Service-Learning - What is Civic Engagement?

General Information

248 Main Street
Farmington, ME 04938
Phone: (207) 778-7037
FAX: (207) 778-7247
TDD: (207) 778-7000
E-mail: swallow@maine.edu

Office Hours:
Mondays: 9:00am-5:00pm
Tuesdays: 9:00am-5:00pm
Thursdays: 9:00pm-1:30pm

What is Civic Engagement?

"At its most basic core, Civic Engagement is defined as the interaction of citizens with their society and their government."
-Patrick, '98

Civic Engagement is any service that fulfills a community need. While Civic Engagement includes Service-Learning, it also includes many other forms of community service performed by groups and individuals.

Student Opportunity: The Gulf Coast Alternative Spring Break, '06

This trip not only focused on hurricane relief, but also on the connection between the disaster in Louisiana and rural Maine issues. Students were asked to reflect on their daily service and consider how disaster and disaster initiatives affect differing populations and communities. After returning, students presented at the UMF Mardi Gras Celebration and on Symposium Day.

Students as Colleagues

UMF students attended the "Students As Colleagues Conference" on 11/2-3/06 at Bentley College in MA. As a result of the conference, students formed a Service-Learning Coalition (SLC). Members of this club will participate in community service events, assist the office of Service-Learning, etc.

Day of Service

In September, UMF's Student Life Office sponsors a day of service. This event allows new and returning students to acquaint themselves with the greater Farmington community while providing a variety of services. Examples of some past projects: Working with the Franklin County Children's Task Force, painting benches at Titcomb Mountain, and setting up exhibits at the Farmington Fair.