Preparation

Proper preparation lays the foundation for the service experience. This can be done at the service site or on campus. The purpose of preparation is to encourage volunteers to begin the questioning process and prepare them to experience service with an open heart and critical mind. Before any of our students engage in a form of community service we make sure they know the whos, the whats, the wheres, and the hows.  It is the job of Service Coordinators and Student Program Assistants – student employees who serve as liaisons between the Loyola community and local community agencies, to make sure that each volunteer receives a full orientation about the program.  During the orientation, basic details will be covered like transportation, meeting times, required paperwork, who students will meet with when they arrive at the service site, as well as an actual description of the service activity.  This is the time when any and all questions about the service experience can be answered.  It is also a great opportunity for volunteers to meet and get to know the Service Coordinator or Student Program Assistant because that student will be the main contact for the volunteers throughout the year. During preparation we also try to give students information about the neighborhood in which they’ll be serving—some of the strengths and assets, but also some of the challenges. We may talk about some basic information about social justice issues that the community is facing.