Kendra Yoder

SST Preparation: Senegal 2020

I am excited to re engage my French studies and begin preparations for co-leading the summer SST unit in Theis, Senegal this coming summer (2020).  David Lind and I led this unit twice before in 2012 and 2014 and we are eager to learn alongside our GC students as we return to friends and community in Theis.

Immigration & Borderland Experiences

During my 2018 May Term class on Immigration, I connected several students from the class with MCC Great Lakes to secure scholarships to participate in an MCC learning tour and the annual migrant trail experience on the border regions of Arizona and Mexico. This experience happened directly after our May term ended and I joined the three students who pursued this opportunity to participate on the migrant trail with 45 other people from across the country. Upon returning from this experience, I presented with one of the students at several local Mennonite congregations interested in learning more about immigration experiences. I am currently working on developing a Borderlands May Term where we will focus on local (Elkhart County) and border experiences and realities.

Prevention Intervention Network (PIN), Faculty Advocate

I am currently working on a number of projects related to my coordination of the Prevention Education Network (PIN), a peer education bystander program established in 2014 to educate the campus and the broader community with the goal of ending sexual violence and changing culture to support survivors. Here are several highlights from this the 2018-19 academic year.

• We continue to work closely with the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault (ICESA) and two peer educators (Rowan Miller and Marris Opsahl) presented this fall at the ICESA Campus Consortium Conference in Indianapolis, IN.
• This spring I trained another 13 peer educators during the spring semester and we ended the year with 34 trained educators.
• We hosted seven events for sexual assault awareness month in collaboration with GSWA and the Goshen Monologues.
• Another project emerged from the 50th year celebration of our Study Service Term (SST) and focuses on researching and adapting “best practice” recommendations for safety and support during our study abroad program (related to mental health, physical health, sexual and relationship violence, as well as other safety issues).
• Another on going project is my work with several sister institutions to develop a joint peer education conference where our students can network and collaborate on what is working best for them in bystander and peer education.
• Finally, I am working on several publications related to focus group data, pre and post test data from our first year bystander training, as well a recent campus climate survey on gender and sexism we conducted in the spring of 2018.

SoWk 221: Human Behavior

A study of the individual through the life cycle within the social environment. Focus on physical, psychological, social, cultural and religious factors in the development of the self.

SoWk 224: Introduction to Social Work

Analysis of the knowledge base, value structure, purpose, nature, history and function of social work practice in various social welfare activities and social workers through observation and guided participation in programs for meeting human need. Students engage in a specific field experience as part of course requirements and must furnish their own transportation.

SoWk 322: Social Welfare Policy & Program I

Economic and social justice is used as an organizing framework to study the relationship between major social problems and social welfare policy, programs and services. Included are poverty, health and mental-health care, family problems, racism, sexism and other forms of institutionalized oppression. The political aspects of social welfare policy and the legislative process itself are examined in depth. Prerequisites: SoWk 221, 224 or consent of instructor.

SoWk 323: Social Welfare Policy & Program II

A critical analysis of social welfare programs and issues of social welfare policy, including philosophical perspectives, the broad issues of organization, cost delivery, impact, effectiveness and alternate strategies. Students develop skills in identifying, evaluating and formulating macro-level approaches to social problems. Prerequisite: SoWk 322 or consent of instructor. Taken concurrently with SoWk 325.

SoWk 345: Women’s Concerns

This course covers a wide range of issues that are part of contemporary North American women’s lives. The place of women in society is approached from the position of social and economic justice. The course: (a) examines and critiques the U.S. American women’s movement as an interpersonal and psychological phenomenon; (b) identifies cultural, religious, racial, social, economic and political processes as they affect women’s lives; (c) considers women to be persons of worth and value with the right of self-determination ; and (d) assists in understanding, contextually, women’s requests for help and appropriate intervention strategies. Class participation and small group discussions are important components of course learning.

SoWk 315 (PX):Child Welfare

An in-depth seminar on a selected field of service, program or policy issue. Particular emphasis is given to concepts of exploitation and social/economic justice. Check the course offering list to see current options.

SoWk 350 Topics Course: Immigration & Social Welfare Policy

As an important area of generalist social work practice, this course is an elective for social work majors and others interested  in the study of immigration and refugee policy and practice.  The purpose of this course is to increase students’ understanding of the social services available to immigrant and refugee populations, as well as to learn about cultural competency and macro advocacy skills related to social work practice.  Students in this course will also be introduced to the broad array of systems that comprise social work with immigrants and refugees.

SoWk 350 Topics Course: Aging in US Society

This course explores the normal aging process, as well as the unique challenges experienced by older adults, and the US societal context related to aging. It explores how policies, practices, systems, and services influence and are influenced by aging adults. It examines the ways in which older adults adapt to changes in all areas of life, as well as the ways the interventions and services established for older adults may assist with these adaptations. The course also explores the needs and issues encountered by older adults both within the community and within institutional settings, including a focus on caregivers, employers, and family members.

