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 Community Service looking for volunteers

by Molly Jackson                                                           Exchange Staff Writer     

For the last twelve years the Community Service Department has provided FPC students with the opportunity to reach out and learn about their local community, but student involvement is declining.

The Franklin Pierce Community Services Department has become part of the Individual and Community curriculum for all freshmen.  One of the requirements to complete the Individual and Community course is to volunteer ten hours to a community service project.  There are many programs that the Community Service office has available to FPC students such as, the Adult Care Center, Boynton Buddies, Caps for Kids, Fast Friends Greyhound Rescue, Headstart, Kitty Rescue, and the Keene Community Kitchen.

Student’s involvement is a crucial part of the Community Services Department.  The program currently has twelve student workers that are the liaisons to the community for different programs.  One of the problems the Community Services program has had has been a lack of interest amongst the students.  Sophomore Michelle Durand, coordinator for the Head Start program said, “You don’t get paid for it, so no one wants to do it.”

Trying to get students to participate in community service after their required ten hours are fulfilled has become one of the most important goals for the Community Services Department.  Senior Kaitlyn Llewellyn, coordinator for the Keene Community Kitchen and Caps for Kids said, “To hook a student on volunteering is a fantastic reward for me and the most important part of my job.” 

The Community Service program at FPC is an opportunity for students to become acquainted with the community of the Monadnock Region.  Assistant Director for Community Service Marabeth Farmer said, “Community service is a really important part of the community and it’s a wonderful way to learn about yourself.” 

The most important part of community service is finding a project that is interesting.  Farmer said, “It’s all about finding a project that you’re passionate about, because if you’re not having fun with it, then you’re doing something wrong.”

There are many rewards for students who participate in Community Services. Volunteers who take part in a project for a year are added to the list of all star student volunteers.  As seniors, students can graduate with honors in community service.  Durand said, “It’s just so much more rewarding than a regular job, you get so much more out of it.” 

The Community Service Department has grown over the years, and continued student involvement is necessary to keep the program running.  The future of the program depends on getting the word out about different Community Service projects. Farmer said, “I see students coming to Pierce understanding how their involvement in community service supports the goals of the student experience at FPC, and the goals of the Individual and Community curriculum.”