giving back to the community essay

Essay on Giving Back To The Community

Students are often asked to write an essay on Giving Back To The Community in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Giving Back To The Community

What it means to give back.

Giving back to the community means helping others without wanting anything in return. It’s about doing good things to make the place where you live better for everyone.

Ways to Help

You can give back by volunteering at local shelters, cleaning up parks, or helping at a food bank. Even small acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor, count.

The Joy of Sharing

When you give back, you make others happy and you feel good too. It’s like sharing a piece of your heart with your town or city.

Everyone Can Contribute

Anyone can help, no matter how old you are. By giving a little time or effort, you can make a big difference in your community.

250 Words Essay on Giving Back To The Community

What does it mean to give back, why should we help.

Helping others makes our community a better place. Think about your favorite park. If people did not take care of it, you wouldn’t enjoy playing there. When we help, we make sure everyone can have a good time in places we all share.

Ways to Give Back

There are many ways to help our community. You can join a group that cleans streets or help at a place that gives food to people who are hungry. Even small acts, like being kind to someone who is sad, can make a big difference.

When you give back, you also feel happy. Have you ever seen someone smile because of something nice you did? That feeling is one of the best parts of helping others. It’s like getting a gift when you give one.

Remember, you don’t need to be rich or grown-up to help. Even as a student, you can do a lot. Sharing your old books or helping a friend with homework are great ways to start.

Giving back to the community is about caring and sharing. It makes our world a nicer place for everyone. So, let’s all try to do our part and help out in whatever way we can!

500 Words Essay on Giving Back To The Community

Why should we help our community.

Helping our community is important because it creates a happier and safer place for us all. When we do good things for others, it’s like planting a seed that grows into a beautiful tree. That tree then gives shade and fruit to many people. In the same way, our good deeds can spread joy and help to lots of people.

There are many ways to help our community. You don’t need a lot of money or even a lot of time. Here are some ideas:

Donating: Sometimes we have things we don’t need anymore, like clothes or toys. Giving these to someone who can use them is a great way to help.

Being Kind: Even small acts of kindness, like smiling at someone or saying “thank you,” can make a big difference.

Benefits of Giving Back

Learning and growing.

By helping others, we learn new things. Maybe you’ll learn how to plant a garden, make a bookshelf, or understand how a food bank works. These are skills and knowledge that can help you in the future.

Bringing People Together

When we give back, we often work with other people. This can help us make new friends and understand people who are different from us. It’s like building bridges between people who might not meet otherwise.

Starting Small

You might think you’re too young or don’t have much to offer, but that’s not true. Everyone has something they can do. Start with something small. Maybe you can help a neighbor carry groceries or pick up litter in your street. Every little bit helps.

Giving back to the community is about doing our part to make things better for everyone. It doesn’t matter how big or small your action is; what matters is that you’re doing something good. So think about what you can do to help your community. It can be fun, and you’ll feel great knowing you’ve made a difference. Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can change someone’s day for the better.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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How to Write the Community Essay – Guide with Examples (2023-24)

September 6, 2023

Students applying to college this year will inevitably confront the community essay. In fact, most students will end up responding to several community essay prompts for different schools. For this reason, you should know more than simply how to approach the community essay as a genre. Rather, you will want to learn how to decipher the nuances of each particular prompt, in order to adapt your response appropriately. In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that, through several community essay examples. These examples will also demonstrate how to avoid cliché and make the community essay authentically and convincingly your own.

Emphasis on Community

Do keep in mind that inherent in the word “community” is the idea of multiple people. The personal statement already provides you with a chance to tell the college admissions committee about yourself as an individual. The community essay, however, suggests that you depict yourself among others. You can use this opportunity to your advantage by showing off interpersonal skills, for example. Or, perhaps you wish to relate a moment that forged important relationships. This in turn will indicate what kind of connections you’ll make in the classroom with college peers and professors.

Apart from comprising numerous people, a community can appear in many shapes and sizes. It could be as small as a volleyball team, or as large as a diaspora. It could fill a town soup kitchen, or spread across five boroughs. In fact, due to the internet, certain communities today don’t even require a physical place to congregate. Communities can form around a shared identity, shared place, shared hobby, shared ideology, or shared call to action. They can even arise due to a shared yet unforeseen circumstance.

