Q: Why do some
Bonners feel unmotivated? How do we get more people involved
in the program on campus and keep them involved?
A: Motivation is an individual issue
and a programmatic challenge. Motivation is much less of
a challenge in programs that are well run, and possess genuine
directors as well as student leaders. When addressing the
issue of student involvement it is important to think of
what message we as a group send to the community. We are
all responsible for challenging students and directors to
be passionate, faithful, and dedicated.
Q: How do you handle
leaders who are unmotivated and not completing their hourly
commitment- and not receiving any money for their service?
A: It is the responsibility of directors,
coordinators, and students to challenge each other. If a
student is truly unmotivated they should take time to examine
their role and commitment to the program.
Q: How do we gain cooperation
from faculty?
A: Students have the most powerful
voice in terms of engaging faculty. It is important to look
at faculty members as individuals rather than a group. It
is also crucial that when speaking to faculty students are
creative and present their ideas in a personal way. The
Bonner Foundation will always encourage students to express
their ideas and interests to faculty.
Q: The Bonner Program
has a negative reputation at my school. How do we combat
that?
A: The Bonner Program is about passion,
dedication, and education. There is nothing negative about
the program itself. If your program has a negative reputation
it is important to examine it to see where misconceptions
lye. Then you can go back to the basics and educate others
about the true spirit of the Bonner Program. Some of the
most effective ways to combat a negative reputation are
by having students and staff collaborate and work with on
campus, through service projects, participation in other
events, and so on.
Q: Why do some Bonners
feel unmotivated? How do we get more people involved in
the program on campus and keep them involved?
A: Motivation is an individual issue
and a programmatic challenge. Motivation is much less of
a challenge in programs that are well run, and possess genuine
directors as well as student leaders. When addressing the
issue of student involvement it is important to think of
what message we as a group send to the community. We are
all responsible for challenging students and directors to
be passionate, faithful, and dedicated.
Q: How do you handle
leaders who are unmotivated and not completing their hourly
commitment- and not receiving any money for their service?
A: It is the responsibility of directors,
coordinators, and students to challenge each other. If a
student is truly unmotivated they should take time to examine
their role and commitment to the program.
Q: How do we gain cooperation
from faculty?
A: Students have the most powerful
voice in terms of engaging faculty. It is important to look
at faculty members as individuals rather than a group. It
is also crucial that when speaking to faculty students are
creative and present their ideas in a personal way. The
Bonner Foundation will always encourage students to express
their ideas and interests to faculty.
Q: The Bonner Program
has a negative reputation at my school. How do we combat
that?
A: The Bonner Program is about passion,
dedication, and education. There is nothing negative about
the program itself. If your program has a negative reputation
it is important to examine it to see where misconceptions
lye. Then you can go back to the basics and educate others
about the true spirit of the Bonner Program. Some of the
most effective ways to combat a negative reputation are
by having students and staff collaborate and work with on
campus, through service projects, participation in other
events, and so on.
Q: Why isn’t there
more of a connection between Bonner programs at different
schools? Why is the relationship so thin between classes?
A: This problem is one of the heartbreaks
of the Bonner Program. It is extremely costly to bring all
of the schools together. Along with that we are fighting
against a history of differences, each school having its
own individual culture. It is important for leadership in
this area to come from both students and directors. The
second year exchange, congress and senior intern meetings,
and COOL conference are places where that connection often
happens. On campus, Bonner meetings, retreats and more can
build connections between classes.
Q: How can we get other
Bonners in our program to stay motivated and see the bigger
picture of Bonner when they don’t have the same perspective
as Congress Representatives and senior interns?
A: The Bonner Foundation staff recognizes
that it is important to figure out ways to communicate the
vision of the Bonner Program. It is important that everyone
involved in the program recognizes that they have permission
to speak about the mission and the vision of the Bonner
Program. The program is constantly evolving, but in sharing
our experiences we can motivate and inspire others.
Q: What can we do to
make our Bonner program fun but organized?
A: When a program is not doing well,
the first reaction of most people is to make it organized.
While organization is critical, it is also important to
remember the joy of service. A large part of what makes
service pleasurable is knowing that you are in the right
place doing good work. It is important to do your job well,
and intentionally create opportunities for Bonners to have
fun during and separate from their work.
Q: Why isn’t there
more follow -up with Congress Representatives? Why isn’t
there more communications between congress reps during the
year?
