University-community partnerships recognized

UW–Madison is honoring eight partnerships between the university and local communities for their innovative approaches to community service during the past year.

The partnerships are being recognized at the seventh annual University and Community Partnerships Reception on July 16. UW–Madison Chancellor John Wiley is recognizing the individuals behind the civic improvement projects in which university employees and students partner with local community leaders.

The projects being recognized focus on innovative and sustainable projects in business, education and law, which are just a few of hundreds of similar partnerships that exist on the UW–Madison campus. Close to 100 guests are expected for the event.

“The eight projects being recognized represent the very best examples of university-community partnerships. They demonstrate the impact of the Wisconsin Idea at the local level, and show that the mission of our university can uplift individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities in sustainable ways,” says LaMarr Billups, director of community relations and special assistant to the chancellor. “The connection between campus and community made through these projects reflects a rich tapestry of service and cooperation between Madison’s citizens, and the faculty, staff and students of UW–Madison.”

The university-community partnerships being recognized include:

* Campus Community Partnerships in South Madison: This resident-driven program demonstrates that connections between the university and the South Metropolitan Planning Council can improve neighborhood communications and help residents address current and future critical issues. The partnership works on a variety of community challenges, from family and leadership development programs to housing, transportation and urban design.

* Center for Patient Partnerships: Future doctors, lawyers, nurses, social workers and pharmacists learn to become better advocates for their patients through this joint project of the UW Law and Medical schools and the School of Nursing.

* Coming Together – The Two Towns of Jasper: The documentary film “Two Towns of Jasper” explores a town’s reaction to a violent murder of a black man that occurred in Jasper, Texas. The film was brought to Madison to challenge residents and ask if a crime of racial intolerance could happen here. Community members of varying ethnic backgrounds shared their opinions on the film and on Madison’s racial environment.

* Dane County Deferred Prosecution Victim Offender Conferencing Project: This project works in conjunction with the Law School’s Restorative Justice Project and the Deferred Prosecution Unit of the Dane County District Attorney’s Office to provide victim offender conferencing. The goal of the partnership is to give crime victims the opportunity to meet with the people who offended against them.

* International Trade Partnership: The competitiveness of Wisconsin companies is strengthened by preparing future leaders for the global marketplace and by building alliances between the university and the business community.

* LEAP (Launching Entrepreneurial Advisory Panels): LEAP gives women entrepreneurs advice and assistance in accelerating the growth and success of their businesses. Each year, LEAP helps 24 women-owned businesses grow by providing an expert advisory panel for each business owner.

* Madison Metropolitan School District/UW-Madison Action Research Partnership: Since 1990, the School of Education has provided technical assistance and support to 800 teachers and staff developers in the Madison school district who engage in action research. The key goal of this collaboration is to empower teachers and show that they can produce knowledge that is valuable for others.

* Troy Gardens Project: In 1996, residents of Madison’s north side began a community-based planning and development effort for a 31-acre plot of open space. Community members created a plan for the site that includes affordable housing, community gardens, an urban farm, and restored prairie and conservation lands.

For more information about the program, contact LaMarr Billups, special assistant to the chancellor for community relations, (608) 263-5510. To reach representatives from the programs being honored, contact Lori Kay, consultant, Office of the Vice Chancellor-Administration, (608) 263-6693.