Civic Engagement now accepting volunteers

Troy University’s Office of Civic Engagement recently launched its online program and is now accepting applications from student volunteers who want to get involved and serve their community. 

They offer six different initiatives to engage and help the community: Our Community, Our Classroom, Campus Kitchens, Civic Lab, Garden and Nutrition Education, Bright Futures and Trojan Pantry. 

“We have different programs that students can venture out and try,” said Timaya Brown, a student volunteer and junior nursing student from Greenville, Georgia. "I feel like it's a good experience just interacting with other people.”  

The Office of Civic Engagement’s new program, “Time Counts,” allows students to view the initiatives, see what they are interested in and connect based on their own schedule.  

The Office of Civic Engagement also partners with local schools to bring supplies to their children as well as educate them on civic activities. They are also very involved with Common Ground, a non-profit organization for youth, and they run Trojan Pantry.  

“I see that we are important to them,” Brown said, “Some kids may not have a very strong background, so we prepare snacks and stuff to give them.” 

Students can get involved by simply volunteering, or they can sign up to be civic scholars. 

Civic scholars are essentially super-volunteers, and they dedicate 15 hours per semester to a particular initiative.  

“We believe that volunteering impacts the community that you have been placed in,” said Jayden McQueen, a senior political science major from Crestview, Florida. “You gain leadership skills and even friends.” 

Lauren Cochran, the coordinator of the Office of Civic Engagement, believes that community, and being part of a community, is important.  

“Being a part of a community is a really valuable thing,” Cochran said. “Without people investing time and serving and being aware about what's going on in their community, then the communities are not as strong, not as resilient, and not as representative of everyone.” 

The Civic Engagement Office offers many ways to connect with local organizations, help in the community and be involved. To get involved, students can go to my.troy.edu/service or visit their Instagram page @troy_service.