At GW, service is so ubiquitous that students can turn in a variety of directions to find opportunities to serve. President Steven Knapp has identified service as one of the institutional priorities, and the university has been frequently recognized for its devotion to service.
George Washington Today caught up with Amy Cohen, executive director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service, to discuss some of the programs (and deadlines!) that students can take advantage of, including this weekend’s Freshman Day of Service.
Q: What are some of the service opportunities that students should know about for the fall semester?
A: Students have so many opportunities to get to know our neighbors in D.C. and to serve with them. We are currently looking for volunteers and federal work-study students to tutor with GW D.C. Reads, a literacy program for elementary school students with nine partners across the city. GW Jumpstart is also recruiting volunteers and work-study students to serve in early childhood programs supporting children and their families. The Neighbors Project has partnerships with 40 community organizations supporting human needs throughout the D.C. metro region and is seeking volunteers to serve on a regular basis. The applications for this year’s Alternative Breaks are due sooner than you think: Sept. 23 and Oct. 7. Students can participate in 14 different service trips in the U.S. and Central America
Q: What is service-learning, and what do students need to know about courses that are available to them?
A: Service-learning is a great way to learn by doing. Students are able to make a difference by using what they are learning in a course to meet a community need, while at the same time becoming familiar with social issues and the community. The service may be hands on – for example, tutoring or clearing a trail -- or it may be conducting research and writing for a community organization. I recommend that students review upcoming courses prior to registering by visiting Academic Service-Learning and work with an adviser to determine which classes fit well with their schedules and interests. Many service-learning courses are noted with a comment in the course bulletin.
Students interested in implementing a creative solution to a social issue and pursuing their academic interests may propose a service project and work of scholarship for the Steven and Diane Robinson Knapp Fellowship for Entrepreneurial Service-Learning. Application materials will be available at serve.gwu.edu later in the fall.
Q: What are some of the things planned for Freshman Day of Service?
A: This is going to be a fantastic Freshman Day of Service! Our theme is “Beautifying Schools, Building Community.” We will partner with D.C. public schools students, families and teachers to paint walls and murals, post bulletin boards and beautify 14 D.C. public schools. And we will continue our partnerships and traditions from the last two Freshman Days of Service. To continue to support the environment, we will eliminate invasive species and clear trash in Ft. Dupont Park. To continue to support veterans and military families, we will serve at Vinson Hall and the Armed Forces Retirement Home. Along with President Knapp and Provost Lerman, our opening speakers, Eboo Patel, executive director of Interfaith Youth Core, and Kaya Henderson, chancellor of D.C Public Schools, will inspire us to serve together and build a strong community. Through our service, we will demonstrate the power of building strong university-community partnerships that enhance GW and the community.
Freshman Day of Service is this Sunday, Sept. 11. Our activities will be a part of the National Day of Service and Remembrance, and we will kick off GW’s activities in support of the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Challenge.
Students will be able to talk about what service means to them through conversations over dinner after the service, and faculty may choose to talk about the service day with students in class. The Center for Civic Engagement will sponsor a student essay contest on the meaning of Freshman Day of Service for GW students, serve.gwu.edu.
Q: Are there any specific things going on at the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service that you wish students were more aware of, or opportunities that you wish students took more advantage of?
A: The Public Service Grant Commission will once again make $30,000 available for student-led service projects. We are seeking applications for commissioners to review and select projects and are seeking project applications. Applications for those interested in becoming a commissioner are due Sept. 15. The first of two fall 2011 deadlines for the public service mini-grants is Oct. 14. Please visit gwpsgc.wordpress.com for more information.
Funding for innovative, academically based service projects will be available through the Steven and Diane Robinson Knapp Fellowship for Entrepreneurial Service-Learning. Application materials will be available at serve.gwu.edu later in the fall.
Students should start now to earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Students who record more than 100 hours of service over the course of the year get a pin and certificate signed by President Obama recognizing their service. Go to http://gw.volunteermatch.org/post/login.jsp to record your service. Students have great opportunities to serve both in service-learning courses and through our great co-curricular service programs. Visit www.serve.gwu.edu for more information email [email protected] or stop by to visit us at 2129 G St. Come serve with us!