What is the Community Essay All About?             

In a nutshell, the community essay should exhibit three things:

• An aspect of yourself, 2. in the context of a community you belonged to, and 3. how this experience may shape your contribution to the community you’ll join in college.

It may look like a fairly simple equation: 1 + 2 = 3. However, each college will word their community essay prompt differently, so it’s important to look out for additional variables. One college may use the community essay as a way to glimpse your core values. Another may use the essay to understand how you would add to diversity on campus. Some may let you decide in which direction to take it—and there are many ways to go!

To get a better idea of how the prompts differ, let’s take a look at some real community essay prompts from the current admission cycle.

Sample 2023-2024 Community Essay Prompts

1) brown university.

“Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)”

A close reading of this prompt shows that Brown puts particular emphasis on place. They do this by using the words “home,” “College Hill,” and “where they came from.” Thus, Brown invites writers to think about community through the prism of place. They also emphasize the idea of personal growth or change, through the words “inspired or challenged you.” Therefore, Brown wishes to see how the place you grew up in has affected you. And, they want to know how you in turn will affect their college community.

“NYU was founded on the belief that a student’s identity should not dictate the ability for them to access higher education. That sense of opportunity for all students, of all backgrounds, remains a part of who we are today and a critical part of what makes us a world-class university. Our community embraces diversity, in all its forms, as a cornerstone of the NYU experience.

We would like to better understand how your experiences would help us to shape and grow our diverse community. Please respond in 250 words or less.”

Here, NYU places an emphasis on students’ “identity,” “backgrounds,” and “diversity,” rather than any physical place. (For some students, place may be tied up in those ideas.) Furthermore, while NYU doesn’t ask specifically how identity has changed the essay writer, they do ask about your “experience.” Take this to mean that you can still recount a specific moment, or several moments, that work to portray your particular background. You should also try to link your story with NYU’s values of inclusivity and opportunity.

3) University of Washington

“Our families and communities often define us and our individual worlds. Community might refer to your cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood or school, sports team or club, co-workers, etc. Describe the world you come from and how you, as a product of it, might add to the diversity of the UW. (300 words max) Tip: Keep in mind that the UW strives to create a community of students richly diverse in cultural backgrounds, experiences, values and viewpoints.”

UW ’s community essay prompt may look the most approachable, for they help define the idea of community. You’ll notice that most of their examples (“families,” “cultural group, extended family, religious group, neighborhood”…) place an emphasis on people. This may clue you in on their desire to see the relationships you’ve made. At the same time, UW uses the words “individual” and “richly diverse.” They, like NYU, wish to see how you fit in and stand out, in order to boost campus diversity.

Writing Your First Community Essay

Begin by picking which community essay you’ll write first. (For practical reasons, you’ll probably want to go with whichever one is due earliest.) Spend time doing a close reading of the prompt, as we’ve done above. Underline key words. Try to interpret exactly what the prompt is asking through these keywords.

Next, brainstorm. I recommend doing this on a blank piece of paper with a pencil. Across the top, make a row of headings. These might be the communities you’re a part of, or the components that make up your identity. Then, jot down descriptive words underneath in each column—whatever comes to you. These words may invoke people and experiences you had with them, feelings, moments of growth, lessons learned, values developed, etc. Now, narrow in on the idea that offers the richest material and that corresponds fully with the prompt.

Lastly, write! You’ll definitely want to describe real moments, in vivid detail. This will keep your essay original, and help you avoid cliché. However, you’ll need to summarize the experience and answer the prompt succinctly, so don’t stray too far into storytelling mode.

How To Adapt Your Community Essay

Once your first essay is complete, you’ll need to adapt it to the other colleges involving community essays on your list. Again, you’ll want to turn to the prompt for a close reading, and recognize what makes this prompt different from the last. For example, let’s say you’ve written your essay for UW about belonging to your swim team, and how the sports dynamics shaped you. Adapting that essay to Brown’s prompt could involve more of a focus on place. You may ask yourself, how was my swim team in Alaska different than the swim teams we competed against in other states?