SoWk 409: Field Instruction

Integration of knowledge base and the acquisition of social work practice skills through direct practice under a qualified field instructor in a social service agency. Field Instruction must be applied for during the spring of the year preceding enrollment. Usually taken over two semesters; may be taken for 10 credits during the spring semester by approval of program director. Prerequisites: SoWk 323, 325 and consent of program director. Students furnish their own transportation for field placement.

Soc 200: Principles of Sociology

An introduction to the principles and methods used in the study of human society. Includes a survey of topics in social problems, social inequalities, social identity, human ecology and social change.

Soc 210: Sociology of the Family

A study of the role of family in society and culture. Includes a comparative history of the family institution as well as an examination of social trends affecting mate selection, marriage, family roles and family relationships in contemporary society and culture.

SoWk 321: Social Service Field Experience

Offers sophomore or junior students an initial exposure to social work practice in a social agency. The course focuses on an integrated understanding of the organizational and community context for social work practice and offers the students an opportunity for observing social work practitioners and offering specific services to clients. Classroom activities include discussion of social work related issues and concerns. Prerequisites: SoWk 221, 224 or consent of instructor. Students furnish their own transportation for field placement.

Co-Faculty Leader of Study Service Term (SST), Goshen College, Goshen Indiana.  Facilitated cross cultural academic and service learning experiences for 21 college students to Theis, Senegal. Coordinated schedules, led discussion groups, graded journals and worked with budgetary issues. April- July 2012 & 2014

Yoder, Kendra. 2016.  Source:  Mininger Grant, Goshen College.  Funds were awarded to develop and submit two conference presentations, with the plan to develop at least one of these presentations into an article for publication.  $1000 (awarded)

Yoder, Kendra.  2016.  Source:  Maple Scholar Fellowship, Goshen College.  Submitted to Goshen College and awarded summer fellowship to work intensively with three undergraduate students to develop curriculum, evaluation, and grant proposals for bystander education at Goshen College. $1000 (awarded)

Yoder, Kendra. 2012  Source:  Indiana University Associate Faculty Development Grant  Project Title:  Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Travel & Presentation Grant

Yoder, Kendra. 2011  Source:  Indiana University Associate Faculty Development Grant.  Project Title:  Dissertation Transcription Support Award Amount:  $ 500 (awarded)

Yoder, Kendra. 2009  Source:  Indiana University Associate Faculty Development Grant  Project Title:  Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, Travel & Presentation Grant  Award Amount:  $ 500 (awarded)

Baum, Margaret and Kendra Yoder. 2008.  Submitted by Broadway Christian Church.  Source:  Health Interventions in Non-Traditional Settings, Missouri Department of Health  Research Project Title:  Teen Relationship Education and Empowerment (TREE): A Faith-Based Health Initiative Against Violence.  Award Amount:  $ 50,000 (funded October, 2009)

Research Site Coordinator, Religion and Violence E-Learning (RAVE). Work with Dr. Nancy Nason-Clark, University of New Brunswick Family Violence Center. This Lilly endowed project explores the interface between religious and service provider communities in four North American sites. 2007- 2009

Research Consultant, University of Missouri Pew-sponsored Center on Religion and the Professions (CORPS).  Summer, 2008

Faculty Fellow, University of Missouri Difficult Dialogues Initiative.  Funded by the Ford Foundation, faculty fellows developed facilitation skills for difficult dialogues related to issues of diversity in the classroom. (Awarded $500 Stipend) Fall 2007

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Missouri Women’s and Gender Studies Department. Edited & produced Voices, a semester publication; participated on faculty and programmatic committees. September, 2003 – August, 2004

Graduate Research Assistant, Dr. Marjorie Sable, University of Missouri & the Missouri Department of Health.  Conducted a four county phone survey of all WIC vendors to investigate Hispanic usage and access of WIC. Summer, 2003

Graduate Research Assistant.  Dr. Fran Danis, University of Missouri.  Reviewed literuature on Crime Victims Rights, Teen dating violence, and International Issues in Domestic Violence. Winter, 2002

Coordinator, Teen Relationship Education & Empowerment (TREE) TREE is a grant funded initiative to work with local religious groups in Boone County to develop youth education about teen dating violence and healthy relationships 2008- 2009

Co-Coordinator, Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center (RSVP Center)  Taught peer educator class (60 hours) winter semester of (2005- 2007) to undergraduate peer educators at the University of Missouri; advised four student groups; collaborated with inter-university task forces, prevention services, and social justice offices; and supervised social work interns.  September 2004 – May 2008

Outreach Coordinator & Shelter Counselor, The Shelter for Survivors of  Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Columbia, Missouri.  Coordinated volunteer staff and community outreach and education; provided residential and nonresidential individual counseling; co-facilitated group therapy. May 2003-August 2004

Volunteer Coordinator & Victim Advocate, The Shelter for Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Columbia, Missouri.  Coordinated volunteer training and staff; provided advocacy and education through hotline, court advocacy, and hospital services. August 2002- May 2003

