Spring Break
EDITORIAL: Instilling community service
Editorial | 10/30/07
Posted online at 9:14 PM EST on 10/29/07
"No longer an island," a feature on our front page read last week. And yet, for some, an island is exactly what Brandeis seems to be. Too many students never even step into Waltham until late in their Brandeis lives. All too often, with shuttles and the commuter rail, Boston and Cambridge seem closer and more enticing than what's in our own backyard. However, to ignore what Waltham has to offer, and more importantly, to ignore all that we as a campus and a community can give back, is a huge mistake.
To be fair, service to the Waltham community is a very well-developed campus activity. Waltham Group claims to be the largest and most popular organization on campus, and it does a fantastic job of promoting service through activities such as Habitat for Humanity. Hillel and other Jewish organizations also contribute heavily to our service environment with activities such as mitzvah clowning that bring joy to the neighborhood.
More can and should be done, however, to introduce a greater number of students, specifically first-years, to the service opportunities that abound in Waltham, as an early introduction will inevitably lead to greater involvement in the city. Throughout their first year, students should be required to complete at least one coordinated service opportunity in the Waltham community. This could either be done through quads or interested professors organizing weekend trips for students. They could visit the Waltham Family School, for example, and teach non-native English speakers to read English.
First-year students should also visit and explore Waltham with their orientation groups to ensure familiarity with our city, but a community service requirement would ensure that the early connection doesn't end there. Not only will this demonstrate a greater effort for community service on the University's part, but it will also act as a catalyst for students to get involved. Giving back to the community must start with early awareness and exposure to the many exciting service options that exist.
To be fair, service to the Waltham community is a very well-developed campus activity. Waltham Group claims to be the largest and most popular organization on campus, and it does a fantastic job of promoting service through activities such as Habitat for Humanity. Hillel and other Jewish organizations also contribute heavily to our service environment with activities such as mitzvah clowning that bring joy to the neighborhood.
More can and should be done, however, to introduce a greater number of students, specifically first-years, to the service opportunities that abound in Waltham, as an early introduction will inevitably lead to greater involvement in the city. Throughout their first year, students should be required to complete at least one coordinated service opportunity in the Waltham community. This could either be done through quads or interested professors organizing weekend trips for students. They could visit the Waltham Family School, for example, and teach non-native English speakers to read English.
First-year students should also visit and explore Waltham with their orientation groups to ensure familiarity with our city, but a community service requirement would ensure that the early connection doesn't end there. Not only will this demonstrate a greater effort for community service on the University's part, but it will also act as a catalyst for students to get involved. Giving back to the community must start with early awareness and exposure to the many exciting service options that exist.
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