Civic Engagement

Additionally… “Civic engagement can take many forms, from individual voluntarism to organizational involvement to electoral participation.

It can include efforts to directly address an issue, work with others in a community to solve a problem or interact with the institutions of representative democracy.” (APA, 2016)

Hood College & Civic Engagement, it's our mission statement! 

Mission Statement: “Through an integration of the liberal arts and the professions, Hood College provides an education that empowers students to use their hearts, minds and hands to meet personal, professional and global challenges and to lead purposeful lives of responsibility, leadership, service and civic engagement.”

Places to Volunteer:

• American Red Cross 

• Advanced Biofuels USA 

• Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County 

• Campus Compact Mid-Atlantic 

• Community Living, Inc. 

• Daybreak Adult Day Services 

• Frederick Police Department 

• Frederick Rescue Mission 

• Girls on the Run Frederick County 

• Habitat for Humanity 

• Hood College Alternative Breaks 

• Interfaith Housing Alliance

• Literacy Council of Frederick County, Inc. 

• Million Women Mentors

• Mission of Mercy 

• Peace Corps 

• Second Street and Hope 

• The ARC of Frederick County 

• The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs 

• 4K for Cancer - Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults 

• United Way

• Wags for Hope 

• ...click here to see many more! 

Monthly Service Opportunities:

• Frederick Rescue Mission

• Daybreak Adult Day Services

• Community Dinners at Centennial United Methodist Church

Contact Bre Harwood, harwood@hood.edu for exact dates and to sign up!

Why should you participate in civic engagement?

• A great résumé builder; makes your skills and accomplishments stand out 

• Narrow down your career path- confirm or refute what you may be thinking of pursuing

• It encourages: time management skills, teamwork, professional job skills

• Reduces stress, helps feel connection to the community, and proven to be healthier

Some Statistics:

In a survey conducted by United Way of Frederick County:

• 96 percent of people who volunteered in the last 12 months indicated that it enriched their sense of purpose in life. 

• 78 percent reported that volunteering lowered their stress levels. 

• 76 percent say that volunteering has made them feel healthier.