Get Started in Service Learning + Civic Engagement
If you are interested in participating in service and civic engagement activities, follow these steps:
Learn about service learning and civic engagement (they are different things), and the kinds of opportunities that might best align with your interests and goals.
Explore opportunities available to you through service learning courses, volunteer recruitment sites, and more.
Connect with student service organizations, course instructors, or CSL staff who can help set you on your path to service!
Learn
Service learning and civic engagement are different ways that you can work to create social change during your time at KU!
The main difference between service learning and civic engagement is that service learning involves an academic activity (class, academic program, etc.) while civic engagement is much more broad. Many students participate in both types of activities during their time at KU!
We encourage you to explore our Pathways to Service and Strategies for Social Change models to learn more about the ways students can contribute to their communities. We also recommend reviewing our Principles of Ethical Service.
Definitions
Service Learning is an "educational experience that allows students to participate in an organized service activity that meets identified community needs and reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility" (Bringle and Hatcher, 1995).
Civic Engagement means "working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference" (Thomas Erlich, Civic Responsibility and Higher Education).
Explore
There are a wide variety of service learning and civic engagement opportunities for you to participate in during your time at KU!
If you are interested in participating in service learning experiences, you can find lists of courses by semester on our Service Learning and Social Awareness Courses webpage.
If you would like to find civic engagement opportunities that match your interests, we recommend starting by exploring Volunteer Recruitment Sites and our Student Service Organization information!
Another great step to take as you think about engaging in social change, if you are eligible to do so, is completing or updating your voter registration.
Connect
Once you've learned and explored, it's time to make some connections!
This may involve registering for a service learning course or reaching out to a faculty member to learn more about a class that seems interesting to you. This could also include reaching out to a student service organization or community-based organization to learn more about what they do- and how you can get involved.
If you don't quite feel ready to do those things, you might consider connecting with the CSL for additional support! We offer individual consultations (sign up on Jayhawk GPS) as well as drop-in office hours on Tuesdays from 2-4pm in Summerfield Hall, Room 203 (starting fall 2024).
The CSL also offers Events and Activities throughout the year. We hope to see you at one or more!