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Fall Bonner Congress 2023
October 27-29, 2023 at the YMCA Blue Ridge Center
2023 Fall Bonner Congress Printed Program
All Group Sessions
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Making Mountains Move: Approaches to Social Change
This opening session set the stage for a dynamic and informative conference focused on driving positive social change. We were inspired and rooted in a sense of place by President Floyd and our student speakers then dive into two frameworks focused on equipping individuals to be change agents in their communities. Participants gained valuable insights, engaged in thought-provoking discussions and were inspired by the stories of those who work towards moving the metaphorical mountains of social inequality, injustice, and systemic challenges.
Slides — 2023 Bonner Congress Opening.pdf
Book — If you are interested in purchasing and using the book Social Change Now, please use this link or find on other booksellers.
Handout — 10 Roles for Social Change.pdf
Handout — Roles for Social Change Discussion Questions.pdf
During this all group session students had the opportunity to work in campus teams and reflect on their experiences learning about and engaging on an issue, in connection with Bonner as well as their other college experiences. This session exposed students to examples of formal pathways that their institutions might offer, such as certificates, minors, concentrations, majors, and career pathways. Through engaging and interactive activities, student leaders identified ways to enhance their own issue-oriented experiences and advocate within their institutions for more visible pathways for students.
Slides — 2023 Bonner Congress Issue Pathways.pdf
Handout — Small Group Discussion Questions.pdf
This session promoted learning and exchange of ideas on how the Bonner Foundation can help students all across campus pursue careers with purpose and meaning, especially ones that make the world a better place. The session engaged students in a dialogue about career goals, academic study, service experience, career support, and group discussions based on career interests.
Slides — 2023 Bonner Congress Career Connections.pdf
Handout — Handout - Career Pathways.pdf
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Taking Action as a Leader
Through participation in a “Spectrum” exercise, participants reflected on strengths and challenges managing three key aspects of a Bonner Program (i.e. cohort-based events, service site placements, and Bonner morale). Participants then took stock of campus-wide service events and brainstorm potential roles that BLT members could play in building coalitions across campus to plan service-based events and sustain a culture of civic engagement.
Slides — Taking Action as a Student Leader.pdf
Handout — Campus-Wide Student Leadership .pdf
Elective Workshops
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Prioritizing Bonner: How to Support the Student Journey
This workshop focuses on how to support students as they go through their undergraduate programs not only in the Bonner Program but in their academic and personal lives as well. Students experience a lot of changes and stress during the transitions of college, and we will be discussing some structures and strategies to support them to grow into accountable leaders while still prioritizing their wellbeing. Michaela Quiggle, Bonner Intern and Aundalynn Aljoe, Bonner Congress Representative, from Slippery Rock University
Slides — Prioritizing Bonner How to Support the Student Journey.pdf
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Navigating Global Horizons: Leveraging Your Bonner Experience to Prepare for an International Career
Are you aspiring to build an exciting career on the global stage? Do you dream of working across borders, cultures, and continents? In an increasingly interconnected world, an international career offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us to discuss how you can leverage your Bonner experience in a global context and to explore a wide array of international opportunities. Abbey Fox, School for International Training (SIT)
Slides — SIT's Navigating Global Horizons.pdf
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This is What Democracy Looks Like: Power Building
Community organizing has always played a prominent role in the nonprofit world. But what about long-term, sustainable activism work? Power building is a newer sect of community organizing in which people can organize around a certain issue creating power within targeted communities. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) and its 501(c)(4) TIRRC Votes has created a movement across the state, and they build power within our immigrant and refugee communities through voter engagement and services such as legal aid, educational resources, etc. It is vital to recognize the diverse forms in which we can organize around election cycles beyond simply registering people to vote. If you're interested in either immigrant and refugee rights, voter engagement, or unconventional means of organizing, this would be the place for you. Presented by Cali VanCleve, Bonner Scholar at Rhodes College
Slides — This is What Democracy Looks Like Powerbuilding.pdf
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Current Communications Apps and Their Uses in Bonner
This workshop is well-suited for individuals who want to think critically about how their program supports meaningful communication and collaboration. Come ready to share challenges with sharing information and meeting students where they are at. You'll hear about how to use Discord and Notion to improve program infrastructure, community building practices, and information gathering and distribution. You'll leave knowing how to set up channels in Discord and how to adapt a Notion template so that you're ready to improve your program's capacity. Presented by Ariel Castillo, Bonner Scholar and Lead Team Member at Stetson University
Slides — Current Communication Apps and Their Uses in Bonner.pdf
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Writing a Strong Personal Statement for Your Graduate School Application
Thinking about applying to graduate school? Join Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment, Ivone Foisy from Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health to learn how to make your personal statement stand out to admissions committees. She will address your questions and offer examples of strong personal statements. Ivone Foisy, Executive Director, Admissions and Enrollment
Slides — Preparing a strong personal statement.pdf