Once you’ve adapted the content, you’ll also want to adapt the wording to mimic the prompt. For example, let’s say your UW essay states, “Thinking back to my years in the pool…” As you adapt this essay to Brown’s prompt, you may notice that Brown uses the word “reflection.” Therefore, you might change this sentence to “Reflecting back on my years in the pool…” While this change is minute, it cleverly signals to the reader that you’ve paid attention to the prompt, and are giving that school your full attention.

What to Avoid When Writing the Community Essay  

• Avoid cliché. Some students worry that their idea is cliché, or worse, that their background or identity is cliché. However, what makes an essay cliché is not the content, but the way the content is conveyed. This is where your voice and your descriptions become essential.
• Avoid giving too many examples. Stick to one community, and one or two anecdotes arising from that community that allow you to answer the prompt fully.
• Don’t exaggerate or twist facts. Sometimes students feel they must make themselves sound more “diverse” than they feel they are. Luckily, diversity is not a feeling. Likewise, diversity does not simply refer to one’s heritage. If the prompt is asking about your identity or background, you can show the originality of your experiences through your actions and your thinking.

Community Essay Examples and Analysis

Brown university community essay example.

I used to hate the NYC subway. I’ve taken it since I was six, going up and down Manhattan, to and from school. By high school, it was a daily nightmare. Spending so much time underground, underneath fluorescent lighting, squashed inside a rickety, rocking train car among strangers, some of whom wanted to talk about conspiracy theories, others who had bedbugs or B.O., or who manspread across two seats, or bickered—it wore me out. The challenge of going anywhere seemed absurd. I dreaded the claustrophobia and disgruntlement.

Yet the subway also inspired my understanding of community. I will never forget the morning I saw a man, several seats away, slide out of his seat and hit the floor. The thump shocked everyone to attention. What we noticed: he appeared drunk, possibly homeless. I was digesting this when a second man got up and, through a sort of awkward embrace, heaved the first man back into his seat. The rest of us had stuck to subway social codes: don’t step out of line. Yet this second man’s silent actions spoke loudly. They said, “I care.”

That day I realized I belong to a group of strangers. What holds us together is our transience, our vulnerabilities, and a willingness to assist. This community is not perfect but one in motion, a perpetual work-in-progress. Now I make it my aim to hold others up. I plan to contribute to the Brown community by helping fellow students and strangers in moments of precariousness.    

Brown University Community Essay Example Analysis

Here the student finds an original way to write about where they come from. The subway is not their home, yet it remains integral to ideas of belonging. The student shows how a community can be built between strangers, in their responsibility toward each other. The student succeeds at incorporating key words from the prompt (“challenge,” “inspired” “Brown community,” “contribute”) into their community essay.

UW Community Essay Example

I grew up in Hawaii, a world bound by water and rich in diversity. In school we learned that this sacred land was invaded, first by Captain Cook, then by missionaries, whalers, traders, plantation owners, and the U.S. government. My parents became part of this problematic takeover when they moved here in the 90s. The first community we knew was our church congregation. At the beginning of mass, we shook hands with our neighbors. We held hands again when we sang the Lord’s Prayer. I didn’t realize our church wasn’t “normal” until our diocese was informed that we had to stop dancing hula and singing Hawaiian hymns. The order came from the Pope himself.

Eventually, I lost faith in God and organized institutions. I thought the banning of hula—an ancient and pure form of expression—seemed medieval, ignorant, and unfair, given that the Hawaiian religion had already been stamped out. I felt a lack of community and a distrust for any place in which I might find one. As a postcolonial inhabitant, I could never belong to the Hawaiian culture, no matter how much I valued it. Then, I was shocked to learn that Queen Ka’ahumanu herself had eliminated the Kapu system, a strict code of conduct in which women were inferior to men. Next went the Hawaiian religion. Queen Ka’ahumanu burned all the temples before turning to Christianity, hoping this religion would offer better opportunities for her people.

Community Essay (Continued)

I’m not sure what to make of this history. Should I view Queen Ka’ahumanu as a feminist hero, or another failure in her islands’ tragedy? Nothing is black and white about her story, but she did what she thought was beneficial to her people, regardless of tradition. From her story, I’ve learned to accept complexity. I can disagree with institutionalized religion while still believing in my neighbors. I am a product of this place and their presence. At UW, I plan to add to campus diversity through my experience, knowing that diversity comes with contradictions and complications, all of which should be approached with an open and informed mind.

