St. Mary's Day of Service

Abstract

One of the defining principles of the St. Mary's community, as stated in the St. Mary's Way, is a culture of community service. Whether this is a characteristic of the college or a goal for it, there is not sufficient participation on campus to support this ideal. Awareness of service opportunities is presently limited by a lack of visibility. Enhanced publicity of service events both around campus and online would cultivate awareness, but more could be done to cultivate interest. Service provides an opportunity for action and socialization, and I would emphasize that in promoting a campus-wide day of community service. For this event, student clubs and staff departments would organize several separate and interdisciplinary on- and off-campus service opportunities. This event would strengthen community bonds and provide academic enrichment, giving real-world context to abstract issues affecting our community. I am working with the Office of Orientation and Service Activities to plan this event for April 2016. I hope that it becomes a popular annual event and that it strengthens appreciation service and its benefits.