A: Traditionally the Bonner foundation
staff has relied on both undergraduate and graduate interns
to take on that role. The Foundation is continually working
to improve the relationship among congress. Some of the
venues for communication among congress include the blog,
The National Bonner Facebook group, Yahoo groups, and the
weekly E-mail, through which representatives can send announcements
and news. To do this contact the Bonner Foundation Interns
Q: How do we deal with
the challenge of keeping directors/coordinators and then
enforcing therules?
A: Every organization is going to have
a turn over rate. Strong programming as well as student
leaders should help in this area. Students have to be engaged,
involved, and wiling to love, support, and challenge their
directors, coordinators, and each other.
Q: How to we keep alumni
motivated and involved in the program as they get older
so that they can help incoming students?
A: This is very hard to do, and requires
a lot of time and money. It is important that students challenge
the alumni offices, and create opportunities for graduates
to return. It is also important for alumni to branch out
beyond the program, find an area where they are needed,
and continue to do good work. At this time, the Bonner Program
has created several new resources for alumni, which can
be found at www.bonner.org
Q: How are some schools endowed and others
aren’t?
A: The decision to endow particular
schools was made early in the life of the Bonner Program
by Mr. and Mrs. Bonner. Those who are not presently endowed
are currently taking part in an endowment process. Schools
will be invited to become endowed by the Bonner Foundation
based on the strength and development of their Bonner programs.
Bonner Leader schools are not currently being considered
for endowment, due to the different nature of their funding
source.
Q: What set funds come
from the Bonner Foundation? How do we get funds for international
trips? What is the funding issue with AmeriCorps?
A: For Bonner Scholars funding from
the foundation is used for school year support, summer service,
community fund, first year service trips, sophomore exchange,
junior/senior leadership fund, local service support, and
special events for example Hurricane Katrina relief. Schools
have tapped into these funds for international trips. While
funding for Bonner Leaders is more modest, some programs
have received funding for service trips and activities similar
to those mentioned above.
Q: The Bonner Web Based
Reporting System and the service hours log concept is confusing
and more trouble than it is worth. Why do we have it?
A: A system like BWBRS is necessary
to handle the administrative reporting for a program with
3,000+ students. Not everyone finds the new system confusing,
and regular use should help to eliminate any confusion one
might experience. Many students and administrators find
the new system an efficient way to report and monitor hours
for both the Bonner Program and Ameri-Corps. The Bonner
Foundation will continue to work to improve BWBRS, and future
upgrades will address this issue.
Q: I do service for the
love of it. I understand why I have to keep track of my
hours, but the current system is unwieldy and time consuming.
How are you addressing this issue?
A: Given the expectations of the Bonner
Program and large number of students involved in the program
there must be an hour requirement as well as a way to track
hours completed. For an administrator, manually keeping
track of hours completed for all students is very time consuming
and can lead to errors. The Bonner Foundation believes that
BWBRS affords the greatest accuracy and efficiency in managing
this process.
Q: Since BWBRS our method
for reporting has grown problematic. I think students have
less personal contact with administrators, thereby foregoing
responsibilities (hours, supervisor forms, etc.). Do you
feel this is a problem?
A: It is important to remember that
Bonner hours cannot be submitted online. BWBRS generates
hard copies of community learning agreements, hour logs,
etc. All of these forms are required to be signed and handed
in to the campus administrator. In addition the Bonner Program
requires that all coordinators meet with every student individually
each semester. Each program should also be holding all Bonner
meetings and individual class meetings. If these meeting
are not taking place speak to your program director.
Q: Can the $1,500 earnings
from summer come directly to the student? It hurts our financial
aid package now when it goes directly to our account.
A: Allocation of stipends (such as
summer earnings) is handled by each school individually.
All Bonner Scholars, beginning with the class of 2008, are
required to have their full documented need met. All school
aid, loans, and scholarships (including the Bonner Program)
are handled by each individual school. If you have further
questions please contact your Bonner director.
Q: Is the Bonner Foundation
funded by any other outside sources?
A: The Bonner Foundation is not funded
by outside sources, but the foundation does partner with
colleges and universities to raise outside funds, such as
AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve.
Q: What are the exact
stipulations of using the Community Fund? How/ when do you
use it?
A: The rules of use for the community
fund can be found in the finance section of the Bonner Program
Guidelines at www.bonner.org/resources/resources.htm
Q: Will there ever be
funding for Bonners attending graduate school programs?
A: There are no plans to move in this
direction at present, however all Bonners are encouraged
to utilize their loan reduction after graduation.
Q: Why is it that once a person declines
the scholarship no one else can replace that spot?
A: Bonner Scholars can be replaced
as late as the beginning of the first semester of their
junior year. The Foundation feels that all Bonners should
be in the program for at least two years in order to benefit
from the developmental model etc.
