Community Service & Social Justice

Community Service & Social Justice

At Goucher College, there are many opportunities for students who want to actively engage in the local Baltimore community. Goucher has a long-standing commitment to social justice and civic engagement – it is one of the college’s five community principles:

“We value active participation in bettering the Goucher community as well as those communities beyond the college where we live, work, and serve. In addition, we seek to understand the issues of privilege and oppression that exist in these communities.”

Goucher’s historical engagement in the community, Baltimore, and the world is represented each and every day by the work of our students and the volunteerism and community engagement they promote.  As a community, we uphold the motto, “think globally, act locally.”

Our Community-Based Learning Program links service in the community and academic coursework. By combining hands-on community-based work with academic classes, students are able to gain a rich experience of addressing social issues through community action.  Check out the information under Community-Based Learning for more information on courses offered and who to contact to learn more.   

If you’re looking for something that isn’t directly connected to a class, our Community Service Program may offer a unique opportunity to serve as a volunteer, tutor, and mentor in an area school or a non-profit organization in the community. Students may also become involved in asset-based community development in partnership with several local organizations. Check out Volunteer Opportunities to learn more about partnerships and how to get involved.

Latest posts from Community Based Learning blog:

Americorps*VISTA…a year of community service
by John Bernett      Dedicating a year to community service through Americorps*VISTA is a large commitment. You don’t make any money. When I filed my taxes I was kind of shocked to realize that I was in the very bottom bracket of the tax ladder and owed nobody any money. It really drove the whole thing [...]

A Wheelchair Experience
The wheelchair exercise was a great way to gain brief insight into the every day struggles someone with this type of handicap would experience. It forced me to deal with the obstacles, and maintain my life at the same time – something which unto itself can be enough. The first major problem I had occurred [...]

From a chair by Kathy Goodman
My wheelchair exercise proved to be quite a trying day, not only because I am an anal-retentive schedule keeper and said schedule was ripped to shreds by an object as simple as chair with two wheels, but also for the confinement which I experienced due to an inability, albeit only a fake one, to participate [...]

Community Art Corps seeking members for 2010-11
The Community Art Corps at Maryland Institute College of Art is an AmeriCorps State program that places talented artists in year-long residencies with nonprofits in Baltimore City. Our members use their talents to make a difference in the lives of children, adults, and low-income communities.