Ilsley wins Fulbright Fellowship to Finland

by Mark McGowan

Paul Ilsley, professor of educational research, has received a Fulbright Fellowship to study active citizenship in Finland. Ilsley will work in Finland from July through December, conducting qualitative research into how the establishment of the European Union will change the country's citizenship structure. As an ambassador for cultural exchange, he also will offer a series of lectures at three universities, including the University of Helsinki.

Paul Ilsley

"I'm elated. Certainly, it's a highlight of my career," said Ilsley, an NIU professor since 1987. "Coupled with a sabbatical leave, and a Summer Research and Artistry Grant from The Graduate School, the fellowship provides an opportunity for me to conduct research in places and for lengths of time I wouldn't normally have. In this way, it's a super sabbatical."

Ilsley, who for 25 years has investigated voluntary action in the United States and the importance of it, is preparing a book on active citizenship and social forums. "This is a wonderful validation of that effort," he said.

He anticipates his colleagues and students will benefit from new opportunities, new courses and new avenues of research. Action research is an approach in the social sciences that permits both strong intellectual investigation and practical influence. It also centers on issues of social justice.

The fellowship allows Ilsley to work at the famed Activity Research Center, where he might enjoy a chance to work with the former president of Finland, who also is conducting similar Fulbright-funded research there.

Finland, meanwhile, provides a fertile laboratory.

"Scandinavian countries have long traditions of folk schools and other social forums where lengthy discussions are heard, issues are discussed and politics are shaped," he said. "There is some threat that the advent of the European Union will decrease active citizenship and social participation."

The issue is not foreign to the United States. "Though we have proud traditions of participation in voluntary action, we tend to race through issues. I find it strange, for example, that we can elect politicians on the basis of a series of 15- or 30-second infomercials."

Ilsley's research on active citizenship sheds light on an important concept, one that involves both liberals and conservatives: What is the basis of how we decide to support the status quo or change it?

Using phenomenology—both a school of thought and set of research practices—he examines volunteerism, the stakeholders of citizenship and the role of the government, and uses events such as the Million Man March or the rise in patriotism since Sept. 11 to probe citizenship's shifts and meanings.

Many people in the United States, among "the most individualistic" countries in the world, are only a few paychecks from the street yet have a good chance of improving their own economic standing.

"You cannot have the freedom to succeed without the freedom to fail. Many people are pushed out to the edges of society owing to race, class and gender issues. I'm interested in how people are marginalized, and how we can challenge our structures so everyone has the chance to be heard and to participate," he said. "All roads in volunteerism, and in social movements, lead to justice and equality. There are possibilities for people to learn to participate."

Fulbright's application process took more than a year. Evidence of teaching and research is required, including syllabi and portfolios. Books, writings, grants, productivity reports and testimony from knowledgeable and impressive references also are needed.

Cooperation from Ilsley's colleagues in the Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment, the dean of the College of Education, the Office of International Programs, the provost and the president came into play as well.

"I felt nothing but support," he said. "I believe Northern is well-positioned to help its own, to come together and to create opportunities. My award is testimony that at NIU we pull together well to accomplish goals."