Resources
OUR MESSAGE TO STUDENTS
The Office of Civic Engagement subscribes to the notion that preservation of a democratic “community” (however one chooses to define this term) relies upon participation of its members.
We encourage students to consider the role they play as individuals within larger social, public, and environmental systems, and to work towards social change and the public good.
We look for ways to move students beyond traditional practices of volunteerism, service, and activism to begin crafting action that resonates with their passions, talents, and academic work, while also addressing community nonprofits’ needs.
We want to help students, Paideia cohorts and organizations find meaningful and transforming civic engagement experiences. The links on this website may only be the beginning of your search, but hopefully they will be helpful resources.
If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss opportunities, please email abanda@southwestern.edu.
WE WANT YOUR STORY!
Participated in something life-changing? We want to know about it! E-mail Alyson Banda with quotes, pictures, or any other form of testimonial about your experience in civic engagement and we will add it to our website. By participating in this process, Southwestern students will have a growing resource of testimonial to go to when thinking about different opportunities to get involved.
GUIDES TO LOCAL NON-PROFITS & SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES
Non-Profits and Social Service Agencies: Georgetown Identify Georgetown’s agencies and nonprofits that address key issues. Updated May 2013.
Non-Profits and Social Service Agencies: Greater Austin Area Identify agencies and nonprofits that address key issues in Central Texas. Updated May 2013.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT RESOURCES
Civic Engagement at SU What is civic engagement? How can the Office of Civic Engagement support your projects?
Georgetown 101 Learn about the local community and its nonprofits.
Developing Partnerships Helpful hints to remember for every stage of your civic engagement endeavors - from brainstorming ideas to thriving in the professional nonprofit setting.
Community Perspectives Find out what our community partners have to say about SU student volunteers & interns!
How Do You Define Civic Engagement? An activity you can do alone or with a class, Paideia cohort or other group to learn more about civic engagement.
2010-2011 Civic Engagement Summary A summary of civic engagement activities at Southwestern that took place during the 2010-2011 school year.
2010-2011 Co-Curricular Civic Engagement Summary A summary of co-curricular civic engagement activities at Southwestern with an emphasis on student organization driven activities.
EXTERNAL WEBSITES
The Georgetown Project, a non-profit organization devoted to building a healthier community for all children and youth in Georgetown
Volunteer Match, a great resource to search for your dream opportunity. Get in touch with organizations and personalize the searching process.
Hands on Central Texas, just like Volunteer Match, Hands on Central Texas provides listings of opportunities, but these are particular to the Central Texas area, and their front page has up-to-date postings of events where people are most needed.
Youth Noise, offers tools that equip youth to take action for a wide range of social issues
Idealist.org, an interactive site where people and organizations can exchange resources and ideas and locate opportunities and supporters
Campus Activism, an open online database of activist related information
Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans
Campus Compact, a national higher education association dedicated to campus-based civic engagement
Kinded.com, a movement inspiring kind acts
The Freecycle Network, a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns
Greenlights, a catalyst for extraordinary nonprofit performance in Central Texas
Ted Talks, 18 minute talks by the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers
