Education
Promoting Community Engagement and Volunteering
Module code: X5300E
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Observation
Promoting Community Engagement and Volunteering is a partnership between the University of Sussex Students’ Union and the School of Education and Social Work, bringing the academic learning of the school together with an opportunity for practical application in different community settings. It is the second module in this area and can be taken independently or as a follow up to Exploring Community Engagement and Volunteering, offered as a T1 elective.
After inputs from faculty providing introductory and theoretically driven training, you will be placed within a local community organisation (e.g. a school, a charity or part of the voluntary sector) and volunteer with them for a minimum of 30 hours across a semester. You will be offered a choice of volunteering opportunities with a range of vetted partner community organisations, and will be matched based on their interests, ability and timetabling availability. You will have access to both generic training and community engagement and volunteering theory as well as specialist training relevant to their specific context and role.
You and the partner organisations will have access to ongoing support from the University throughout. You will produce an individual presentation for assessment, critically reflecting upon your experience and impact including proposals and recommendations to promote the interests of your specific community/voluntary setting alongside an observational assessment carried out by the community setting.
This module provides a further opportunity to think about and act upon how we can make a positive difference in our local communities. Community settings may include the following: classroom support in local schools, 1 to 1 mentoring with young people, special school placements, the Buddy Scheme, Good Night Owls, community organisers and the Calais School Bus Project. Where relevant you may opt to continue your relationship with an existing community setting or volunteer with a new one.
All students will be expected to successfully complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate sound awareness and understanding of the opportunities, benefits and challenges surrounding successful volunteering and community engagement within a specific context.
- Critically evaluate their own role, behaviour and impact as well as the practice of others within a specific community and volunteering context
- Develop and employ appropriate skills (including: problem-solving, communication and leadership) and professionalism to support the aims and objectives of specific community and voluntary contexts.