Student Resource Guide to Civic Engagement (1)
Karen Buhr, last year's President of the University of Minnesota's Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) has done a study—supported by the Office for Public Engagement—of the ways departments can encourage the civic engagement of their graduate students, and how students can enhance their own engagement.
Last week, this blog serially presented Karen Buhr's study, focusing on the departmental perspective. This week will deal with ideas and resources for graduate and professional students.
Why should you get involved in your university and your community?
1. To build skills. Getting involved helps you build skills, network, and feel a sense of accomplishment in making the lives of those around you better. Involvement outside the classroom builds leadership skills and prepares you for the future in ways that the classroom can not while looking great on a resume. In addition, the scholastic environment provides an opportunity to try out new skills in a safe way.
2. To improve your community. Both the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities have a rich community. Getting involved can improve the quality of both and make you a stronger part of your community.
3. To network. When you get involved you meet people. Sometimes those people can help you advance your career.
4. To meet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet. Getting involved can expose you to people from different parts of the world and different disciplines that you would not otherwise meet. Expanding the people you know helps you to expand your worldview. Broaden your horizons, get involved.
5. To escape the isolation of your department. Graduate students often feel isolated in their department. Getting involved gives you a chance to escape that isolation and feel that you are part of the University community.
6. To have fun. Yes, we are in graduate school to work, but that does not mean that graduate school can not be fun! Find an activity that you enjoy and share it with your community.
7. To make a difference in people’s lives. You’ll be amazed at the changes you see in yourself and the change you can create in others.
Get involved! Don’t know where to start? Here are some easy ways to get involved:
To be continued...