Through a series of engaging activities, including group discussions, case studies, simulations, and project-based assessments, earners of this badge develop the skills to identify and implement inclusive practices for establishing a learning community. They will learn how to positively value and accurately describe the knowledge, skills, and experiences of community leaders, specifically related to the cultivation of a sense of place and employment of placemaking strategies and activities. Earners of this badge will also have the opportunity to critically reflect on their own "sense of place" and its relevance and relationship to the sense of place shared by diverse community members or that present in the built environment of diverse community settings. They will be able to articulate the theoretical and practical aspects of core concepts of place, places, and placemaking and their implications for community development and leadership. At the end of the program, earners of this badge will be recognized for their acquired ability to interpret and cultivate a rich sense of place within complex community settings, and to actively shape that sense of place through intentional and creative meaning-making.
National Association of Colleges and Employers
Career readiness is a foundation from which to demonstrate requisite core competencies that broadly prepare the college educated for success in the workplace and lifelong career management. For new college graduates, career readiness is key to ensuring successful entrance into the workforce. Career readiness is the foundation upon which a successful career is launched. Career readiness is, quite simply, the new career currency. For higher education, career readiness provides a framework for addressing career-related goals and outcomes of curricular and extracurricular activities, regardless of the student’s field of study. For employers, career readiness plays an important role in sourcing talent, providing a means of identifying key skills and abilities across all job functions; similarly, career readiness offers employers a framework for developing talent through internship and other experiential education programs.
Career & Self-Development; Communication; Critical Thinking; Equity & Inclusion; Leadership
Skill Lightcast Taxonomy Link Community Development
- Complete the skills course and its component requirements - Submit all project deliverables - Participated in at least 80% of all course activities
1. Analyze and apply inclusive practices for establishing a learning community. 2. Evaluate and synthesize the knowledge, skills, and experiences of community leaders, specifically related to the cultivation of a sense of place and employment of placemaking strategies and activities. 3. Evaluate and assess the relevance and relationship of their own "sense of place" to the sense of place shared by diverse community members or present in the built environment of diverse community settings. 4. Comprehend and apply the theoretical and practical aspects of core concepts of place, places, and placemaking and their implications for community development and leadership. 5. Design and execute a start to finish place-based project, including vision and planning, research and resource development, and identification of delivery modes and presentation materials. 6. Create and facilitate a place-based experience that cultivates a sense of place for the audience and demonstrates the uses or impact of a deepened sense of a particular place.
This badge is connected with a learning experience equivalent with 1 graduate level credit. Typically, the badge is earned across 5 weekly meetings of 2.5hrs (15 hrs instruction time and 25-30hrs of independent preparation and project time time)
This mcrocredential in Community-Engaged Strategic Planning is designed to equip professionals with comprehensive knowledge and skills in utilizing strategic planning processes to drive community engagement, organizational development, and long-term sustainability. This microcredential recognizes individuals who possess a deep understanding of the components, purpose, and benefits of community-engaged strategic planning. Through this experience, learners gain a thorough comprehension of strategic planning concepts and methodologies, exploring how to effectively engage stakeholders and foster collaboration. They develop expertise in analyzing and evaluating the elements of strategic planning processes as powerful tools for community building and organizational advancement. By earning this microcredential, professionals demonstrate their ability to apply community-engaged strategic planning principles to enhance organizational effectiveness, achieve sustainable outcomes, and make a lasting positive impact within their communities. This badge serves as a prominent symbol of their acquired knowledge and recognition of the vital role that community-engaged strategic planning plays in organizational development and sustainability.
Critical Thinking ; Leadership; Equity & Inclusion; Critical Thinking; Communication
1. Comprehend the benefit and foundational concepts of strategic planning. 2. Evaluate the value of engaging stakeholders in strategic planning and analyze various methods for effective stakeholder engagement. 3. Analyze the elements of the strategic planning process and evaluate its significance as a tool for community building. 4. Apply a working knowledge of strategic planning to effectively implement concepts and practices in a work setting. 5. Reflect upon personal intentions and actions as a community leader, fostering increased self-awareness and mindfulness.
