Capstone Prompt
How To Complete Your Capstone Project
Panther LEAP uses the social change model of leadership to help students understand their role as agents of change in their local, regional, national, and even global communities. The core mission of Panther LEAP stems from the understanding that the role of a leader is to be both an advocate and ally who strives for positive change. Or in simpler terms – a leader is a person who leaves the communities they belong to better than they found it. This culminating project involves identifying a particular social issue that you believe constitutes a social problem and suggesting a solution to the problem. In evaluating the problem, we encourage you to use the 7 Cs.
Describe your social issue and your approach to this societal problem through a creative medium of your choice. Your presentation should address the following questions/prompts: What is the social issue? Why does this constitute a problem or issue? Who is affected by this issue? How do you propose to solve this issue? What steps will you take to create a solution? How do you plan to implement this solution? Please note that in the proposal, it should be a clear indication of how YOU plan to solve it. For example, saying “we should raise the minimum wage” to tackle the issue of poverty does not explain what is your role in helping make that happen. Be very specific and innovative in defining your solutions and what you plan to do with it. PowerPoint and poster presentations will NOT be accepted. We encourage you to think outside the box and prepare a project that shows both your creativity and your learning.
Consciousness of Self
Awareness of the beliefs, values, attitudes, and emotions that motivate one to take action.
Congruence
Thinking, feeling, and behaving with consistency, genuineness, authenticity, and honesty.
Commitment
Motivational energy to serve and that drives the collective effort. Commitment implies passion, intensity, and duration.
Collaboration
Working with others in a common effort. It constitutes the cornerstone value of the group leadership effort because it empowers self and others through trust.
Common Purpose
Working with shared aims and values. It facilitates the group’s ability to engage in a collective analysis of the issues at hand and the task to be undertaken.
Controversy with Civility
Recognized two fundemental realities of any creative group effort; that differences in viewpoint are inevitable, and that such differences must be aired openly but with civility.
Citizenship
Process whereby the individual and the collaborative group become responsibly connected to the community and the society through the leadership develipment activity.
Long-Lost Neighbor
By Zavier Shabazz
“The social issue I chose was one we all know far too well: homelessness. I feel that homelessness constitutes an issue because it not only alienates citizens of our state/country, but it also creates a false narrative for those we see in these situations. Everyone is affected by this issue, especially in the Metro-Atlanta area. One of the best ways to solve this issue would be to create a community dedicated to helping our long-lost neighbors. The first step to creating a solution would be to petition to start a club here on campus thats’ sole mission is to give back and help rehabilitate those in need. The best way to implement this solution is with the help of the university and its’ vast resources.”
Systematic Racism
By Justice F. Ampopfo
Unheard Voices
By Kevin Hernandez
“My social issue focuses on how we are ignoring the killings of transgender women as a society especially the killings of those racially identifying as black or brown. The problem is that we are allowing the trans community to live in fear and permitting a narrative that does not support trans women as being important enough in to recognize the significant amount of members within their community that have been killed based on how they identify. It affects everyone. Not just physically, but mentally because we’re telling the community as a society that they don’t matter and it’s a terrible message for young trans individuals. I plan on solving this issue my not only educating myself but others as well. Making it known that the trans community has my support and I advocate for safer trans-friendly spaces.“
Social Inequality
By Javon V. Jones
Capstone
“The social issue that I chose was social inequalities and lack of opportunities . The people affected by this issue include minorities and people with lower class incomes. I propose that the issue could be solved from the outside by first addressing that it is an issue and coming together as humans through communication. I also believe the issue can be sold by giving back to our communities. The fight for equality and equal opportunity also has to be fought from the inside by making our voices heard by political leaders and people with influence. I plan to implement this solution by giving back to my community, creating conversation, and making sure my voice is heard by our political leaders.”
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