helping or the organization’s mission—it creates a more meaningful community service experience. By bringing representatives from these groups in and having these open-ended discussions, we can hopefully help them find an outlet that will be beneficial for both them and the organization.” Angela Reifenberg, Upper School math teacher, also serves as co-director for the community engagement program.

These guests’ visits, and the community engagement program, support USM's Common Trust and work to foster a culture of belonging, where a recognition of and respect for diverse backgrounds and cultures help students learn to think broadly, critically, and independently.