Community Service

What is Civic Engagement? 

Service can come in many forms and can be called many different things.  Terms such as volunteering, community service, service learning and civic engagement are often used interchangeably to describe a wide range of service activities.  When in fact, these terms have very distinct definitions and describe different levels of service activities.  At the Center, we use the following terms and definitions to distinguish our programs and goals.

Community Service is action taken to meet the needs of others and better the community as a whole.

Service-Learning is a form of experiential education that includes community work as an additional "text" that can deepen classroom learning through conversation and reflection.

Civic Engagement is adding one's voice to community conversations.  Advocacy on behalf of others.  Participation in public life.  Encouraging other people to participate in public life.  Joining in common work that promotes the well being of everyone.

These distinctions in terms are supported by the Campus Compact and the Princeton Review.