Service in the Time of COVID 19

Service in the Time of COVID 19

By Julia Vargas, Ed.D., director of the Center for Service Learning

As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Rockhurst promotes a faith of action and justice. During this time of social distancing, you may find it difficult not to act when we see injustice in the world and opportunities for service. I too have been experiencing that difficult feeling.  I have been conflicted by wanting to do something to help and being anxious about going into public spaces. 

Our President the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., has given a message how we can use this time to check in with each other. How do we accompany each other remotely?  Connecting with those who support us, those with whom we have quarreled, those who have grown apart. We are social beings and connection is an important part of life. Take this opportunity to connect with someone each day and display "cura personalis," or "care for the whole person."

Just as we check in with each other, please consider checking in with your community partner agency. Some of you may be experiencing a sense of loss by the sudden ending of your service. You have had the opportunity to join agencies in their mission, you have made relationships with those you serve, and you have experienced a sense of solidarity that now has ended. I would encourage you to contact your agency to express your appreciation for them, to share your learning, and to see it there is any way to serve remotely.

Many agencies have had to close their doors to volunteers to protect those they serve and the volunteers. This comes as a great cost to the organizations. Some have asked their staff to take on more direct service. Some have limited the services they are offering. Some have closed completely for the near future.  We all benefit from the thriving nonprofit community. Please consider what ways you can support our community partners even remotely. Contact the organization to see if there are virtual volunteer opportunities for you to do. Visit the organization’s website to see if there are any special needs that have come up because of the lack of volunteers (for example, one agency no longer has volunteers to prepare meals and are asking for ready-to-eat or shelf stable foods so that their kitchen is stocked).  You can purchase supplies online and have it delivered directly to the organization.

As we all learn the new normal, let us remember those most vulnerable in our community. Social distancing may create physical distance between us. Let us be creative in looking for ways to stay connected.