By Mark D. Potter

Abstract

In fall 2013, students in Metropolitan State University of Denver’s advanced research in social science course, under the supervision of Dr. Nicholas Recker, responded to the Campus & Community Civic Health initiative by conducting a survey of businesses in the nearby La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood. Businesses were selected as the study’s focus due to their important community role and their being understudied in civic engagement research.

The students designed a survey focusing on how businesses perceived their neighborhood, their level of civic involvement, and their community partnerships. The survey also assessed topics related to civic engagement such as social capital (comprised of networks, norms of reciprocity, and trust). As part of the research design, students employed a drop-off pick-up method. This particular technique was advantageous because it engaged students with the nearby community as they collected data.   

After the study was completed, MSU Denver hosted an event in the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood to discuss findings and strengthen community ties. The event was well attended both by members of the university and the community. The event included opportunity for small group dialogue on themes presented from the research findings.