Tips For Doing Service 

from The Community Service Resource Center

 

The CSRC is here to help you find service best suited to your interests, but if you still don't know where to start, here are a few tips to help you get on the road to helping in your community.

 

 

 

 Choosing a Project 

 

        -Think about a specific issue you would like to address and are interested in.

 

          -Consider the amount of time you would like to commit to.

               Some types of service commitments:

                    Short Term; Doing service for the site on multiple days over the course of a week or so.

                    Long Term; Doing service for a site over the course of the semester or year.

                    One-shot; Doing service for a site for only one day.

 

        -Use your resources.

               Some resources that advertise service projects:

                    Oberlin Classifieds; Volunteer Opportunities

                    Sign up for the CSRC Listserv by e-mailing Community.Services@Oberlin.edu.

 

          -Visit the Community Service Resource Center!

 

 

 

 Logistics 

 

     Things to consider after you have found your ideal service site.

 

          How are you going to get there?

               At the CSRC, sites are listed as being either bikable, walkable, or driven to.

                    If you must drive to get to a site there are a few options:

                    LCT goes to many places in Lorain County and you can reimbursed for fare.

                    If you have a car and are driving, the BCSL can reimburse 14¢/mile for gas.

                    You can also rent a vehicle from the college through the BCSL for free!

 

        Safety First!

               Ask the organization if they provide safety equipment such as gloves and kneepads.

          The Bonner Center can help provide some of these things if needed. If you are ever in doubt,

           bringing your own is always a good idea.

 

          Working with children.

               Some organizations require fingerprinting, background checks, certain vaccinations

          in order for you to work with children. Be sure to check with your organization well in

          advance in case any of these restrictions apply.

 

 

 

 Facilitating A Group 

 

        Build a Community.

               Connect with your group and with the organization.

          Icebreakers are a great way to start a service project

 

          Watching group dynamics.

               Maintain a safe space within the group so that everyone is ready to step out

          of their comfort zones and learn. 

 

          Take care of scheduling ahead of time.

               It is better to be prepared than to figure things out as you go.

          Create a schedule and stick to it.

 

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