Community Engagement

Community Engagement , like Service Learning, is a form of Civic Engagement. Community Engagement and Service Learning differ in the fact that Service Learning is ALWAYS connected to an academic course; Community Engagement (aka. Community Service/Volunteerism) is not.  

LCCC encourages student engagement in both Serivce Learning and Community Engagement and have a couple methods of assisting in connecting students to general volunteering opportunities.

How to identify volunteer opportunities:

• Find us on Facebook. "LCCC Serves" is a place where students and community members can come together to discuss volunteering and community issues as well as view current volunteer opportunities. When an organization has a need for volunteers, these opportunities are posted on this page.
• Contact the Service Learning Office. Even though the Service Learning Program works with civic engagement through academic courses, the program is aware of community needs and can connect students to volunteering opportunities as well.
• Browse online volunteer websites:
  • VolunteerMatch.org
  • Idealist.org
  • HandsOn Northeast Ohio
  • Business Volunteers Unlimited (Northeast Ohio)
  • Greater Cleveland Volunteers

Skills-Based Volunteering

Community Engagement can and should be mutually beneficial for both the volunteer and the organization/community. When a mutually beneficial connection exists, usually it will yield a greater impact. We encourage students to serve in volunteer roles that are connected:  

• To your social interests (poverty, hunger, domestic violance, animal rescue, etc.)
• To your current skills (phography, web design, carpentry, mentoring, first aid, etc.)
• To your career path/major (Nursing, Law, Computer Maintenance, Social Work, Arts, etc.)   

 The Service Learning Office can also assist you in making these more meaningful connections.