This September over 40 Oregon State faculty members (many brand new to the OSU community) participated in the first Roads Scholar Tour. The tour, sponsored by the Division of University Outreach and Engagement, College of Agricultural Sciences and the Center for Latino/a Studies and Engagement, made five stops between Corvallis and Portland, and in between an engaging conversation was led by our tour hosts Barbara Holland and Judith Ramaley, both internationally renowned leaders in the area of community engagement.

On the tour evaluation we asked “what interested you today to the extent you might consider expanding your community engagement efforts?” Answers included:

• Understanding the needs of the community before taking action.  Researching with community members to gain the perspectives of the population.
• Connection with Extension researchers, talk to/know other communities, collaborate with other people from different departments.
• Participatory teaching and learning through community engagement to affect real change in people lives.

For those who participated in the tour, I’d be interested in hearing what has stuck with you, and what you have been able to apply to your work. Please take a moment right now if you can and share with us by commenting below.

– Dave