Recommendations developed by Clark’s Collaborative for Community Engagement
Clark defines Community Engagement as “the collaboration between Clark University—including its students, faculty, staff, and administration—and larger communities (Main South, Worcester, Massachusetts, the United States, and the world) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources. This partnership seeks to dismantle inequitable power dynamics, promote shared decision-making, and recognize that the well-being of all is interconnected. Collaboration across disciplines and with diverse knowledge-builders outside academia enhances capacity for meaningful impact.
We build knowledge by collaborating across academic disciplines, and also by reaching beyond academia to learn from leaders and thinkers in our communities. Together, we can build structures of shared decision-making that promote mutual well-being.
Below are some reminders to keep in mind as you reach out to community partners:
Timing
- Remember that the college schedule does not neatly align with organizations that work year-round.
- Community partners are typically available during business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Be sure to communicate any times that you will not be available to collaborate with a partner, such as during school breaks or holidays.
- In advance of collaborating with a community partner, be clear on how many hours and for how long you’ll be able to commit to your work. If your schedule changes and you need to adjust your commitment, be sure to communicate this as soon as possible.
Capacity
- Organizations have varying levels of capacity when it comes to hosting or even responding to requests from the community.
- As vital as volunteers are to the functioning of community groups, they also require training, oversight, and resources.
- While some organizations are built to accommodate large volunteer groups or frequent projects, others require smaller numbers of volunteers who maintain long term commitment.
- Look for community partners who are compatible with the type of work you’re able to provide.
Do your Research
- Review an organization’s webpage and other online platforms to learn more about the organization.
- Be sure to look for their mission statement, the types of support they are looking for, and where the organization is located.
Use your Networks
- While the Collaborative for Community Engagement has developed relationships with a variety of individuals and organizations, you are also welcome to use your networks to find connections that best meet your needs.
- Consider connecting with Clark faculty or alumni for referrals.
Exercise Patience and Understanding
- Community organizations must maintain a priority focus on the populations they serve and their overall mission. It can be an ongoing challenge to find the resources necessary to support this work.
- Remember that while our partners love bringing in volunteers and engaging with students, they may not be able to respond immediately to inquiries or be able to accommodate project ideas that fall outside their top priorities.
Maintain a Learner’s Mindset
- As you connect with local individuals and organizations, keep an open mind and be open to learning new things about the organization, their work, the local community, and yourself!
- You will likely encounter difficulties, challenges, and new experiences. Take time to think about what you’re noticing and how you can reflect upon and learn from your community engagement.
- When you encounter things that are surprising or uncomfortable, take time to see what you can learn from these experiences. Moments of discomfort are often the best opportunities for growth and development.
Engage as a Neighbor
- As a Clarkie, you’re part of the Clark and Main South communities. Worcester and Clark are both your home. It’s up to you to decide what kind of connection you’re cultivating with your fellow neighbors.
- We encourage you to engage in the local community with humility, curiosity, and a desire to support local initiatives.
- While we encourage you to find opportunities to develop your own leadership, remember that our goal is to help strengthen and support existing community efforts. Be mindful of how your leadership and initiative are supporting and aligning with ongoing projects and initiatives.
Maintain an Asset-Based Mindset
- We’re lucky to be in a city with a long tradition of community engagement and resilience, where neighborhoods are built on the strengths, knowledge, and creativity of residents.
- Honor the dignity and expertise of community members by recognizing that every person, group, and organization has something valuable to contribute—whether it’s cultural traditions, lived experiences, skills, or networks of support. Rather than focusing on what a community may lack, this perspective emphasizes what is already strong and thriving.
- As college students, you bring fresh ideas and energy, but it’s important to listen first and look for the wisdom already present in the community. We ask that you collaborate and build upon existing assets rather than “fix” perceived problems.
