Community college club member public participation and community capacity:
Wanhua Community College's Ajin Cultural and Creative Club
Advisor: Dr. Tsai, Hsiu-Mei
Student:Chen ,Chiao Lun
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the empowerment process of community college club members' public participation and the establishment of community capacity to understand how clubs are formed and what motivates members to join. The reasons club members' participate in public affairs and the empowerment process of public participation are discussed and analyzed. Lastly, the changes that take place in club members after public participation and the implications of their community capacity are examined.
This case study focused on the members of Wanhua Community College's Ajin Cultural and Creative Club. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and the following conclusions were drawn after literature review and interview analysis.
1.An important factor for club member participation was identification with club principles to serve the local community.
2.The club's public participation was influenced by their use of knowledge of traditional culture to care for the local community and being able to reflect community issues through interdisciplinary works.
3.Club empowerment took on many forms, including informing club members of local issues via study groups, cultivating interest in public affairs via local cultural investigations, and discovering and participating in community issues via experiential learning.
4.The club's public participation was in the form of themed exhibitions where the club's creative works displayed community issues and interacted with the public.
5.The community capacity established through public participation included solidifying club members' sense of belonging, citizen participation, and problem-solving skills; however, they lacked the skills to use community resources.
6.Club members built their community identity from life experiences and began public participation from interpersonal relationships to establish a mutual aid network.