Student Life
Community Service
Service can be one of the most gratifying aspects of the college experience, and it plays a big role in the lives of Washington College Students. Whether you prefer working with children, preserving the environment, feeding the hungry, or brightening the lives of the elderly, you will find plenty of opportunities to get involved in the surrounding community.
Why Community Service?
"Service connects people and communities forever. There are many different reasons why people volunteer, but at its roots service comes from the belief that it is important to lend a hand and help others. Whether it's volunteering at the Humane Society, organizing a Blood Drive, or educating people on a cause you find important, service in any form makes a tremendous impact on not only the people being helped, but the volunteers as well."
- Cynthia Sebian-Lander '07
People get involved in community work for a variety of reasons—to explore various social issues, as a class requirement, to gain professional experience, or to experience Chestertown beyond the campus grounds. The connections and relationships that emerge through community work differ based on each individual's time commitment, interests, and experience.
Questions when seeking community service projects
- What are your motivations?
- What do you hope to gain from this experience?
- What do you have to offer?
- What do you hope to achieve?
- Are there particular social issues that you would like to address?
- Are there particular kinds of people, age groups or communities you would like to work with?
- How much do you already know about the issue or constituency?
- Is there a need to learn more before acting?
- Would you like to continue a past interest or pursue new experiences?
- Are you interested in direct work with people, or would you rather do administrative, research, or policy work?
- How can you connect your community experiences with your academic and professional goals?
- What kind of work would challenge you the most?
- How much time do you realistically have?
If you have questions please contact Secretary of Service Learning for the SGA Andrew Mehdizadeh, amehizadeh2@washcoll.edu, or the Director of Student Development Programs Beth Anne Roy, broy2@washcoll.edu.
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782