OACS
Nichols Humanitarian Fund Accepting Applications Oct 1
Thank you to the DOS partners and honored guests that attended the 11th Annual Nichols Humanitarian Fund Reception. Applications for the Nichols Humanitarian Fund 2017-2018 opens on October 1st. The Nichols Humanitarian Fund enables students to volunteer for local, domestic, or international humanitarian service opportunities by making support available for educational, travel, and living expenses during their time of service. The Fund distributes awards based on merit and need to Vanderbilt students to pay the expenses of their humanitarian activities. For more information on the Fund and how your students can apply, please visit the Nichols Humanitarian Fund website.
Vanderbilt Internship Experience in Washington, D.C. (VIEW)
Applications for the 2017-2018 VIEW program are now live and will be due Sunday, Oct. 29. Undergraduate students interested in exploring careers in public service are encouraged to attend an information session to best prepare for the competitive selection process.
Information sessions will be held in the OACS Lounge at the following times:
- 10, 3:00-4:00 PM
- 11, 2:00-3:00 PM
The Vanderbilt Internship Experience in Washington, D.C. (VIEW) program provides students with an opportunity to meaningfully explore careers in the public service sector in the dynamic setting of the United States’ capital. This eight-week program introduces students to the career opportunities in the public service sector, provides training and support for the summer internship application process, connects participants with the local alumni chapter for networking and mentorship, and facilitates a community experience of this fast-paced and exciting hub of public policy development. The VIEW program is facilitated by the Office of Active Citizenship and Service, in partnership with the Vanderbilt University Career Center.
OACS 2nd Annual Alumni Reception
On October 6th, OACS welcomed home Vanderbilt alumni in a celebration of the enduring Commodore culture of service at the 2nd annual Alumni Homecoming Reception. Alumni and students of the OACS family who contributed to community engagement and active citizenship at Vanderbilt through participation in service organizations or OACS programs enjoyed food and fellowship at the annual event, while current students joined in, reconnecting with alumni and updating them on the ways in which they engage with communities here in Nashville and around the globe. Through initiatives like the Alumni Reception, OACS hopes to strengthen the connection with alumni whose Vanderbilt careers led to professional careers influenced by service, activism and advocacy.
2018 Global Service Immersion Site Leaders
OACS is seeking qualified DOS candidates to serve as co-site leaders for the 2018 OACS Global Service Programs in Ecuador, South Africa, and Norway. The Global Service Programs are 6-week international service-learning programs whereby Vanderbilt students are immersed in another culture through working alongside communities to better understand social injustices from a community-based service perspective. The Global Service Immersion programs seek to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for the Vanderbilt student cohort, local partners, and the communities served. Applications open October 1st and close December 8th. Please apply using OACS’ Anchorlink form.
Qualified site leader candidates will have advanced-fluent language skills for programs in Ecuador, experience in or knowledge of the country, experience leading group programs or group service trips, and experience facilitating challenging conversations and reflection with students. All applicants should obtain permission from their supervisor to participate in the program, which includes preparing for and leading 7-8 2-hour seminars during the spring semester, attending 4 training sessions with OACS staff, and working abroad with students for 6-weeks. The site leader will be living in country and will be expected to be the main point of contact between the students, OACS staff, a partner organization, and service sites. Please contact Melissa Looby at Melissa.looby@vanderbilt.edu for more information.
OACS Global Service-Learning Programs Accepting Applications Oct 1
Starting October 1st, OACS will be accepting student applications for our summer 2018 service-learning programs to Ecuador, London, Morocco, South Africa, and, for the first time, Norway. OACS Global Service Programs challenge students to question their perspectives and roles in the shared human experience through pre-service curriculum, intensive service, post-service skills application, and continuous reflection. The programs are carefully planned in order to best facilitate students’ abilities to connect meaningfully with people different from themselves through humble engagement and reciprocal dialogues within host communities. Through this exposure to firsthand knowledge and lived experiences, students will examine the deeper issues related to equity and justice and identify systematic barriers to equality and inclusivity. Students with a sincere desire to grapple with the complexity of human connectedness, to challenge their known values, and to reconcile academic knowledge with an authentic exploration of social and environmental injustices are encouraged to apply for an OACS Global Service Program. If you know of students who may be interested in applying, please recommend that they review the OACS Global Programs webpage and/or contact oacs@vanderbilt.edu.
MHS 3890: Resettlement in Nashvile – Advocating for the Displaced
In the beginning of October, the MHS 3890 course engaged in conversation led by Greg Fontus, Director of IICC, on Cultural Sensitivity and Checking Your Privilege. This conversation better prepared students for meaningful interactions at their community partner placements. This session, students discussed systems of oppression and how they can begin to dismantle these systems in their interpersonal interactions with community members and non-profits.