Finding Belonging with Volunteering at GVSU

Keywords

Volunteering, Belonging, Non-Profits, Community, Interview, Video, Ripple Effect, Kent County Parks, Community Cares, GVSU Student Organization

Disciplines

Education | Higher Education

Mentor

Tara Hefferan

Streaming Media

Abstract

Many students move here from other cities, states, and even countries. A fear of many is whether they will find community or a sense of belonging in a new place. Volunteering is shown to be able to build and strengthen one’s community and sense of place. With this I have created a video promoting non-profit organizations I’ve worked with in the Grand Rapids area that have made me feel like a part of the community. I’ve had the pleasure of building connections with local non-profits through my time running the club Community Cares which is a student run volunteering club. I’ve noticed through my time talking with students that there is a lack of advertising and marketing for where and how to volunteer with local non-profits.

This resulted in a promotional video of personal statements from organizations and student volunteers about their own experiences and connections they’ve made through volunteering to hopefully inspire new students to use volunteering as an avenue to create a sense of belonging here at Grand Valley State University.

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