This badge is connected with a learning experience equivalent with 1 graduate level credit. Typically, the badge is earned across 5 weekly meetings of 2.5hrs (12.5 hrs instruction time and 25-30 hrs of independent preparation and project time time)
UMBC's Digital Storytelling microcredential offers an in-depth exploration of inclusive practices for establishing a learning community, with a specific focus on recognizing and valuing the knowledge, skills, and experiences of community leaders. Participants will learn how to shepherd community stories and storytellers, and gain critical reflection skills to analyze personal stories within the context of social happenings, movements, and moments. Earners of this microcredential will better understand the theoretical and practical aspects of digital story development by creating a digital story that reflects their learning while gaining practical skills in digital storytelling.
Career & Self-Development; Communication; Critical Thinking; Equity & Inclusion; Leadership; Technology
1. Apply inclusive practices to establish a learning community. 2. Evaluate and justify the value of knowledge, skills, and experiences of community leaders in relation to shepherding community stories and storytellers. 3. Analyze personal stories in the context of social happenings, movements, and moments, and create a digital story that reflects this learning. 4. Explain and demonstrate the theoretical and practical aspects of digital story development, from story circle to completed digital story. 5. Design a comprehensive plan for implementing a storytelling workshop in a community or setting of their choice, incorporating the skills and tools gained throughout the course.
This badge is connected with a learning experience equivalent with 1 graduate level credit. The badge is earned by participating in a 3-day intensive class (total of 24 classroom hours).
The Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) microcredential is designed for individuals who are interested in facilitating and mobilizing communities by identifying and utilizing the assets and gifts already present in the community. Learners in this experience focus on the ABCD approach, which moves away from traditional approaches of community development that focus on community needs and deficits. Participants will learn how to facilitate interactive learning and enable others to collaborate as they act upon their gifts, develop facilitation skills, and navigate the building and maintenance of transformational and transactional relationships. By completing this microcredential, earners will gain a deeper understanding of ABCD practices and processes, asset mapping and identification of six types of assets, and the ability to tell stories about all these assets.
Critical Thinking; Leadership; Equity & Inclusion; Communication; Self-Awareness; Community Building
- Complete the pre-assessment - Complete the post-assessment and demonstrate improvement over the pre-assessment - Complete the skills course and its component requirements - Participated in at least 80% of all course activities
1. Demonstrate an understanding of ABCD practices and processes by applying the principle of "leading by stepping back" in community development initiatives. 2. Develop effective facilitation skills to foster interactive learning and enable collaboration among community members as they leverage their individual and collective gifts. 3. Conduct asset mapping exercises and identify the six types of assets (individual, associational, institutional, spatial, financial, and cultural) within a community context. 4. Navigate the building and maintenance of transformational and transactional relationships with community members, organizations, and institutions to foster collective action and empowerment. 5. Construct compelling narratives that highlight the assets and strengths of individuals, groups, and the community as a whole, with a particular emphasis on showcasing the assets of others.
The Grantwriting for Social Change microcredential offers a comprehensive learning experience that empowers individuals with the skills to excel in securing grant funding, particularly for nonprofit organizations. This program provides a deep dive into the intricacies of crafting effective and persuasive grant proposals, covering all facets from start to finish. Participants will gain a solid foundation in grantwriting by exploring ethical considerations, honing the ability to identify and evaluate funding opportunities, and mastering the art of organizing proposal content. Through practical exercises and real-world examples, learners will develop the expertise to construct compelling narratives that captivate potential funders and demonstrate the value of their nonprofit initiatives. This hands-on learning journey includes guidance from experienced instructors, personalized feedback, and opportunities for peer collaboration. Participants will complete a comprehensive grant proposal, applying their acquired knowledge to create a polished document that meets the highest standards of the field.
Critical Thinking; Leadership; Equity & Inclusion; Communication; Critical Thinking
1. Evaluate the core ethical considerations in grant writing to ensure compliance with ethical standards and guidelines. 2. Analyze effective teaming practices for grant proposals, distinguishing between recommended practices and potential pitfalls. 3. Classify and differentiate between various types of funding sources, considering their specific requirements and criteria. 4. Retrieve, interpret, and summarize open requests for proposals (RFPs) by employing effective research and information synthesis skills. 5. Assess an RFP to identify its key components, including objectives, eligibility criteria, and evaluation methods. 6. Formulate a comprehensive strategy for applying for funding, incorporating timelines, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. 7. Construct a persuasive and well-structured grant proposal using appropriate language, evidence, and logical reasoning. 8. Compile and submit a complete grant proposal package, ensuring all required attachments, appendices, and supporting documents are included.