UW Community Essay Example Analysis

This student also manages to weave in words from the prompt (“family,” “community,” “world,” “product of it,” “add to the diversity,” etc.). Moreover, the student picks one of the examples of community mentioned in the prompt, (namely, a religious group,) and deepens their answer by addressing the complexity inherent in the community they’ve been involved in. While the student displays an inner turmoil about their identity and participation, they find a way to show how they’d contribute to an open-minded campus through their values and intellectual rigor.

What’s Next

For more on supplemental essays and essay writing guides, check out the following articles:

• How to Write the Why This Major Essay + Example
• How to Write the Overcoming Challenges Essay + Example
• How to Start a College Essay – 12 Techniques and Tips
• College Essay

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What to Write In a Giving Back to the Community Essay?

By: Angelina Grin

A sensitive essay topic, like "Giving Back to the Community", raises fundamental questions that every person should answer at some point in their life. That is why it is often used as a college application topic. By describing your attitude towards community service and your contribution to society, you reveal a big deal about your personality to the admissions committee.

Introduction

What should i avoid in my giving back to the community essay.

If you don't have time to focus on such a responsible written work yourself, you can turn to our experts at Studybay, who will create and proofread a custom essay to suit your educational institution's requirements. However, we've got you covered, even if you feel like creating an essay on giving back to the community on your own! Read on for all the useful writing tips and tricks.

Creating the Perfect Structure for a Giving Back to the Community Essay

Whether you are preparing an assignment in high school or applying for a bachelor's degree, it is crucial to know how to properly structure your written work. In this section, you will receive all the essential information to create an easily readable written piece and see community essay sample paragraphs.

Suppose this is a prompt to your community essay:

At NYU, we strive to drive change to better the lives of others. Our students put their effort into the improvement of their communities in a variety of ways, from attempting to solve large-scale issues to being reliable teammates. Tell us about your contribution to the community you are involved in. (350-400 words)

Moving on to the first part of your text!

The task of the introduction is to grab the readers' attention and intrigue them to the point that they cannot resist going through the rest of the essay. This is double important for a college essay application round. Here is how you can show your opinion on the importance of giving back from the very first paragraph:

Community is not just a word to me. I am that person in the group who always wants to take part in activities and make sure others are enjoying the ride. My contribution may be rather small on a global scale, but I take pride in my daily actions that help to create a positive impact. Therefore, I would love to share my thoughts on the importance of giving back and my experience of making a difference in the local community through simple actions.

This introductory paragraph will definitely hook the reader because it:

• starts with a powerful thesis statement
• is clear and concise
• has a natural and positive flow
• gives the reader an idea about the author avoiding information overload
• is promising to share thoughts and personal experiences

Besides, this sample introduction gradually prepares the reader for the next section of the text - the main body.

The main part of the community college application essay is the place for you to share your thoughts, achievements, service projects, career goals, and other details that you find important to prove you as a worthy applicant for the college degree. Here are some examples of the statements you may include:

• "My heart has always been aching for homeless animals that I happened to see in New York. Luckily, nowadays, I have an opportunity to volunteer at an animal shelter, which gives me pure joy."
• "Donating some money to the less fortunate human beings has become one of the financial habits I practice on a monthly basis. It has taught me that giving is so important and can create big changes in people's lives."
• "I have been on a volunteering mission in Africa last summer, teaching English at a local school in Liberia. Seeing the kids' motivation and eagerness to learn inspired me to join GPE's financing campaign striving to provide everyone with an excellent education.
• "My strongest desire is to link my future career with ensuring the well-being of others, and I sincerely believe NYU is the right place to make these dreams become reality."

A rule-of-thumb to keep in mind is to provide a statement, followed by a couple of elaborative sentences. This way, you will manage to keep the structure of your essay's main body easy to follow, taking your reader smoothly to the final part of the written work.

A powerful conclusion is what your Giving Back to the Community essay needs for guaranteed success. Here's an example of what a top-notch final paragraph may look like:

Throughout my experience, I have learned that every person can find a way to contribute to the society and those in need. I have found out that my true calling is to inspire young people who happen to find themselves in a less fortunate position than the majority of the population. My dream is to become an educator and create a positive impact on an international level. Becoming a student of NYU is a grand step towards this goal.

