December 1, 2023/12:00am
Gannon University had taken social concerns and the Catholic Social Teachings into consideration, as students were provided with resources to take on their social responsibilities at the Service and Engagement Fair, as held by the Center for Social Concerns.
As stated on Engage U, the Center for Social Concerns promotes “local service and community engagement opportunities, advocacy and awareness building, and small group service and cultural immersion programs. Through these programs, participants come to know the gift of humbly serving, learning, and listening to our neighbors.”
On Tuesday November 28th, organizations within the Erie community gathered throughout the Waldron Campus Center to encourage the interactions of Gannon University students in local service opportunities.
The Service and Engagement Fair took place between the hours of 11:00am and 1:00pm.
Upon entrance to the Waldron Campus Center, a booth was set up with information, regarding the event in particular. Community Partner Engagement Guides were provided with the following questions listed, to get Gannon University students engaged with organizations at the Community Service and Engagement Fair:
Tell me a little bit about your organization and what you do for the community.
How can I get involved with your organization?
What community issues are important to you or your organization?
The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network, Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services, Love Your Block, Erie Downtown Partnership, Our West Bayfront, and L’Arche Erie were just a few of the organizations that were present at the Community Service and Engagement Fair, eagerly in search of local, Gannon University student volunteers.
Besides the booths, the Service and Engagement Fair had also held two separate panels, divided into two groups per panel.
The first panel took place between 11:05am and 11:25am, with the first section having met in the Yehl Ballroom and the second section having met in Waldron 219. The second panel took place between 11:30am and 11:50am, with the first group of sections having met in the Yehl ballroom and the second panel in Waldron 219.
Gannon Knights enrolled in the mandatory course, Gannon 101, had prioritized this Community Service and Engagement Fair. This was the result of attendance influencing course credit. Students were urged by Gannon staff, faculty members, and transition guides to explore the event. Students were also encouraged to attend a 20-minute community partner panel. This was so that students may have been provided with introductions to local and organizational service opportunities and resources.
Not just Gannon 101 students were encouraged to attend the Community Service and Engagement Fair, but the entirety of the Gannon University community.
“All Gannon students are invited to connect with community partners, learn about service and community engagement opportunities, and learn how to incorporate service into their time at Gannon,” as stated on Engage U.
Every Gannon Knights is called to engage with Catholic Social Teachings. This is so that they may be able to reflect the purposefulness of contributing acts of service within local communities more confidently. If you have any questions or concerns directed towards the Center for Social Concerns at Gannon University or regarding community service and engagement, contact [email protected] today.
