What Kind of Program Makes Sense for Me?

We are so excited that you are interested in becoming involved in the community through the CCCE! Being engaged is incredibly important and rewarding, and the CCCE offers a whole range of programs that play different roles in the community. We have a few questions below that may help you think about what program makes sense for your skills, interests, and availability. If you have any questions or are unsure where to start, stop by our office or email any staff member and we will be happy to help you!

Time Commitment

Each of our on-going programs have different schedules and expectations, and their demands on your time at Carleton will vary. Consider these questions when choosing a community engagement project:

  • When are you available?
  • How frequently do you want to volunteer?
    • Weekly
    • Monthly
    • Once a term
    • On-call basis
  • Will you be off-campus any term this year?
  • Do you have other large obligations this term (e.g. theater production, sports team, comps, taking two or more lab courses, etc.)?
  • Are programs that interest you going to require additional time for travel (sites located across town, in Faribault or the Twin Cities)?

Personal Interests

  • What are your past volunteer experiences? Do you want to continue to develop these interests or are you looking to try something new?
  • What ages do you like to work with? (e.g. youth, teens, adults, elders)
  • What are your skills (e.g. fluency in a foreign language, experience working with people with developmental disabilities, farming experience, etc.)?
  • Are there particular skills that you are hoping to develop? (e.g. improving competency in a foreign language)
  • Would you prefer to build a relationship with an individual or work more in a group setting?