Now that you know the perfect community essay structure, all that's left is to understand which mistakes can make your essay worse.

There are common mistakes that potential college students make when writing an essay. Here are some tips that will help you avoid those and keep your chances of getting in high:

• Read the prompt carefully. Be attentive to details and make sure you are 100% sure on the topic of the essay. For example, if the task says, "tell us how you can contribute to our university", don't write about contributing to solving the issue of global warming.
• Stick to the word count. You may have a lot to say, but it is crucial that you do so in a concise manner. Exceeding the word limit may be regarded as the inability to follow the task's requirements. By the way, have you noticed that the sample prompt in this guide required a maximum of 400 words?
• Don't write general information. This essay is about your community contribution, so own it! Leave the statistics for your research papers and focus on describing your experience and sharing your thoughts.
• Ask yourself questions. Why is this experience important to you? How did you come up with this idea of contributing to the community? Who inspired you to get involved in community service projects? All these questions will help you create a fascinating essay.

Too much information to keep in mind? We totally get it and are ready to help you write or edit your text! Studybay essay writing service is your portal to effortless college admission. Order your custom Giving Back to the Community essay already now to submit it on time!

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This is so good and inspirational. Helping others through community service is one of the best things you can do nowadays.

George Herbert. A

As a social worker myself, I totally understand that will to help others to make a difference. Thank you so much for the tips, absolutely helpful ❤❤

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Community Service — How Will You Give Back to Your Community

How Will You Give Back to Your Community

• Categories: Community Service

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Published: Aug 31, 2023

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Why i Give Back to the Community

This essay about giving back to the community reflects on the author’s personal experiences and motivations behind their involvement in community service. It emphasizes the profound connections and sense of purpose derived from helping others, as well as the transformative power of small acts of kindness. Through anecdotes and reflections, the essay underscores the importance of empathy, empowerment, and collective action in shaping a more compassionate and equitable society.

How it works

Giving back to the community is akin to watering the roots of a tree – it nourishes not just the soil but also the soul. For me, the decision to invest my time and energy into community service isn’t just a matter of altruism; it’s deeply rooted in a sense of reciprocity and interconnectedness. Growing up, I was fortunate to have a network of support that guided me through life’s challenges and celebrated my triumphs. Now, as I navigate adulthood, I feel compelled to extend that same kindness to others, to create a ripple of positivity that reverberates through the fabric of our community.

One of the most remarkable aspects of giving back to the community is the unexpected connections it fosters. Whether it’s lending an ear to someone in need or rolling up my sleeves for a day of service, I’ve encountered individuals whose stories have left an indelible imprint on my heart. From the resilient single mother striving to make ends meet to the elderly gentleman whose eyes sparkle with gratitude at a simple gesture of kindness, each encounter reminds me of the beauty and complexity of the human experience. These moments of connection transcend socioeconomic divides, cultural differences, and language barriers, uniting us in our shared humanity.

Moreover, giving back to the community offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends personal gain. In a world that often measures success in terms of material wealth or professional achievements, community service serves as a compass, guiding us towards a more meaningful definition of success. Whether it’s planting trees to combat climate change or mentoring underprivileged youth to unlock their potential, every act of service reaffirms our capacity to make a positive difference in the world. Through giving back, I’ve discovered that true fulfillment lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves but in what we contribute to the well-being of others.

Furthermore, giving back to the community is an act of empowerment – it empowers individuals to be architects of change in their own neighborhoods and beyond. In a society grappling with systemic inequalities, environmental degradation, and social injustices, community service serves as a catalyst for transformation. Whether it’s advocating for policy reform, organizing grassroots movements, or amplifying marginalized voices, every act of service contributes to the collective effort to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.

In conclusion, giving back to the community is a testament to the power of compassion, empathy, and human connection. It’s about recognizing that we are all interconnected, that our actions have the power to shape the world around us. As we embark on this journey of service, let us do so with open hearts and open minds, knowing that even the smallest act of kindness has the potential to spark a chain reaction of positive change.

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Why I Give Back to the Community. (2024, Apr 29). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/why-i-give-back-to-the-community/

"Why I Give Back to the Community." PapersOwl.com , 29 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/why-i-give-back-to-the-community/

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Tips for Writing a Standout Community Service Essay

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Through your college applications process, you’re likely to come across the term “community service” many times. In fact, you may be asked to write an essay about it. This post will cover the specifics of a community service essay and how to go about writing one, including what to cover and common mistakes to avoid. 

