Issue Areas
Animals – The Community Service Center believes that animals deserve respect and proper treatment.This issue area will explore different aspects of animal rights and advocacy while performing service toimprove the lives of animals. Volunteers will be challenged to consider the complexities of animal andhuman interactions. A few sites that volunteers may work with include Franklin Park Zoo, Stone Zoo, anda variety of animal shelters in the Greater Boston Area.
Children -The Community Service Center believes that children are our future. This issue area is for youth advocates who are concerned with the many obstacles that face children in reaching adulthood and becoming contributing members of society. You will address many issues facing children today, including, but not limited to, abuse, terminal illness, homeless, education, adoption, violence, divorce, disabilities, and poverty. Activities may include tutoring and mentoring or helping to improve community centers and Boston Public schools. In the past, volunteers have worked with Horizons for Youth, Linking Hands, Salvation Army Day Care and the Home for Little Wanderers.
Disabilities – The Community Service Center believes that people living with disabilities should be afforded the same rights as all individuals. You will focus on and advocate for the needs of children and adults living with disabilities. Activities may include providing services to individuals living with physical and mental disabilities. In the past, volunteers have worked with the Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian Farm and the Greater Boston Guild for the Blind.
Elders -The Community Service Center believes that mutually beneficial relationships exist between people who are older and people who are younger. This issue area is for people who are interested in advocating for the rights of the elderly and for those who are interested in recognizing the inherent value of the elderly community. In the past, volunteers have worked with the Rogerson Communities, Ethos, and the Goddard House.
Environment -The Community Service Center believes that the environment has intrinsic value and that the relationship between nature and humankind must be considered in order to ensure the welfare of future generations. You will specifically focus on sustainable development and environmental preservation. Activities may include environmental restoration, wildlife management, and urban farming. In the past, volunteers have worked with the Esplanade Association, Drumlin Farms, and the Earthworks Urban Orchards Program.
Gender Focus -The Community Service Center believes that individuals should have access to resources that help them to critically understand the distinction between sex and gender. This issue area focuses on dissecting our social construct of gender by looking at self-esteem, eating disorders, and sexual orientation. In the past, volunteers have worked with Mass Equality, Second Step, and Dress for Success.
Public Health Awareness – The Community Service Center believes that individuals have the right to physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellness. You will focus on advocating for and building relationships with people who are living with diseases and illnesses. Volunteers will address a variety of issues associated with sexual health and other health issues including active living, healthy eating and preventive medicine. Activities may include supporting education and prevention programs, community outreach and logistical support for different organizations. In the past, volunteers have worked with Children’s AIDS Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Lifelines, and Community Servings.
Homelessness & Housing –The Community Service Center believes that homelessness results from a multiplicity of factors that are often brought about by unintended consequences. Such factors may include, but are not limited to, mental illness, poverty, and physical disabilities. You will work alongside people who are displaced from their homes in order to better understand the root causes of homelessness. Projects may include helping to paint low-income houses and community housing developments, work on a rehabilitative farm for adults, and personal visits with people who are displaced from their homes. In the past, volunteers have visited The Food Project, the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, and the Casa Nueva Vida Committee in Boston.
Human Rights – The Community Service Center believes that all individual should have access to the basic human rights. These rights include inalienable rights that all people are entitled to for simply being human. Amongst these, we value the protection of social and cultural, civic and political, and economic rights. You will work with individuals and communities whose human rights have been infringed upon due to various circumstances. In the past, volunteers have worked with the Worcester Refugee Assistance Project, IMEC, and several MA state prisons.
Hunger -The Community Service Center believes that it is our duty to help to end hunger and poverty throughout the greater Boston area. This issue seeks to understand the systemic causes that bring about hunger, malnutrition, and obesity. Volunteers will have the opportunity to critically examine our local food system by working on sustainable farms and food pantries. In the past, volunteers have worked with the Food Project, Heifer International, and the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Urban Engagement – The Community Service Center believes that in order to build a healthier society it is our duty to work alongside those in urban areas that do not have access to resources. This issue area specifically addresses building resources in low-income urban centers in order to foster a healthier overall community. In the past, volunteers have worked with the Red Sox Green Team, the Boston Natural Areas Network, and the Roxbury Farm Food Project.
