Connecticut College
EN-10: Community Partnerships

Established in 2010, Give 'N Go is a partnership between Connecticut College, the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and Safe Futures (a domestic and sexual abuse shelter and transitional living program). At the end of the school year students are able to donate clothing, furniture, appliances, and food as they move out of the residence halls. The United Way and Safe Futures work with the Office of Sustainability to run two "agency pick-up days" when local community organizations can come and take items they need for their operations for free. Leftover items are stored until the start of the next school year for use by first year students. Volunteers and staff from the college, United Way and Safe Futures work together to plan and implement this annual program. The program in May 2022 collected 10,035 lbs of donations and the program in May 2023 collected 10,095 lbs of donations.

Through Connecticut College's Office of Community Partnerships, work study students are paid with college funds to work as community gardeners at F.R.E.S.H. New London, a local urban farm. F.R.E.S.H. (Food: Resources, Education, Security, Health) New London is a holistic response to hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity. The organization promotes and builds local resources to meet local needs. It pursues its mission through food and agriculture projects, in the fields of: experiential education for ecological literacy and health; training for community and individual self-reliance; promotion of improved community management of natural resources; economic opportunities through local agriculture (including youth entrepreneurship); innovative distribution and marketing of locally grown food; and cultivation of the next generation of youth leaders. F.R.E.S.H. focuses its effort in building a vibrant local food system and a model of a food secure community. Work study students provide support with farm projects including planting and harvesting, farm planning, assisting with office clerical work, and working with the FRESH After-School Programs around New London to recruit and educate youth about nature and community gardening.

The Civic Leaders Program works to develop long-term commitment and involvement in civic-engagement within the New London community. Participants engage in issues related to housing and homelessness, food justice, health equity, education and youth. Students are matched with community partner organizations, based on their interests and skills, and the nature of the projects outlined by the organizations. In addition to the community placement, students participate in a variety of workshops, community outings, and a required weekly seminar run by the Holleran Center. The seminar includes readings and discussions, an overview of the history of New London and the community organizations, best practices in ethical and equity minded community engagement, training in professional etiquette, future opportunities, reflection on the placement work, and final presentations to our partners. Summer Civic Leaders live on campus during their placement and receive a stipend from the College. https://www.conncoll.edu/news/news-archive/2021/summer-civic-leaders/
https://www.conncoll.edu/academics/summer-programs/summer-research-and-leadership/