What is a Community Service Essay?

You may encounter the community service essay as you’re writing your supplemental essays for college. These are school-specific prompts that only go to the college that requests them, unlike the personal statement , which goes to every school you apply to. Not all schools require community service essays, but several do. It’s also a common requirement for scholarship applications, especially if it’s a school-specific merit scholarship. 

The community service essay is an essay that describes the initiatives you have taken outside of the classroom to benefit your community. In a 2018 survey of 264 admissions leaders across the US, 58% said that community service is a tie-breaker between students who are otherwise equally qualified. The community service essay offers you the opportunity to shine light on the work you have done to make an impact on the world and people around you, and is an additional way to help you stand out among other applicants. 

Approaching the Community Service Essay 

Understand the essay requirements  .

As with any essay, it’s important to first understand what is expected of your essay. For a start, elements to pay attention to include: 

• Length requirements
• Focus or subject of the essay prompt 
• Organization of the essay 

Although all community service essays ultimately have the same purpose of having you describe your local service activities, they can come with different types of prompts. Below are three sample prompts. Note the differences in topic specificity, length requirements, and breadth of the prompt. 

From the CGCS – Bernard Harris Scholarship Program: 

Please describe a meaningful volunteer or community service experience, including what you learned from participating.

From the University of California Application :

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? (350 words).

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words.

Brainstorming for your community service essay 

Once you have an understanding of what is required of the specific you are to write, the next step is to brainstorm ideas for a specific topic. If you have various community-engaged service experiences under your belt, consider the following before you finalize your decision. 

The best topics:

Are substantial in length and scope. It’s better to cover a long-term commitment than a one-off afternoon at the food pantry or animal shelter. 

Are transformative or inspiring. Although community service is “others”-oriented, colleges are looking to learn more about you. The ideal community service essay topic should be an experience that changed or challenged your perspective, and was ultimately fulfilling. 

Illustrate personal qualities or passions that you want to highlight. Given the specific prompt, and taking the rest of your application into consideration, which personal interests do you want to highlight? Which activity illuminates the personal quality that you want to bring attention to? 

These are all elements to consider before you begin writing your essay. 

Tips for Writing Your Community Service Essay 

1. include anecdotes.

Anecdotes are a great way to begin your essay, not only as a way to grab your reader’s attention, but by launching right into the experience of your service activity. You can start with a line about a particularly busy afternoon at the orphanage, or a morning cleaning up the streets after a storm, or the sense of accomplishment you felt when you watched a dog under your care at the animal shelter get adopted. 

2. Show, don’t tell 

We’re sure you’ve heard this axiom of general writing before, but it applies to college essays just as much as with any other piece of writing. Opt for evocative examples over plain explaining whenever possible. Take this sentence: “There was a lot of food waste at our school cafeteria.” It’s not nearly as powerful as this description: “I peered into the tall, gray trash cans to inspect the mountain of Styrofoam trays and discarded food. There were countless pizza crusts, globs of green beans, and unopened cartons of milk.” 

Anyone could write the first sentence, and it’s not a unique experience. In the second description, we’re shown the scene of the writer’s lunchroom. We get a peek into their perspective and life, which makes the writing more vivid and relatable. Aim to bring your reader into your world as much as possible.

3. Share your responsibilities and accomplishments.

The more tangible your community service activities feel to the reader, the more powerful your essay will be. Concretize your work by stating the basic details of what kind of work you did and what your duties involved, where it was based, when you began working, and the amount of time you spent working. 

Be sure to quantify your work and accomplishments when possible; it’s better to say your fundraiser yielded 125 books than “a large number” of books. It’s important to also elaborate on why the work you did matters. Why was it important? Did the books you collected or purchased after the fundraiser expand the library of the local orphanage that they already had, or did it offer the children easy access to books that wasn’t available previously? Be specific and detailed.  

4. Highlight what you learned and how you’ll use those lessons moving forward. 

Towards the end of your essay, you’ll want to share how you benefited from the community service work you did. This is an important part of the essay, because it shows how you are able to distill your experiences to applicable lessons in your own life. 

