Assignment 4B- Our CP & Comparison To “An Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching” and “Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community”

 Larry Feirman State & Local Government

January 29, 2021 Blog Entry 4B

Our CP and Comparison(s) to: “An Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching” and

“Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community”

The Community Partner I chose, Project Read is one that is familiar to me from a previous involvement. I worked with a seventh grader for well over a year and we became regular learning partners.  He taught me as much as I taught him.  I purposely chose this organization because of its proximity to my home, that my school age children could do their homework at the same time as I worked with my student, Gabriel.  Having my family witness first hand how one gives back to the community in some way is vital to all.

Having read through the PowerPoint presentation on “Catholic Social Teaching” and the “Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur Community, the first thought that came to mind was this; these statements, words of wisdom and comparison are to me universal behaviors and thoughts and not automatically branded as “Catholic”.  I would imagine that other religions have similar missions and visions and that a combined document created by all Christian religions as the universal message might prove to be more inclusive for those outside of the Christian bubble.  A number of phrases also came to mind: “Charity begins at home, do unto others as you would have them to unto you, random acts of kindness, look outside yourself, etc.  I could go on and on.

What I found consistent and heartfelt was “community service”, respect, responsibility, commitment, honor, diversity, justice, education, etc.  These are all essential and valuable characteristics that each one of us should regularly support and be responsible for.  These behaviors should be woven into our society at all levels and be required to practice.  Incentives from government, from our community would assist in proliferating these essential behaviors.  These thoughts of goodness, charity, helping others begins at home with our families.  The next steps would be to take those learned lessons outside for the public good.

I chose my CP based on a prior involvement, a cause that I believed to be a basic building block for community inclusion.  The goal of Project Read was and still is to improve the high school graduation average in Redwood City from 67% of students who graduate to a goal of over 90% and to assist others where local, state and city government fell short in funding by encouraging charitable and participation.  The program is not just for students. It incorporates adults also, who may not have proficiency in English.

This not meant to be a charitable involvement, rather a partnership with local government, the state, and the individual.  Anyone we encounter, or have the opportunity to work with is treated with dignity, respect and a caring attitude, never condescending. The program is open to all.  I am so glad to have the opportunity to re-join and contribute again.

https://www.projectreadredwoodcity.org/about

https://www.projectreadredwoodcity.org/programs