Assistant Leader of Cross-Cultural Programs, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.  Facilitated learning and travel experiences for 19 college students to the Middle East in Fall 1999 and 24 students to Switzerland in Winter 2000. Coordinated schedules, led discussion groups, and worked with budgetary issues. September 1999- May 2000

ESL Intensive Language Instructor, Intensive English Program, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia.  Taught grammar, phonetics, and context to 25 international students in preparation of collegiate studies in English. Summer 1999

Assistant Director of Admissions/ Admissions Counselor, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Virginia. Organized and facilitated campus visitations; worked with perspective students & parents in Virginia. July 1997- May 1999

Therapeutic Support Staff, Philhaven Hospital, Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Managed a case load of outpatient children with behavioral disorders; provided additional services to children in both inpatient and outpatient settings. September 1996 – July 1997

Book Chapter

 Yoder, Kendra.  2004.  “Policy Response to Employment Discrimination.”  Module book chapter contributed to Breaking the Silence in Social Work Education: Domestic Violence Modules for Foundation Courses, edited by Fran Danis & Lettie Lockhart  (Council on Social Work Education).

Academic & Professional Presentations

Yoder, Kendra and Ethan Lapp. March 6, 2019. “Safety & Support on SST.” Global Education for All: Renewing our Vision SST Conference. Goshen, Indiana.

Yoder, Kendra and Sandra McMasters. 2018. “Reflections on the Migrant Trail 2018.” Southside Fellowship Mennonite Church & Florence Church of the Brethren.

Yoder, Kendra and Beth Birky, 2016. “Generative Refusals: Student activism and administrative accountability around Title IX.” National Women’s Studies Association. Montreal, Canada.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2014.  Author meets Critic:  Men Who Batter by Nancy Nason-Clark & Barbara Fisher-Townsend (Invited Panelist).  Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Indianapolis, Indiana.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2012.  “African Anabaptist Women Theologians: Reading the Bible from the perspectives of African women’s experiences.”  Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Phoenix, Arizona.

Yoder, Kendra L. and Kevin McElmurry, 2009.  “Gender and the Production of Safe Space in      Religious Contexts: Issues for Bringing Men In.” Society for the Scientific Study of     Religion.  Denver, Colorado.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2009. “Producing Commitment: Narrating Domestic Violence in the Church.”  Midwest Sociological Society. Des Moines, Iowa.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2008. “Building bridges between the Shelter and the Steeple.”  The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Columbia, Missouri.

Yoder, Kendra l., 2008. “Negotiating an Historical Divide: Women of faith doing advocacy in the domestic violence movement.”  Society for the Scientific Study of Religion. Louisville, Kentucky.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2008. “Building Team Consensus Across Disciplinary and Geographic Boundaries.”  Qualitative Analysis Conference. New Brunswick, Canada.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2008. “Talking Across Differences about Domestic Violence.”  Midwest Sociological Society. St. Louis, Missouri.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2006. “Mennonite Cultures of Pacifism: Resistance, Knowledge, and Use.” Association for the Sociology of Religion. Montreal, Canada.

Yoder, Kendra and Bradley Wing, 2006. “Working for Change and Engaging with Anti-Sexism: Women and Men in Anti-Violence Peer Education Programs.”  Society for the Scientific Study for Social Problems. Montreal, Canada.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2005.  “The Gender Factor and ‘The Best Interest of the Child’:  Domestic Violence and Child Custody in Missouri Policy and Practice.”  Annual Meetings of the Midwest Sociological Society. Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Yoder, Kendra L. 2005. “Exploring Religious Identities: Mennonite Conversations At and About Weddings.” Annual Meetings of the Midwest Sociological Society. Minneapolis,    Minnesota.

Yoder, Kendra and Chris Linder, 2005.  “Peer Education Programs: Effectiveness Related to        Gender and Violence Topics.”  National Women’s Studies Conference. Orlando, Florida.

Yoder, Kendra L., 2004.  “Locating Religious Identity(ies): Being Mennonite in a Global Era.” Annual Meetings of the Association for the Sociology of Religion. San Francisco, California.

Yoder, Kendra, Beth Pickens, Katie Spencer, Ann Briedenbach, and Chris Linder, 2004. “Reclaiming our Roots: Feminist Community Building in Higher Education.”  National Women’s Studies Conference. Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

• SST Risk and Safety Assessment Task Force. Present
• Co-Chair, Campus Climate Survey Task Force, Goshen College. 2017-18
• ICESA Campus Consortium Liaison for Goshen College. 2017–Present
• International Education Advisory Group, Goshen College. Present
• Faculty Advisor & Coordinator, Prevention & Intervention Network (PIN), Goshen College. 2015- Present
• Faculty Member, MLK Planning Committee, Goshen College. 2015-2018
• Committee Member, Academic Dean Search, Goshen College. 2016-17, 2017-18
• Committee Member, All Faculty & Staff Retreat, Goshen College. 2016-2017
• Faculty Advisor, Functional Immediate Response to Student Safety Team (FIRSST), Goshen College. 2014-2015
• Faculty Member, Writing Advisory Board, Goshen College. 2015