Bull City and Beyond: Documenting DukeEngage-Durham
DukeEngage-Durham is a comparative introduction to community-based, economic development efforts in Durham, NC and its sister city of Durham, England. Participants will serve both communities through structured, immersive and full-time volunteer placements with local non-profits in both communities. Participants, working in small, cooperative teams, will be matched in advance of the program with one agency in NC and one in the UK.
Participants will explore the unique historical background of both communities, which continue to be transitioning from a declining 20th century industrial base, tobacco and textiles in North Carolina and coal mining in England, to a 21st century knowledge-based economy. DukeEngage-Durham staff have thoroughly evaluated the volunteer work each student will perform here in the U.S. and in collaboration with our partners at Durham University, the 3rd oldest institution of higher education in England. This program values community building and provides many avenues for program participants to grow. In addition to volunteering alongside the staff of a partner agency, participants will join in a variety of orientations, trainings, readings, special presentations, historical and neighborhood tours, and weekly reflection sessions to deepen their knowledge of both Durham communities and the ways local citizens engage their city.