At Good Counsel, service isn’t just a requirement—it’s a powerful way to make a real difference in the community. However, recent changes in the guidelines for service hours have caused some confusion among students. As the school transitions from pandemic-era policies, it’s essential to understand what qualifies as valid service. This article aims to clarify any confusion, offering guidance on where to find service opportunities, what counts as approved hours, and how to make the most of your service experience.
Service Opportunities at Good Counsel: What’s Changed?
Let’s start by addressing a key concern: many students have noticed that certain service activities accepted in the past are no longer valid. While this may seem like the service requirement has changed, the truth is that the policy itself has remained the same.
Ms. Bowlds from Campus Ministry explains that the school’s service policy has always emphasized serving the marginalized in our community, particularly the poor and vulnerable. However, the enforcement of this policy became more relaxed during the pandemic, as many organizations that serve these communities could not accept student volunteers due to health concerns. To accommodate students, the school provided alternative service opportunities within Good Counsel.
Now that the pandemic is over, Campus Ministry is returning to the original service guidelines, which focus on direct service to those in need rather than internships or other activities that do not directly benefit marginalized groups.
Where Can and Can’t Students Go to Complete Service Hours?
Knowing which service opportunities align with the school’s mission is essential. Here’s a breakdown of what counts—and what doesn’t—when fulfilling your service hours:
Service Opportunities That Count:
Food banks: Volunteering to distribute food or assist in food drives for needy people.
Drives: Participating in or organizing drives (e.g., toy drives, clothing drives, or fundraising walks).
School-sponsored events: Good Counsel-organized activities involving direct service to others.
Service Opportunities That Don’t Count:
Internships: These do not qualify unless they involve direct, hands-on service to marginalized communities.
Nonprofits: Simply working for a nonprofit organization does not count unless the work directly supports marginalized individuals or groups.
Helping teachers at school: Assistance with classroom tasks or events does not meet the service hour requirement.
How to Find Service Opportunities?
Campus Ministry is working hard to make it easier for students to find service opportunities in Olney and surrounding counties. In the meantime, you can visit the school’s website to access a list of approved service opportunities.
Here’s how you can find these opportunities:
Visit the Good Counsel website.
Click the search bar in the top right corner.
Type “Serving Others.”
Click on the first result.
Scroll down to the yellow bar that says “Service Site Opportunities.”
Click through to view a complete list of approved service opportunities.
This list is regularly updated, so check back often for new opportunities.
Maximizing Your Service Experience
Service is more than just completing hours—it’s about making a positive impact and learning from the experience. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your service journey:
Communicate clearly:Be clear about what you’re looking for in a service experience, and ensure the organization understands your availability and expectations. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and sets the stage for a positive experience.
Be respectful and considerate:Approach your service with kindness and patience. People are more likely to go above and beyond for volunteers who show genuine care and respect, which can lead to a richer, more meaningful experience.
Be open to feedback:Constructive criticism can help you grow, while positive feedback reinforces what’s being done well. Take time to reflect on your service and share your insights with others, helping improve future experiences for yourself and others.
What to Do If Your Service Hours Are Rejected?
If you receive a notification that your service hours have been rejected, don’t panic. Instead, reach out to Campus Ministry. They can explain why your hours weren’t accepted and allow you to discuss why you think the service should count. The Campus Ministry team is always willing to have a conversation and help you understand the guidelines.
Service Is About Making a Difference
While the rules for service opportunities at Good Counsel may have changed slightly post-pandemic, the heart of the mission remains the same: serving the poor and marginalized in our community. By following the updated guidelines and utilizing your available resources, you can easily find approved opportunities that align with the school’s mission.
Remember, service is not just about fulfilling hours—it’s about making a lasting impact and learning from the experience. If you ever have questions or need support, Campus Ministry is here to help guide you every step of the way.