Building a better world through individual & collective public service
By Matt Farley, Director of Administration & National Service Programs
Despite historic economic means and growth, our communities still struggle with significant economic, political, and social inequities. Addressing systemic inequities requires a systematic approach where we position creating positive social change as the responsibility of all community members—whether in the public, nonprofit, or private sector. But systematic social change requires individuals who choose a public service path.
Higher education is uniquely positioned to enable this kind of social change on a large scale. It provides students with space for professional exploration and experiential learning that helps them determine not just what they’re good at but what motivates them—and helps them build civic habits and discover their personal mission. By doing this, campuses empower students as civic innovators and leaders who can address immediate day-to-day community needs, advocate for public policy that shapes our laws and resource allocation, and envision innovative practices that help address root causes of wicked social problems.
There are many ways campuses can engage in this work, and we hope you will find some of the examples and resources shared in this message helpful. One critical partner I’d like to highlight, however, is AmeriCorps. In its nearly 30-year history, AmeriCorps has been a tool to help mobilize community members to dedicate significant time to social action. At Campus Compact, we’ve been a proud, long-term partner of AmeriCorps and witness firsthand every day the transformative power of public service on communities and on the individuals who participate in it. Just last week, our latest cohort of AmeriCorps members with the VISTA program (pictured above) showcased the outcomes of their yearlong terms of service. The impact is staggering.
High-impact practices that link student learning and experiential education with public service can really benefit everyone—and amplify the benefits of our work. By leveraging these practices on campuses around the country every day, our civic and community engagement efforts create a ripple effect that leads to a more just and equitable society for us all.
Public Service Exemplified
The following programs and individuals illustrate different approaches to public service and how dedication to making a difference can create powerful impact in communities.
Muskingum University empowers students through the JAG Public Service Fellows Program
This program (recently highlighted in our Resourcing for Success Series) works to transform young people into active citizens and public servants who create positive change in communities. More →
Montana Campus Compact AmeriCorps College Coach Raymond Knight honored for lifelong public service
In recognition of more than 6,500 hours served across multiple AmeriCorps terms, he was awarded the President's Lifetime Achievement Award & honored as Points of Light's 7,563rd Daily Point of Light. More →
Portland State University’s Project Rebound helps formerly incarcerated people transition from prison to college
Program provides formerly incarcerated women enrolled at Portland State with paid national service professional development opportunities to help them ease into post-prison life. More →
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Jacob Lau, AmeriCorps VISTA Member, develops and expands support for college students, particularly low-income and first-generation college students, through his work with the Civic Scholars Leadership program
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AmeriCorps VISTA member Stephanie Soward engages families, K-12 schools & community partners to create pathways to higher ed for Indiana students
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Campus Compact Program Manager Yvonne Nieves shares how College Renaissance Corps will offer a model for national service and civic engagement
Take action: Public Service
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Find out how the Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement framework & survey can help with understanding students’ interests and predispositions regarding approaches to social change.
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Consider assessment tools like Miami Dade College’s Civic Action Scorecard, which leverages technology to collect data and stories of students’ civic engagement or IUPUI’s Civic-Minded Graduate framework that evaluates the extent to which students graduate as civic-minded individuals.
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Learn about Iowa & Minnesota Campus Compact’s Civic Action Academy, which will bring students together to build skills in philanthropy, leadership, dialogue & advocacy.
Join Campus Compact
To leverage the full benefits of Campus Compact at your institution, join our coalition. Campus Compact membership offers valuable information, powerful networks, and opportunities to work collectively with peers across the country.