Example of essay on civic engagement

Part 1: US Group Culture Self Identity Exercise

Part 2: THEM – The Other’s Group Culture
a. There are several groups living within a ten mile radius from my home; approximately one mile away, there is a community of Chinese families who live and work in my neighborhood. They mostly run hair salons, dry cleaners and Chinese restaurants, all within walking distance of my house. I also live in a fairly affluent mixed community, with Caucasians and Hispanics living in close proximity to one another. Two miles west of me, there is a Senior Citizens’ Home, in which a large group of 60-85 men and women of various races reside. Most are Hispanic, but there are the occasional Caucasian and African-American members. Five miles away, there is an African-American low-income housing community.
b. Proposed Civic Engagement Project:
Purpose of activity: To engage a Chinese immigrant in a discussion about what it is like to be Chinese in America.

Learning Objectives:

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Interview Questions:

* When did you move to America and why?
* Have you encountered any difficulty communicating with people of other races while in America?
* Why did you choose this particular area to move to?
* What resources did you have when you came to America? Did you have family here?
* What has been the most difficult part of interacting with natural-born American citizens?
* What made you go into the dry-cleaning business? Was it a matter of cultural expectation, or was there prior experience?
* What sorts of activities do you find difficult to accomplish because of language or cultural barriers in America?

Possible Candidate for Interview:

Where Interview Would Take Place:
Interview would take place at dry cleaners, at a time of his choosing – possibly just after establishment closes so as to not interfere with business, or during a particularly slow time.

Location in Relation to Home:

Dry cleaners owned by Mr. Li is one half-mile from my home.