Expanding Our View of Service 

While many of us first think of service as a direct connection with people, it doesn't always take that form. Sometimes, essential service involves other types of action. Advocacy, listening, learning, civic engagement... these behaviors are needed acts of service. Read below for ideas on how to broaden the ways you serve! 

Learn! 

How much do you know about your community? How much do you know about that social issue that lights a fire within you? Take some time to learn.

• Curious City from WBEZ: Learn about Chicago!
• Loyola Libraries: Stream award winning documentaries for free
• Watch this video by Hannah Sternig to learn how to include service on your resume.
• Learn about Chicago's Indigenous history and the original stewards of this land

Listen! 

Do you seek out diverse voices and perspectives? Whose voices inform your drive to serve? Take time to listen to others who may not often be heard. 

• StoryCorps: Real People and Real Conversations
  
• Ted Talks: Global and Local Perspectives 
  
• Human Library: Conversations that challenge stereotypes

Advocate! 

Have you explored the systems in our society that either build or dismantle justice? Is your informed voice heard advocating for the common good? Advocate for a cause you believe in. 

• Ignatian Solidarity Network: Join with Others
  
• Check out Loyola student clubs that are advocating for issues you are passionate about
• Consider which role you take as an advocate for social change

Take Civic Action! 

How do you contribute to society, whether from the role of citizen or other type of community member? How do your actions demonstrate responsibility to community? Shape and support your community. 

• Register to Vote: Sign up Now!
• Be an Informed Voter: What’s on Your Ballot?
  Option 1 | Option 2

Reflect! 

Do you integrate what you’re seeing, experiencing and learning? Does the way you live align with the values you claim? Pause regularly to reflect on your experiences, values, and call to action. 

• Try an Ignatian Examen: A Few Minutes, A Few Questions!
• Spend Some Time With Three Key Questions: Simple Questions, Big Answers!
• Have a Conversation with a Friend, Family Member, or Mentor: Some Possible Questions... 
  • Why are you passionate about your chosen career?
  • How are you making a difference in the world?
  • What motivates you to serve your community?
  • What would the world look like if it was “perfect"?
• Take an Artistic Approach! Consider the questions above but respond with drawing, painting, singing, poetry, creating a play list... 

Connect with Us!

Sign-up to receive our newsletter! We keep you up to date on service events and opportunities for the Loyola community.

Want an individual conversation about service opportunities? Email us at serve@luc.edu to ask for a Service Advising appointment!

 

More Service Opportunities...

Are you looking for a service opportunity different than what is offered in CSA programs? Is your student organization looking for a one-time service project for a large group? Just curious about different service opportunities in the city? Check out these resources!

Handshake - more than job postings! Loyola's community partners also post volunteer needs on Handshake!

Chicago Cares - lists great volunteer opportunities in the city!

CSA Instagram, Facebook & Twitter! - We regularly post opportunities sent our way. Check out our feeds!

Reflection

‌We serve to make the world a better place. Pausing to reflect upon what we are experiencing when we serve is a critical step.  Through reflecting, we make meaning of our experiences and can decide how we move forward with our service. Check out these resources to support your own reflection:

• Want to connect your service more directly with your academics? Visit the Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship (CELTS).
  
• Is your community service raising questions about your future career? Talk with the Career Services.
  
• Curious about diversity and inclusion? Attend an event at the Center for Diversity and Inclusion
• Do you want to deepen your faith as you serve? Check out Campus Ministry.
  
• Are you interested in finding a student organization that focuses on a social issue you have explored through service? Check out The Center for Student Engagement