Think of this section in two potential parts: skills you learned, and personal development. Did you gain any hard skills, such as public speaking, poster design, or funds management? Then think about how you developed as an individual. Are you more empathetic or patient now? 

Things to Avoid in Your Community Service Essay 

1. don’t list out everything that happened..

You want to keep your essay well-structured and concise. This isn’t a résumé, or a play-by-play of the entire experience. Stick to the most telling details and anecdotes from your experience. 

2. Avoid using a pretentious or privileged tone.

Humility goes a long way, and entitlement can be smelled from afar. The purpose of this essay is not to paint yourself as a savior of any kind, but rather to show what’s important to you in your non-academic life, and how you approach solving real-world and interpersonal problems. 

3. Avoid clichés.

It may be tempting to quote famous people, but doing so can easily seem like a shortcut, plus it shows little of who you are. Try also to steer clear of trite and vague life lesson lines such as “I learned that people can be happy with so little,” or “I learned the importance of giving back.” Not only do they carry a tone of privilege, they are also sweeping general conclusions and don’t convey anything specific of what you learned. 

Community service is only a part of the college application process, which can be daunting and confusing. CollegeVine will help you navigate each step of the process, from building a college list, to calculating your chances at each school using our chancing engine. Create your free account and get started now !

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21 Ways To Give Back To Your Community

We each have a role to play in giving back to our communities. A positive community can’t exist without some degree of interdependence — and positive communities thrive off of mutual care for one another. When we choose to intentionally make a difference for our community, we’re strengthening our communal bonds and creating a better environment to live.

Plus, it’s good for us, too . Giving back connects us to our fellow citizens, breaks up the monotony of life, and brings us a sense of joy and meaning. It even activates the brain’s reward center, lowering stress and helping us feel better.

At Good Good Good we’re all about celebrating good and doing good . If you’re looking for ideas on how to give back — we’ve got you covered: 

Read These Ideas On How To Give Back To The Community

Shop local and support small businesses..

Studies have shown that small businesses are uniquely positioned to create meaningful jobs. Employees of small businesses are happier , as a whole, than their counterparts at big businesses.

When you choose to forego big marketplaces like Amazon, you get to support businesses that make a difference in the community, the economy, and the lives of employees . In fact, for every dollar spent at a small business, 68% comes right back into the community . 

You already need to buy stuff, so choose to spend that money locally.

And if you do need to shop online, check out our list of the best Amazon alternatives for online shopping . There are even online bookstores like Bookshop.org and Libro.fm (for audiobooks ) that allow you to select a local independent bookstore to support with every purchase.

Support local farmers.

Four million farms disappeared in the United States between 1948 and 2015 while, at the same time, total farm output doubled. This means that a huge amount of our food comes from an increasingly smaller number of giant corporations.

Ugh, we know.

You can help ensure that small, local farmers continue to exist (and thrive) by joining a CSA, visiting your local farmers’ market, or even visiting a local farm. Plus, your food is probably going to taste better anyway.

You can also download the Farmstand app , which helps you locate locally grown food, such as produce stands, farmer’s markets, and more.

Run for office.

The world needs more thoughtful everyday people to serve in elected positions. Every year, the U.S. House and Senate’s demographic makeup get closer to the demographics of the U.S. as a whole — but we still have room to go. Most federal elected officials are still wealthy , old , white men who identify as Christian — which doesn’t accurately reflect the life experiences of the communities they’re supposed to represent.

If you deeply care about your community, you can be a part of bringing important representation to the government — and creating positive change.

Of course, you don’t need to start with huge elected positions. Your local community needs people to serve in all kinds of positions: From city council and school board to soil and water supervisory roles.

Get energized about how you can and should run for office by listening to our podcast conversation with Amanda Litman , the founder of Run For Something. Then sign up via Run For Something’s site to get information and training on how to run for office.

Learn how to properly recycle. 

Every community recycles a bit differently because every community has different waste management companies, facilities, machines, and government funding.

What’s recyclable in one city may not be recyclable in another. Many people with good intentions throw many non-recyclables into the recycling bin — an act dubbed ‘wishcycling’ — which ends up contaminating entire batches of recyclables.

Do a quick Google search to find out what you can recycle in your community (and maybe bookmark that page for easy access). 

