SERVICE SATURDAYS This fall semester we had five major service projects, worked with four different community partners, and collaborated with a variety of campus organizations. •
In early fall we partnered with the Intersectional Feminist Collective (IFC) in volunteering at Mack Park Food Farm where we harvested vegetables, composted, and prepared garden beds for winter.
•
In October we collaborated with STEM organizations and the Bittersweet Brigade to remove the invasive bittersweet plant on Winter Island.
•
We had so much interest from students in our urban farming opportunity in November at Newhall Fields Community Farm that we had to offer a second volunteer site at Mack Park. Students enjoyed planting garlic, harvesting herbs, seeds, and winterizing garden beds. We were excited to partner with the Honors Program and the Center for International Education for our November Service Saturday.
•
The Salem Pantry welcomed us to their warehouse in December where students helped load pallets for their brick-and-mortar location downtown, got an exclusive tour of the store front, and helped pick out food for Thursday’s Mobile Market at Salem State.
OPPORTUNITIES TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY ON CAMPUS
The first is to join the SSU Hunger Free Campus Coalition. This Coalition consists of students, faculty, staff, and community partners committed to destigmatizing food insecurity on our campus, increasing students’ access to basic needs, and advocating for the Hunger Free Campus Bill. The Coalition meets monthly on the third Monday of the month from 12–1 pm in the Charlotte Forten Room or on Zoom. The second opportunity is to serve as a volunteer at the Salem Pantry Mobile Market on our campus. Volunteers are needed Thursdays from 10:45–12:15 pm outside of Marsh Hall on Harrington Campus (Central) and from 3:45–5 pm and 5–6 pm on North Campus outside of the Ellison Campus Center. Please email the CCE at cce@salemstate.edu if interested in either opportunity.
NEWSLETTER | FALL 2023 This fall semester the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) was committed to creating spaces where students, faculty, and staff could connect over shared interests and passions. We intentionally created spaces where folks could openly share about themselves, their lived experiences, and engage in active listening with the goal of learning and understanding. Sharing our stories is a powerful advocacy tool but it is also essential for transforming communities. The CCE is invested in continuing to help students find their passion, purpose, and their people. We will continue to provide opportunities for students to network and learn from each other and community leaders. When we create spaces for students to show up as their authentic selves, it allows them to ask important questions, challenge the status quo, and dream of a better future for themselves and their communities. May the upcoming year inspire us all with renewed energy to create stronger and more compassionate communities. - Kate Adams, Assistant Director
DAY OF SERVICE
We are grateful to our partners who are so eager to work with our campus community. If you are interested in volunteering or partnering on future projects, please email us at cce@salemstate.edu.
We had a blast kicking off the fall semester with yet another successful Day of Service! The CCE and First Year Experience (FYE) office were thrilled to once again welcome first year students to campus and help them build community and belonging while working with local nonprofit organizations.
Consider joining us for the upcoming Service Saturdays: •
CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
In the state of Massachusetts 1 in 3 college students are struggling with food insecurity. A challenge that directly impacts our campus community. There are two great ways to be active in the food justice movement on campus.
April 6, 2024, with Salem Sound Coastwatch
CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT cce@salemstate.edu 978-542-2545 @SalemStateCCE