Service Learning               Resources Specifically for Faculty                            

I can tell you from personal experience . . 

CAn-dOO
“In this program I have had to work with my floor mates on projects – this has given me a chance to know people with my common interest. We have done a wide range of projects, from working with kids to hosting a dinner; I am getting to experience many types of service and seeing what a difference my contribution can make.”

ADOPT A GRANDPARENT
“Working with the elderly at the ECU has been a very eye-opening and enriching experience for me. I visit Jane, my “grandparent,” every week, helping her and the other residents to play bingo on Thursday afternoons. I’ve visited with several other residents there, including Council President Marlene, who I interviewed for my sociology paper. I’ve also sung songs and Christmas carols for the residents. While some of them don’t always show it, simply being around the elderly brightens their day. It’s great to see them happy with smiles on their faces.”

HOG
“I really enjoy working with kids around the middle school age, they are extremely entertaining and very receptive to your help. This organization has had a great effect on my time here – both by using my free time and giving me a way to get involved in the community. I hope to continue this work for all my time at Colgate.”

SIDEKICKS
“It’s been a great experience being able to watch someone grow and change over 3 ˝ years, and to know that you have had a positive influence on their lives.”

MADISON GROUP HOME
“It’s great to know that one hour of your time per week can make such a huge difference in someone’s life.  The kids look forward to us coming, and at the end of the year they gave us gifts they had made themselves.”

HEADSTART
“I have loved working at Madison Elementary school. I help the kids with their writing, dance, and sing with them, and play with them during free time. I starting paying attention to one boy, Tyler. He was having trouble writing and didn’t seem to interact well with the other kids. The other day, he was writing, and wanted my help. I saw that he didn’t need my help to write, but just wanted my attention and friendship. When I looked at his sheet, I saw he could trace his name so much better than when I first began. I like working with little kids and wanted to make a difference in their lives. I like helping them learn and know that people care about them. Encouraging other students to volunteer – I would describe the amazing feeling when five four-year-olds surround you and give you a big hug. I would tell them how good it feels to know you might have made just a little difference in these kids’ lives. You don’t realize how much you mean to them. When I walk in the room, they get really excited. They know I care.”

HOMEWORK CLUB AT MADISON
“I was looking for a way to get more involved in campus, and volunteering seemed like the perfect opportunity. There are so many causes that need attention, every little bit of time you can dedicate helps. Also, it has been such a fulfilling experience, it’s almost addicting!”

BEST BUDDIES
“Working with others who are unable to live the life I do, no matter in what ways, is always educational. Not only have I learned how to befriend severely disabled adults, but I have also learned to appreciate all that I have a little bit more.”

HUBBARDSVILLE MANOR  
“This group volunteers to aid and comfort elderly residents. These places do not foster happiness in the residents. I feel that is my job. I have learned so much in this effort. I have learned that each person has a unique identity. Tyson flew bomb planes during WWII. Hazel sang in a choir that played across the world over the radio and worked in fashion in NYC. These people do not deserve to be alone. They all need somebody, if only just to listen.”

HELPING HANDS
“Volunteering has exposed me to many different kinds of people, those I’m working with, and those I’m working for.”

HAMILTON CENTRAL SCHOOL TUTORING
“I do service so I know my community better. I can see closer connections between Colgate and the teacher I work with. I continue service so I can meet people in my community and contribute what I may.”

MADISON SCHOOL TUTORING
“There have been times in both places where the kids and I have really connected, and I can see that they really recognize and appreciate what we are doing.

STOCKBRIDGE TUTORING
“Overall the experience has been a wonderful way to support children in need of positive role models. The relationship is reciprocal, as they also point out the more meaningful, and often overlooked things in life. I love working with children and feel that these children are especially in need of positive influences in their lives. Volunteering helps other as well as helps you to gain a broader understanding of life. It’s a very rewarding experience.”

BINGO AT MADISON LANE APARTMENTS
”Talking to my bingo buddies every week forces me to think about life in general. I have had a lot of conversations that change my priorities. Every week I go to bingo I come back with a different reason for returning again and again. Although sometimes it's depressing, listening to people talk about their past and their future is very interesting and, as I said before, forces me to think about life in general. Also they are so much fun to be around that I just enjoy all the time I spend with them. Volunteering gives me a new outlook on life and gives me a chance to burst my bubble and know what really goes on in the world. Most of us live a pretty sheltered life and, through volunteering, while we might not be able to completely understand the struggles other people go through in everyday life, we are one step closer.”
“I have really enjoyed getting to know the ladies (and Hank) at our weekly bingo sessions! They have great stories and of course, I have thoroughly enjoyed winning bananas! I really wanted to do some sort of volunteer work on a regular basis and this activity is every Friday. It fit into my schedule really well and its fun! To encourage others to volunteer, I would tell them to just try it because it really is rewarding and enjoyable!”

How can I be a part of it?

• STAFF
• VOLUNTEER COLGATE GROUPS
• PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
• COLGATE SCENE ARTICLE
• GUIDING QUESTIONS

Reach Out . . .  Learn . . . Plan for the Future . . . Be a Part of the Process