March 19, 2024

Updates from the Center for Community Engagement

Hi y’all, happy fall – Here are some upcoming events from our corner of the community:

  1. a. Interested in including community engagement in your courses, but not sure how to connect with a community partner?

On Thursday, Oct 14th at 4pm, please join the Center for Community Engagement for a panel on Establishing Community Partnerships!

Are you interested in exploring community engaged teaching or research, but wonder how to create a good partnership with a community organization? How do you look for possible partners? What are good strategies for approaching them? What types of communication help keep the wheels turning smoothly (or “smoothly”)? What are crucial things to know in starting & maintaining a relationship?

Come hear from an interdisciplinary panel of faculty as they describe their experiences, and then settle in for some Q/A and discussion.

Meeting via zoom; please register through this form, and we will send you a link.

  1. Looking for new opportunities to support some of our community members?

Fredericksburg City Public Schools are looking for volunteers this year to help in the classrooms. They are eager to find people to help out in the Kindergarten classes at Hugh Mercer Elementary School, but have other opportunities available as well. Please fill out this form and we will be in touch to set up your volunteer times.

Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program is working hard to welcome a large number of refugees from Afghanistan. They are looking for some passionate volunteers who could commit to a 10 hours training, and 3 hours/week of work, helping families do important things like registering children in school, seeking housing, etc. Does this sound like you? If so, complete this form, we will connect you with their coordinator.

  1. THANK YOU for all of your support of the school supply drive for Loisann’s Hope House sponsored by University Staff Council. Back packs and school supplies overflow the donation boxes!!

We are still collecting donations of menstrual supplies, in partnership with Women’s, Gender & Sexuality studies – to give to FCPS teachers, for students in need. Donation boxes are outside the Center for Community Engagement on the 3rd floor of the UC, Combs Lobby, and Monroe 340.

  1. Don’t forget election day is Tuesday Nov. 2nd. Early voting is open! UMW Votes will be providing rides to the polls and information tables on election day, and keep your eyes open for Day on Democracy programming on campus.
  2. If you, or folks you know, are in need of financial assistance the Rappahannock United Way ALICE fund can provide assistance with one-time/short term housing needs, car repair, child care needs, or other types of crisis assistance.

Hope you’re all well – please holler if we can be of help.

Leslie

Faculty Director, Center for Community Engagement
Associate Professor of Sociology
University of Mary Washington