Kent State University faculty, staff and students volunteer their time and talents while gaining an understanding of the community, social justice issues and the world around them through opportunities provided by the university’s Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement.

Ann Gosky, senior special assistant in Kent State's Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, says the goal is to give volunteers a voice and a chance to impact their local community.

“Our role as an office is to identify opportunities, create learning experiences and engage volunteers in their local community through service,” Gosky says. “We want them to dig a little deeper and make them more aware of the social justice issues that affect people living in communities around our campus.”

The office provides several opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Typical projects include feeding the homeless, helping the elderly, restoring the environment and providing medical care. Volunteers are encouraged to attend either individually, in a group or as participants in a class project.

Students can use their service opportunities in many ways. With faculty permission, they can use the experience to enhance a plus-one credit option or a noncourse-based experience. They also can enhance their studies through the experience or just enjoy giving back to their community.

“We also hope to promote the idea that students can be change agents and that they can connect these experiences to their academic and career objectives,” Gosky says.

Breanna Fitzpatrick, Kent State senior audiology major, has volunteered since her freshman year. She also is one of 25 super service leaders. These leaders engage students in community-based learning experiences throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond. They are trained to value the reflective component of volunteerism and to encourage others to not only participate in community service but also learn from the experience.

“When you volunteer, it’s important to understand why you’re doing it and reflect on what you’re doing and how you can help in the future,” Fitzpatrick says. “Volunteering has taught me to problem solve, break down stereotypes and become more accepting of people.”

Fitzpatrick enjoys volunteering with The Bridge Project, where volunteers go to Akron with bagged lunches prepared the night before to feed to the homeless. She says her favorite part of this project is the conversations she has with the people she feeds.

“It changed my whole view on volunteering,” Fitzpatrick says. “You’re not there to just give someone an item; you’re there to get to know the people.”

Other popular activities include Super Service Saturdays and Alternative Spring Breaks. Super Service Saturdays involve a group of volunteers going out on a Saturday and spending the day in the local community working on different service projects. Alternative Spring Breaks engage students in learning and service experiences throughout the Midwest and eastern U.S. Opportunities are provided for more than 170 students.

Amanda Bevington, Kent State junior interpersonal communication major, also is a super service leader. Bevington went on an Alternative Spring Break trip in Buffalo, New York, this past spring. She encourages students, faculty and staff to get involved with volunteering in the community right away.

“It's something that will change your life forever,” Bevington says. “It challenges you, inspires you, motivates you and changes you all for the better. I've learned that there's nothing quite as rejuvenating as losing yourself in the service of others.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities provided through Kent State’s Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, visit www.kent.edu/oeece.