A college course on my book

This photo is of a class at Westminster College in Pennsylvania that I had just finished doing a lecture a few months ago.

Now, in the new semester, there is a class being taught with my latest book, You Are Changing the World Whether You Like It Or Not, as the primary text.

I’ve got to say that again, because it’s hard for me to take it in.

There is a college course being taught with my book as its primary text.

Wow.

The earlier edition of the book was used as a text in classes at about a dozen colleges that I know of (mostly in the US, and the Australian National University in Australia). But this class is guided by the book. I’m really moved by that.

Helen Boylan is a professor, and Angie Urban is a Community Development professional, and they are co-teaching the class, which is made up of about half students and half community members, with a practical community project of their own design as a part of the course.

My friend who works in community development shared David’s book with me while I was working on a sabbatical project geared toward understanding how a sustained presence of students might benefit the community. As I began reading the book, I started to write down quotes that would be relevant for students in a first-year college course that I teach. After pages of notes, it was clear that David’s book not only spoke directly to me, but I found the book’s message one that students needed to hear.

Months later this same friend and I began to brainstorm what an ideal educational program might look like for people who are interested in effecting positive change in their communities. I am happy to report that this program, “Changing the World, One Community at a Time” is launching this semester (Spring 2024) and using David’s book as the main resource for the course. I encourage anyone who is interested in making their community a better place or leading others in doing so, to get a copy of David’s book and start making a difference!

Helen Boylan

Professor of Chemistry/Environmental Science

Faculty Fellow for Community Engagement

Westminster College (PA)

Just had to share that cool news. And by the way, if you are connected to a college or university and would like for me to visit your campus, please feel free to get in touch. We can work with you to design what that might look like.

 

And just for fun, here is a greeting video I made for the folks taking the course to watch on their first night in the class: