Community-Engaged Service

  Entry #1 For our service-learning activities, I took part in two service opportunities. First, on September 22, I took part in the setup of the Riverdale farmers market at the church of the mediator. I got to work with Chelo, Stephanie, and Lucy to inform the community about the goals and opportunities at the church of the mediator. Myself, and other arches students worked to help support the local farmers with an information table about the market and their goals. Also, I helped prepare samples for individuals in the community with the fresh produce from 10-12. In addition, on September 29 I signed up with the social action club to distribute fresh produce to those in need at the CITYHARVEST Mobile Market in Washington Heights. Myself along with other community partners and Manhattan College students partnered together to prepare fresh produce and give it out from 8:30-1:00. During this service activity, I was able to interact with the community and to serve a greater good. ...

Entry #2 During my service activities, I enjoyed helping each organization towards their goals. For instance, the purpose of the CITY HARVEST Mobile Market is to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables, free of charge, to thousands of New Yorkers each month. In addition, the purpose of the Church of the mediator is to create a better environment through recycling and bettering the church’s image through interaction with the community. As quoted in Albanese’s ‘Definition Of Religion’, “Religion is expressed in communities, groups of people either formally or informally bound together by the creed, code, and cultus, they share.” These three c’s of religion (creed, code, and cultus) are important aspects to keep in mind because they are a combination of shared beliefs and meaning of humanity, as well as behaviors by which practitioners try to maintain. My time volunteering has shown me that one of the greatest aspects of religion (no matter the kind) is community because it allows for the i...