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Community Service Alternative Assessment Portfolio
Reflection Essay Prompt
Students are required to submit a reflection essay. With this reflection essay, students should be able to demonstrate an
understanding of community service, problem-solving and critical thinking.
Drawing upon your community service
experience, write a minimum eight to ten pages, doubled-spaced essay reflecting on community service as one of the
four core values of the University of La Verne.
The essay is an academic paper; therefore, include a bibliography with
at least six reading resources, particularly the What is Asset Based Community Development article, located on the
Reading and Resources section. Articulate how an Asset Based Community Development approach, self-reflection, and
reciprocity are central components of community service.
This assignment combines several elements, focusing on detailed examples of your experiences connected to
thoughtful reflection.
This is not an essay that defines terms or proves that you have done your community service
hours. The goal, rather, is to use your specific experiences for a deep reflection on both the organization with
which you engaged and the population it serves.
Then, consider even more broadly the general concept of service
to the community and the reciprocal relationship that developed while serving the organization.
In approaching the essay, thoughtfully integrate the following:
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Your understanding of what it means to be engaged in your community
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Limitations and benefits of community service
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How and why community service should or should not be a greater part of our societal values
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An understanding of the Community Service organization’s role in meeting the needs of the
community and how it meets those needs
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The challenges faced by Community Service organizations
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A full understanding of the needs of the population student has served
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How the service experience has impacted/affected/changed your views of serving others, since you
completed the service
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An understanding of Asset Based Community Development model as related to a deficit-based model and
asset-based approach
NOTE: Correct application of grammar/Standard American English and spelling is required for meeting approved status.
Self-Evaluation of Your Essay Before Submission
Approved Denied
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Reflections apply to society, not just self
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Reflection essay is focused and clearly
written
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Examples are specific and detailed
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Paragraphs are focused
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Thorough consideration of concept of
service set forth by University
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Detailed discussion of service’s impact
upon self
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Explicit understanding of community
organization and its served population
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Understanding of Asset Based
Community Development model
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Demonstrates working knowledge of
academic community service literature
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Bibliography with at least six readings
resources from the reading resources
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Reflections are narrow and apply only to self
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Reflection essay is unclear or strays from main
ideas
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Many examples are vague and non-specific
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Paragraphs lack focus/clear relation to main idea
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Idea of service considered in inexplicit ways
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Vague/missing discussion of impact upon self
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Understanding of community organization and
served population is vague
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Grasp of Asset Based Community Development
approach unclear or not addressed
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Academic understanding of community service
literature vague or not addressed
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Incomplete Bibliography