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Important Elements of Thoughtful Service

  • Community Voice: Listen to and include the needs and voice of the community
  • Intentionality: Be informed about the issue, the community with whom you are working, and the community agency that is hosting you
  • Positionality: Recognize “where” we are in relation to the service work and the community (privilege, stereotypes, etc.)
  • Reciprocity: Share in the experience with the community; serve and be open to being served
  • Reflection: Discuss reactions, share stories, place the experience in a broader context. This is a crucial component of the community service-learning experience and should happen immediately after the experience.

*Read the Do's and Don'ts of Partnerships for more tips on partnering with community-based organizations.

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