Educators for Community Engagement (formerly the Invisible College) is a national membership organization of educators who promote service-learning to build and strengthen community on campus and in society. Georgetown University has been involved with the Invisible College (now ECE) since its inception in 1994, through the work of Patricia E. O'Connor, one of its founding faculty and its Chair from 1999-2000. Many Georgetown faculty, students, staff and community partners are active members. Georgetown University hosted the National Gathering of the Group in 2000. Since its inception, national offices for the Invisible College have moved from Campus Compact in Providence, RI to Portland State University in Oregon, to Georgetown University. As the ECE organization changes to 501c3 status, it will relocate in Indianapolis.

A core activity of the ECE is an annual conference, The National Gathering, which is distinguished by the educational method of learning circles as a means of nurturing individual and social transformation. Learning circles embody both the spirit and the methodology of the organization by providing safe space for individuals to explore their paths in service-learning. Additionally, the ECE undertakes projects that provide resources for community/campus partnerships, individual and professional growth, and community development.

The ECE's primary purposes are to:
A. promote partnerships between community and institutions of education by:

1) recognizing and validating community based knowledge and popular education
2) bringing all partners in service learning together in equity and parity
3) honoring and respecting all elements of a diverse society

B. promote Learning Circles as the spirit of learning and sharing that is at the heart of the National Gathering and the projects we initiate by:

1) recognizing the validity and worth of individual experience
2) providing venues for all partners in service learning to share their experiences
3) creating a road map for community building through these shared experiences

C. promote and nurture the growth of all partners, both  individuals and groups, to claim, own, and act on their capacities and resources for community building by:

1) providing venues for change and growth through Learning Circles
2) providing resources for growth, capacity building and
3) creating pathways for and support of leadership development in the ECE and in its projects

Contact the Educators for Community Engagement:

Chair:  Nelda Pearson   npearson@runet.edu
Chair Elect: William MacGregor bmacgregor@mtech.edu
Past Chair: Patricia E. O'Connor   oconnorp@georgetown.edu
Secretary: Robyn Gibboney   rgibbone@iupui.edu
Treasurer: Heather Sullivan-Catlin     sullcat@northnet.org
Coordinator: Katie White  whitekm@georgetown.edu   
The webpage for ECE is maintained at South Eastern Louisiana University: http://www.selu.edu/orgs/ic/