It’s no secret that our society has historically marginalized Black women. And social justice movements and community service haven’t been left out of this marginalization. That is why it is so important for young, Black students to engage in community service. This allows us to change the narrative and create a lasting impact.
By engaging in community service Black women will do more than just gain experience (although that is beneficial too), they will break down barriers and lift one another up. In this article, we explore the intrinsic and extrinsic benefits of engaging in community service. As Shirley Chisholm, the first Black congresswoman, said, “Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” When we pay this “rent” we get something in return – we encounter diverse perspectives and experiences.
When we participate in community service, we better understand those around us and their unique challenges, cultivating a growing sense of interconnectedness in a world where division seems to abound. "Community service is not just something you do; it's a way of life. It's about standing together, supporting one another, and lifting each other up." Tarana Burke, activist and founder of the Me Too movement.
Office of Student Life and Engagement
350 Spelman Lane, SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
404-270-5149
mcason2@spelman.edu
Mon. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Register on Spelman Serves
On the student home page, click on ADD IMPACT on the right.
Complete the requested information.
Save and continue.
*PLEASE NOTE: Your hours will not be approved if you do not have a completed and approved Service Site Pre-approval Form on file, and your hours will not be accepted.
You MUST complete a Service Site Pre-approval Form.
• The form must be completed and signed by your service site supervisor and the Spelman College Community Service Coordinator, prior to completing service with the organization.
• Service Site Pre-approval Forms are available in the Bonner Office, Manley Center, Room 202.
• Service Site Pre-approval Forms take up to five (5) business days to approve.
• Service Site Pre-approval Forms must be submitted and approved prior to completing service hours.
The Spelman College Bonner Office defines community service as:
• Performing an altruistic act
• Work or effort put forth, without pay, to benefit a community or its institutions
• Fulfilling a community need
• Working directly with the citizens of a community to fulfill a social need
If you are unsure about your service activity, contact the Community Service Coordinator prior to your service.
First-Year Students: Community service hours can be performed and logged
from August - April.
Second-Year Students: Community Service hours from previous semesters cannot be rolled over.
The Service Shuttle only services select nonprofit organizations that are in reasonable distance of the College. Prior to scheduling your visit, please review the Shuttle Service schedule to determine if your service site is listed.
Marta
Marta Breeze cards are available to Spelman students who actively volunteer a minimum of five hours a week. For those eligible for this incentive, you will need to register on-line through GET CONNECTED. Obtain your Marta Breeze cards 1 week prior to your scheduled service.
For more information regarding student service transportation, please contact the Administrative Office Coordinator at 404-270-5315.
• Agency/Organization must hold a 501(c) 3 tax status.
• Agency/Organization MUST be registered on GET CONNECTED.
• All service must be performed OUTSIDE the Atlanta University Center gates, but within the Metro Atlanta area.
• We encourage students to serve the community within a 1.7 mile radius surrounding Spelman College. –Project Impact
• If you wish to complete service hours with an agency/organization not registered on GET CONNECTED, you MUST complete a Service Site Pre-approval Form, prior to completing the service.