Reception to showcase community service internships

Grand Valley students of all majors will have a chance to learn about community service and internship opportunities during a reception presented by the Anthropology Department September 17 from 5-7 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center, room 2215.

Deana Weibel, Anthropology Department chair, said this event aims to raise awareness of the ways community engagement influences the department’s internships while promoting its community partners and the new Engaged Department Initiative.

“Our department and students have the capacity to make a difference in the community through our efforts, knowledge and ideals of the discipline of anthropology,” Weibel said. “At the same time, our community partners serve to benefit our students and department by providing real-world experiences.”

During the reception, students can network with faculty and community partners while learning about community engagement internship opportunities.

“In recent years, the cultural anthropology field school has carried out research with West Michigan Therapy Dogs, military veterans in West Michigan, local farmers markets and Habitat for Humanity,” said Russell Rhoads, associate professor of anthropology. “Based on this track record, the anthropology faculty views participation in the Engaged Department Initiative as a way to build on our innovations and to expand our potential systematically through dialogue with others.”

Rhoads said three students are currently participating in internships with Bethany Immigrant and Refugee Services. The organization helps newly arrived refugees adjust to a new life in the U.S. These students will be matched with specific refugee families to provide individualized community and cultural orientation on a weekly basis. Student will be partnered with Syrian, Congolese and Afghani families.

“This experience connects global education and citizenship with local community engagement,” Rhoads said. “Community service like this builds students’ skills in intercultural competence, cross-cultural communication and immersion, and working in nonprofit organizational cultures.”

For more event information, contact Weibel at (616) 331-3346 or [email protected].

For more Engaged Department Initiative information, contact the Office of Community Engagement at [email protected].