Q: Why are we not allowed
to be affiliated with government issues (Invisible Children
etc.)?
A: Students enrolled in AmeriCorps
are subject to those restrictions outlined in prohibited
activities. Bonner Scholars have a less restricted range
of service, and may participate in some advocacy work.
Q: What are the differences
between Bonner Scholar and Bonner Leader Schools? Why do
Bonner Scholars get special privileges?
A: The primary difference between the
two programs is the manner in which students are funded.
Bonner Scholar schools are directly funded by the Bonner
Foundation. Bonner Leader schools are funded through institutional
and federal work-study, and qualify to utilize Bonner AmeriCorps
education awards.
Q: I don’t understand
why the program doesn’t require a more international
focus or national focus for students other than Congress
Representatives through service opportunities. Why is this?
A: The Bonner Foundation requires trips
such as the sophomore service exchange to expose students
to the greater Bonner network. Students also have the ability
to attend the COOL conference. Unfortunately the Bonner
Foundation must limit the numbers of attendees at the fall
congress meeting and SLI due to funding restraints, however
all students are welcome to participate in the All Bonner
Service trips that coincide with SLI.
Q: I’ve heard that
there are no Bonner Alumni functions. Is that true, and
if so, why?
A: There have been a limited number
of alumni functions sponsored by the Bonner Foundation.
This area will be addressed this summer, and we hope to
have some activities planned for the coming school year
as well as an updated alumni web page. In addition the Bonner
Foundation has encouraged schools organize events as part
of their institutions alumni program.
Q: Should full scholarships
be granted when it seems to create lousy and unmotivated
Bonners?
A: The Bonner scholarship is not a
full one, and does not cause unmotivated students. It is
the responsibility of directors, coordinators, and students
to set a standard of performance for all Bonners. It is
also the responsibility of directors to remove Bonners who
do not meet that standard.
Q: Filling out Agency
Agreements and Evaluations every semester (twice a year)
even when you are at the same agency year after year seems
to be too much. Why do we have to fill them out so often?
A: The student development model is
designed to expect of students increased levels of skill,
knowledge, and responsibility. As a result, students are
expected to reflect upon and adjust their site objectives
every semester. If a student continually has the same goals
and objectives they are not following the developmental
model, and should reflect upon their growth and placement
evolution at their site.
Q: Why is the Bonner
Leader program covered by AmeriCorps? Leaders have many
more restrictions placed on them. If the Foundation covered
Leaders, we could concentrate more on the values of Bonner
rather than AmeriCorps.
A: AmeriCorps opportunities are available
to both Bonner Leaders and Bonner Scholars, and are not
required of either program. If you would like more information
about your school’s particular program please speak
to your program director.
Q: Why is it that we
can only work at a nonprofit organization when lots of good
service can be done at other places?
A: All students are able to work with
some government agencies. The Bonner Foundation feels that
private businesses should be able to afford to pay their
staff. Along with that private businesses are, more often
than not, are working to earn a profit and not usually to
address community needs and improve communities in the same
way, although there are businesses that do make a contribution.
Q: It seems that the
focus of the scholar program and the leader program is different.
How do we encourage leaders to have the same level of involvement
as scholars?
A : Both the Bonner Scholar and Leader
programs operate under the same mission, goals, and programmatic
design. Their differences lie mainly in funding sources,
structure, and program length. The Bonner Foundation will
continue to work with all Bonner programs to assist in program
improvements.
Q: How/ why does Bonner
want to develop activists?
A: The answer to this question is multi-faceted.
If your definition of an activist is someone who is fully
engaged to make the world a better place, the Bonner Program
develops activists through its overall program design. If
you define an activist as one who is politically engaged,
the Bonner Program seeks to prepare and educate students
with the hope that they will express themselves and become
civically engaged. The Bonner Program does not, however,
require that students take a political stance.
Q: I find it hard to
get information about the Bonner Program. Where can I find
some?
A: The Bonner web site is an excellent
way to learn about not only the history of the Bonner Program
but current events as well. Take a look at www.bonner.org
Q: What is one clear
sentence definition of what the Bonner Program is?
A: The motto: The Bonner Program strives
to provide access to education, and an opportunity to serve.
Q: Why is the Bonner
program only at small Liberal Arts schools that are connected
to one (that will remain nameless) religion?
A: This is actually a misconception.
The Bonner Scholar program is at small liberal arts schools,
but the majority of them are not religiously affiliated.
The Bonner Leader program is at every type of college and
university, public and private, small and large. Check out
the list at www.bonner.org/directories/bonnercampuscontacts.htm
