Learn more about considerations and tips for entering community sites prior to engaging in your service.
1. Fostering Synergistic Relationships
- DO WITH instead of DO FOR or DO TO your community partner
- Respect: be mindful that you are a guest and ought to show respect for the organization you are serving with
- Appreciate: show appreciation for the time and energy spent serving with your agency
- Listen: practice active listening when given instructions by staff and ask for help when in doubt
- Commit to the relationship: relationship building is instrumental to effective leadership and service
2. Pre-flection - Questions to Ask Yourself Prior to Service
- Identity and impact: be mindful of differences regarding cultural and social identities and how they may affect your project
- Community culture and context: it is very important to recognize that community partner organizations may have cultures that are different from the culture you are familiar with on campus. We encourage you to observe and attempt to learn the organization's culture so you can orient yourself to the community context prior to engaging in service
- Reciprocity: what can you do to nurture an experience that is mutually beneficial for you and your community partner?
- Leaving your legacy: ask yourself how you want to be remembered in the community you are serving with
- Community partner information: think about the community's values and mission, the type of service they provide to the community, their scope of impact, their opportunities for service and ongoing engagement.
3. Logistical Considerations
- Pre-service requirements: ask a representative of your community partner whether there is any training or orientation required ahead of time
- What to wear and bring: ask the community organization what type of attire is appropriate ahead of time
- Electronic device etiquette: refrain from using cell phones or other personal electronic devices while at the community site unless it is related to the project at hand
4. While serving, remember to:
- Be appropriate in manner, dress, and language
- Respect the privacy of all community agency clients
- Be open to new experiences and ideas
- Expect to glean something new and work hard
- Avoid making assumptions - remember that one's lens is one's lens
5. Community partners have said they really appreciate volunteers who demonstrate the following qualities:
- Flexibility
- Humility
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Interest in building relations and networking
- Respect
- A positive attitude and enthusiasm
- Interest in the issue area and the organization
Considerations Explained:
Respect- Show respect for the agency you are serving- Be mindful that you are a guest at the community site.
Appreciate- Most community organizations are understaffed- Show appreciation for the time spent working with you/your group!
Listen- Listen attentively to the directions provided by the community representatives/staff. Ask for help when in doubt.
Commit to the relationship- Understand that relationship building is key to almost everything related to one's service experience. Share oneself in ways that earn and garner trust and respect.
Identity and Impact- Consider cultural differences and other identity elements between you/your group and the organization and population you will be working with and how these could impact your project.
Community culture and context- It is important to acknowledge that community partner organizations can have cultures different from the culture you experience at the university. In order to be sensitive to these differences, once you enter into the community space you should observe and learn the organization’s culture. Realize that you may not come from, or be familiar with, the communities that the organizations are in, so be sure to orient yourself to the community context before you start engaging in service. Ask yourself: What is the history of this community? What are current challenges this community faces? What are the primary demographics found in this community? How is this community impacted by the local economic and political climate? What does this community aspire and hope for?
Reciprocity- Reflect upon what you can do to promote a mutually beneficial experience for all.
Leaving your legacy- Remember that you are a representative of yourself, PSU, and any organization you are affiliated with. Reflect on the following questions before entering your community site: How do you want the community to remember you? What do you want your legacy to be?
Community Partner Information-What services does the organization provide to the community? Why are the services provided important? What is the mission and scope of impact of this organization on our local and regional community? What would happen if this organization lost funding and/or volunteer support? What are the opportunities for volunteers and ongoing engagement with this organization? Are there opportunities for philanthropy/giving, advocacy, policy work, internships, and other forms of civic engagement with the organization?
Pre-service requirements- Ask if there is any training or orientation needed ahead of time.
What to wear & bring- Ask the community agency what attire/dress is appropriate ahead of time. Be mindful that your clothing is appropriate for the type of work you will be completing.
Electronic device etiquette- Refrain from using cell phones or other personal electronic devices while at the community site unless it's connected to the project at hand.
*Adapted from Oregon State University's Center for Civic Engagement resource.