We are already seven weeks into the semester; this is a great time to reflect on what you know about the community you are engaging with and ways to learn more. The Pathways to Civic Engagement and Community Change can provide starting points for expanding your involvement in an issue you are passionate about.
Consider The Pathways
The Pathways to Civic Engagement and Community Change offer opportunities to engage in social change in their communities. The pathways are Policy & Governance, Community Organizing & Activism, Direct Service, Community-Engaged Learning & Research, Philanthropy, and Social Entrepreneurship. These six pathways are not exhaustive and often intersect when participating in service opportunities.
For example, many students want to engage with youth during their time on campus, and the pathways can illustrate the various ways to connect with this interest.
Direct Service
- Volunteering to be an Academic Tutor with Accelerate4Kids or another organization
Community Organizing & Activism
- Join a student or community organization seeking change in the educational system.
Policy & Governance
- Learn more about the Student Advocacy Center in Michigan and their work related to education equity
Community-Engaged Learning & Research
- Enroll in a class that combines coursework with community field experiences, such as Semester in Detroit or Project Community.
Philanthropy
- Plan a fundraising event for school supplies
- Use social media platforms and other public-facing outlets to raise awareness of philanthropy efforts being spearheaded by other individuals or organizations
These are examples of deepening engagement with pathways. What pathways would you like to explore? To learn more about the pathways and take the Pathways Inventory Quiz, click here.
