Bryn Mawr College

Resources for Students

Volunteering 101

Am I Ready for Community Involvement?

 

• What is my motivation for working with the community? What do I
  hope might occur during my community involvement?
• What assumptions do I have about the communities I'll be working
  in? Where did these assumptions come from? How might these assumptions
  influence the types of relationships I will develop with community residents?
• What assumptions might members of the communities have of me as a
  Bryn Mawr student? Where did these assumptions come from? How might these
  assumptions influence the types of relationships I will develop with
  residents?
• What types of behaviors, attitudes, or conversation topics might be
  inappropriate? In what ways could a volunteer cause harm to the community?
• What fears or concerns do I have about engaging with communities?
  How can I address these as an individual or with a group of volunteers?

 

What Should I Consider Before Selecting a Community Involvement Project?

 

• What type of time/relationship commitment am I willing to make? How much time do I realistically have?
• What is my previous experience with community service/social justice?
• Do I want to continue a past interest or pursue new experiences? What aspects of past experiences would you want to change/avoid or repeat/experience again?
• What skills do I possess? What skills do I hope to develop?
• Are there particular social issues I want to address?
• Are there particular communities or age groups with whom I am more or less comfortable?
• Am I interested in direct work with people, or would I rather do administrative, research, or policy work?
• How can I connect my community experiences with my interests or academic/professional goals?
• Am I willing to take the time necessary to work with specific project and community members?