Community Leadership Skills Set - Level I
Community Leadership Skills Set - Level I badge
This stackable microcredential in Community Leadership provides learners with a comprehensive set of skills and assets for working collaboratively in community-based settings. This meta microcredential builds on related badges as a part of UMBC's Community Leadership program. After completing 3 Community Leadership skills courses, earners will apply appropriate and effective skills to the planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of community-facing projects, in partnership with community residents and partner organizations. As reflective practitioners, they will consistently review their work with their partners, collectively identify strengths and challenges, and refine their approach going forward. This meta microcredential is reflective of people who are interested in transformative social change at the community level. By earning this stackable microcredential, learners will gain and share skills that will enable them to work collaboratively with diverse communities and develop solutions to complex challenges.
- Successful completion of at least 3 distinct Community Leadership Skills courses and earning the respective microcredentials associated with the courses
1. Articulate specific assets that earners bring to collaborative community work. 2. Apply diverse skills within a framework of reflexive practice to complex community settings. 3. Identify, build and sustain diverse partnerships that respond to community-defined needs and opportunities.
This cumulative badge is connected with a learning experience equivalent to completing three 1-credit graduate courses. Each component badge is earned across 5 weekly meetings of 2.5hrs as well as work assigned outside of class. The badge will take at least 15 weeks of course participation.
Empower yourself to become a catalyst for change within your community through the Grassroots Advocacy microcredential. Earners will delve into the fundamental principles of grassroots community advocacy at the local level, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies to make a meaningful impact. This journey allows earners to uncover the intricacies of county and city government functions, learn to mobilize around issues of concern, and master the art of influencing local elected officials and key influencers. Gain the skills needed to create positive change by amplifying under-represented voices, developing strategic grassroots initiatives, and fostering greater consensus through facilitation. The Grassroots Advocacy microcredential recognizes the earner's ability to navigate power structures, drive community engagement, and craft effective action plans. Earners are immersed in a transformative learning experience that empowers them to be an agent of positive change, contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community.
Communication; Critical Thinking; Equity & Inclusion; Leadership; Teamwork
1. Apply knowledge of local government structures and functions to develop effective grassroots advocacy strategies. 2. Utilize organizational techniques to mobilize community members around issues of concern or opportunity. 3. Create comprehensive Community Action Plans that outline clear and actionable steps for advocating for local change. 4. Analyze power structures within local government, identifying key influencers and decision-makers. 5. Evaluate the potential impact of grassroots advocacy efforts on local policies and community dynamics. 6. Critically assess the effectiveness of different advocacy methods and communication strategies in influencing local elected officials and stakeholders.
Designed to cultivate healthy relationships and nurturing cultures, the Restorative Practices microcredential equips earners with the knowledge and tools to implement restorative principles in diverse organizational and community contexts. The Restorative Practices microcredential recognizes one's ability to harness restorative values, ethical standards, and tools (including fair processes, affective statements, restorative questions, and restorative circles) to build and mend connections. Earners will delve into the concepts, principles, and values underpinning restorative practices, and explore their multifaceted applications in community building, relationship management, and organizational development. In this transformative journey, earners engage in proactive circles and embark on a restorative integration project, fostering experiential learning. Reflection projects capture insights gained throughout the experience, becoming lasting artifacts for continuous growth. Regular feedback and dialogues empower learners, facilitating both peer and self-reflection, and nurturing a deep understanding of restorative leadership. The Restorative Practices microcredential serves as a testament to the earner's commitment to fostering harmonious relationships, ethical standards, and transformative leadership.
- Complete the Restorative integration project - Complete the Restorative reflection project These artifacts will be kept in the program's google drive indefinitely, with student permission.
1. Demonstrate an understanding of restorative practice concepts, principles, and values. 2. Explain the concept, methods and potential uses of different restorative practices. 3. Apply and articulate restorative values, ethical standards, and principles unique to interpersonal interventions involving diverse populations and settings 4. Identify the skills used to implement restorative tools including fair process and affective statements, and conduct restorative, conferences, and circles 5. Demonstrate facilitation skills to conduct both proactive and responsive restorative circles 6. Communicate persuasively the benefits and potential applications of restorative practices 7. Analyze situational contexts and the interests and priorities of the organization and its external and internal stakeholders, and the personal, interpersonal, and organizational changes necessary for implementation of restorative practices
- Complete the Restorative integration project - Complete the Restorative reflection project These artifacts will be kept in the program’s google drive indefinitely, with student permission.
