Getting Engaged Locally!
In the last few months I have had numerous informal conversations with Duke students about their interest in a DukeEngage service placement. Students have been understandably daunted by the number of applicants our program receives and rumors that certain programs are particularly competitive. As I chatted with students about their programs of interest, I was surprised that their interests were often motivated solely by geography. I would ask, “Tell me what you are studying? What are you interested in? What skills do you have to offer? What service experiences have you had since coming to Duke? Have you been to the Community Service Center? Do you volunteer through a club or association on campus?”
Too often students hadn’t even asked themselves what it was exactly that they had to offer to our community partners. And my work with Duke students over the years has shown that they have a lot to offer. Students were not thinking enough about the connection between the needs of a community partner and their ability to address tangible goals over an eight week period, but instead where they might go for a summer. I didn’t understand and continue to be perplexed by the fact that students want to often give “globally,” while there are numerous opportunities that they are missing locally. And so, I can’t emphasize enough the valuable synergy between DukeEngage, the Duke Durham Neighborhood Partnership, the Duke Community Service Center and other opportunities for local service. Working in your own backyard offers an opportunity to tackle issues in your own community as well as provides experience working with community partners, opportunities for professional skill development and real hands on experience with the dynamics of short term service and sustainability of projects. Getting involved in Durham provides valuable experience before DukeEngage as well as a great avenue in which to channel your passions and skills once you’ve returned from your DukeEngage experience. So let your service begin today and I encourage you to check out all the opportunities available through the Community Service Center , Duke Durham Neighborhood Partnership and Volunteer Center of Durham….