Social Justice, Dialogue, and Facilitation
Social Justice, Dialogue, and Facilitation badge
The Social Justice, Dialogue, and Facilitation microcredential offers an immersive learning experience presented by Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion & Belonging (i3b) at UMBC. This microcredential is designed to cultivate critical dialogue and facilitation skills, fostering an inclusive and equitable community. Participating in one of four dynamic learning experiences - CLDR 610: Social Justice, Leadership & Dialogue, FYS 102: Race, Social Justice & Dialogue, Interact Facilitator Internship, or IDEAList Internship - participants gain essential competencies. Earners demonstrate proficiency in understanding and using dialogue, recognizing personal impacts on interactions, and applying dialogue practices in everyday contexts. Earners will have utilized core dialogue facilitation skills, led dialogues with peers, and provided and received feedback. The microcredentials signifies participants' ability to foster inclusive conversations within an intergroup dialogue framework. Earners measure growth through pre- and post-assessments and showcase their journey through a capstone reflection or creative project.
Communication; Critical Thinking; Equity & Inclusion
National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME)
The microcredential resonates with NAME's emphasis on promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice in educational settings. The microcredential's focus on understanding personal backgrounds, identities, and fostering inclusive dialogues aligns with NAME's objectives.
- Complete the pre- and post-assessments - Submit a capstone reflection or creative project reflecting their learning and growth journey
1. Apply critical dialogue skills to engage in meaningful conversations across diverse contexts. 2. Implement intergroup dialogue framework principles to facilitate inclusive discussions. 3. Utilize feedback to refine and enhance dialogue facilitation techniques. 4. Analyze the impact of personal backgrounds and identities on dialogue interactions. 5. Evaluate the effectiveness of different dialogue practices in promoting understanding and empathy. 6. Assess the significance of social justice principles in guiding dialogue and facilitation strategies.
For those who take the CLDR 610 course: 5 weekly meetings of 2.5hrs (12.5 hrs instruction time and 25-30 hrs of independent preparation and project time time) For undergraduate students: Time-to-degree For staff: Up to two years
Inclusive Events and Programming badge image
Inclusive Events and Programming will guide students through the steps of program development and implementation that reflects community culture and priorities. This microcredential seeks to help students develop programming that connects multiple communities through shared activities and spaces, and addresses the importance of creating programs and events that respond to community needs, feedback, and assets.
-- Preparation and Participation -- Regular Written Reflections (stakeholders, community engagement, logistics, etc.) -- Project and Presentation: 1) Project outline/draft (Concept identification and rough sketch) 2) Project background and discourse resources folder 3) Project final product 4) Project presentation or facilitation leadership
- Understand the concept of inclusive events/programming and its importance in community development. - Explore the value of community engagement and collaboration in event/program development. - Develop the skills to design and implement programs and events that reflect community culture and priorities.
Community Organizing empowers individuals to become changemakers in their communities. Through a blend of project-based learning and instruction, earners of this microcredential gain a practical understanding of core community organizing principles and tools. The program delves into methods for mobilizing people around shared interests and values. It equips earners with the leadership skills necessary to inspire and empower others within their communities. By crafting effective strategies, participants translate ideas into action, creating positive change. Additionally, the program fosters a deeper understanding of power dynamics in communities, allowing participants to navigate them strategically. Earning this microcredential prepares participants to tackle important issues facing their communities. They gain the confidence to advocate for positive change and build stronger, more cohesive communities where everyone thrives.
Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership Professionalism, Teamwork.
1) Apply four distinct tools in the practice of organizing. 2) Define the concepts of organizing and cultural organizing. 3) Utilize multiple perspectives on values at the root of organizing. 4) Generate a power map. 5) Create an action plan for organizing.
- Identify and describe four tools in the practice of organizing. - Explain the role culture plays in organizing and reflect on its importance. - Create a power map to identify one's role in social change. - Compare and contrast the concepts of organizing and cultural organizing. - Create an action plan for organizing. - Integrate and synthesize diverse perspectives and values that are the cause of organizing.
~ 5 weekly meetings of 2.5hrs (12.5 hrs instruction time and 25-30 hrs of independent preparation and project time)
The Budgeting for Community Impact microcredential is designed to equip learners with essential skills in budgeting, financial planning, and strategic resource allocation for organizations committed to social change. This skills course emphasizes aligning an organization's budget with its vision, mission, and values, ensuring financial integrity and accountability. Participants will engage with practical exercises, real-world scenarios, and reflective learning, emerging equipped to lead and manage budgets that support impactful community leadership. This microcredential is ideal for professionals in nonprofit organizations, public agencies, social enterprises, and lifelong learners interested in mastering budgeting for impactful community leadership.
Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism , Teamwork
- Understand how mindset impacts effective and expansive budgeting approaches. - Develop 2 budget types (Ideal & Current) along with a budget narrative that aligns with a real or imaginary organization’s vision, mission, & values. - Identify the factors that could impact budget projections and budget actuals and create risk and opportunity profile. - Develop a budget planning & evaluation schedule. - List ways to avoid mission creep when searching and creating budgets for grants. - Define participatory budgeting and identify 2- 3 ways to integrate it into their budgeting process. - Understand how to use budgets as an educational tool for a wide range of stakeholders.
1. Analyze how mindset impacts effective and expansive budgeting approaches. 2. Develop 2 budget types (Ideal and Current) along with a budget narrative that aligns with a real or imaginary organization's vision, mission, and values. 3.Identify factors that could impact budget projects and budget actuals and create a risk and opportunity profile. 4. Create a comprehensive budget planning and evaluation schedule. 5. List and evaluate ways to avoid mission creep when searching and creating budgets for grants. 6. Define participatory budgeting and identify 2-3 ways to integrate it into their budgeting process. 7. Apply budgeting principles as an educational tool for a wide range of stakeholders.
5 weekly meetings of 2.5hrs (12.5 hrs instruction time and 25-30 hrs of independent preparation and project time)
Branding and Messaging in the Social Sector
Branding and Messaging in the Social Sector badge image
Nonprofit Branding and Social Justice Messaging equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to critically analyze and enhance the branding and messaging efforts of nonprofit organizations. This experience delves into the intersection of nonprofit branding and social justice, focusing on how branding can either perpetuate or challenge oppressive social structures. Through a combination of interactive discussions, in-session workshops, and independent research, earners of this microcredential will explore the power dynamics inherent in nonprofit branding and learn to craft compelling, equity-centered messages. The experience emphasizes practical application, enabling participants to assess real-world nonprofit messaging, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategic recommendations that align with shared values and promote social justice. This microcredential is ideal for nonprofit professionals, communications specialists, social justice advocates, and anyone interested in leveraging branding and messaging to drive social change. Upon completion, earners will have the expertise to transform nonprofit narratives, making them powerful tools for advocacy and social justice.
Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork
- Write a two-page Reflection on their personal learnings in the course. - Create a Branding Assessment for a specific nonprofit organization. - Develop Reframed Messages for the same nonprofit organization.
- Analyze nonprofit branding, understanding its impact on social justice and power dynamics - Craft and reframe nonprofit messages to align with shared values, articulate problems and solutions, and promote social justice and equity - Engage in collaborative learning through discussions, workshops, and peer feedback to enhance collective understanding and application of course concepts - Define personal learning goals, engage in self-reflection, and evaluate growth in applying course learnings to personal and professional contexts - Apply course tools and techniques to assess and improve nonprofit messaging, and enhance presentation skills through sharing and receiving feedback on assessments and recommendations
Podcasting Essentials provides learners with hands-on experience in podcast creation, from concept development to publication, with an emphasis on using podcasts as a tool for community engagement and advocacy. Learners will explore fundamental elements of podcasting, including content planning, audio recording and editing, interview techniques, and audience engagement strategies. This experience also covers promotion, distribution, and monetization approaches, equipping learners with practical skills to launch and sustain a podcast. Guided by an experienced podcasting professional, learners will apply their knowledge by developing and publishing an original podcast that amplifies voices and stories relevant to their communities.
Career & Self-Development; Communication; Critical Thinking; Equity & Inclusion; Leadership; Professionalism; Teamwork
- Attend all class sessions, or identify other relevant make-up opportunities, and participate actively in class discussions and exercises. - Complete course assignments in response to learning materials and earn at least an 80%. - Create an original podcast with a team of fellow learners.
1. Identify Podcast Elements: Identify the basics of planning, setting up equipment, and editing a podcast. 2. Apply Interviewing Skills: Apply techniques for conducting engaging and effective podcast interviews through authentic experiences. 3. Create and Promote a Podcast: Create, produce, publish, and market your own podcast successfully.
Equivalent to 1 credit at the graduate level. ~ 5 weekly meetings of 2.5hrs (12.5 hrs instruction time and 25-30 hrs of independent preparation and project time)