We’d also recommend making “cheat sheets” or sharing this information with your neighbors so you can all maximize your recycling efforts. (Someone in my community created an Instagram account specifically to help Portland residents know what to recycle.)

Pick up litter in your community.

Litter on the side of the road and in public parks is ugly. But it’s also bad for wildlife, expensive for your local government to pick up, and harmful to the environment.

When you choose to pick up litter , you get to have an outsized positive impact on your community.

The three best ways to do this: Adopt a block in your community, find a group in your community that does regular group cleanups, or simply pick up trash during your regular neighborhood walks. Even your dog can be an environmentalist on your next walk if you pick up your pet waste responsibly!

Share good news.

In a time where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by or even cynical about the news of what’s happening in the world — it’s more important than ever to intentionally seek out good news.

Once you find good news, you shouldn’t keep it to yourself. Share it on social media, with your friends IRL, or even by creating a neighborhood zine .

The good news about good news is: We specialize in helping people find real good stuff going on in the world . Check out our recent good news stories , explore the best good news sites , good news apps , and good news podcasts , or even subscribe to our monthly print Goodnewspaper . 

We’ve even seen people intentionally buy multiple Goodnewspapers each month so they can leave them around town for strangers to serendipitously find. As Alexis Rose would say , we “love that journey for you.”

Find an opportunity to volunteer.

While many of us imagine volunteering in terms of a shift at a soup kitchen, helping build a house, or some other sort of manual labor — the reality is that there are countless ways to volunteer.

The best way to volunteer is to find an opportunity to apply your unique skills and talents to an issue you care about.

Whether you’re volunteering your tech skills , your organizational skills, or even your ability to connect with people socially, you can make a meaningful difference in your community.

Call up a nonprofit that works on an issue you care about — and ask if you can apply your unique skills to make a difference.

One note: The key to volunteering is consistency — so pick a scheduled routine and stick to it. 

Consider switching careers.

If volunteering isn’t enough for you, you might want to consider changing your career to something service-oriented. 

It can feel heavy going to work each day knowing that your job isn’t making the world a better place (or might even be making the world worse). And while unethical jobs are profitable , jobs that help people and the planet can be deeply fulfilling.

Lots of people are moving towards more meaningful jobs — and you can join that movement. In fact, it might just change the way entire industries and workplaces function .

Donate to a food bank.

When many of us think of supporting a local food bank, we think of donating the canned goods that have been sitting in our pantry for too long or picking up a few extra non-perishables on our trip to the grocery store.

While this can be helpful, the best way you can help your local food bank is by donating money . Food banks get access to extreme discounts and can make the money stretch way further than individual people can. Plus, they’re able to source nutritious and fresh food to ensure they’re meeting the dietary needs of the people they serve.

Find your local food bank and donate money on a one-time or recurring basis. (You might consider volunteering with them too!)

Become a poll worker.

At a time when democracy feels more at risk than ever — it’s important for more citizens to step up and play a role in preserving it.

You can sign up to be a poll worker to help ensure that all elections are free and fair to all. 

Call your elected officials.

Your elected officials are supposed to represent their constituents. (That’s why they’re called representatives, after all.) But they can’t know what their constituents think about important issues unless they hear from them.

Make it a point to look up who represents you (on a local, state, and federal level), add their phone numbers and email addresses to your phone’s contacts (bonus points if you add emojis for comic relief), and regularly call them about issues they need to care about.

Most elected officials will actually listen to your thoughts and take them into consideration. Seriously, calling your representatives works . 

Explore our guide to contacting elected officials to find yours and learn more about the process. 

Choose to bike or walk instead of drive, when you can. 

You can play a role in reducing traffic, helping the environment, and improving your health by opting for emission-free transportation whenever possible. Public transit is great, too!

Some communities are safer for pedestrian travel than others. If your city doesn’t have safe bike lanes, sidewalks, or walkable neighborhoods, then this is something you can contact your local elected officials about. 

Explore our whole guide on how to live without a car .

Volunteer to help animals.

Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to help clean their facilities, feed and walk animals, and help bring in more funding. You can find a local animal shelter to volunteer with.

Better yet, if you’re able to provide a stable and safe home for a pet — please sign up to foster or adopt an animal. It’ll make two lives better: yours and your new (furry) friend.

Contribute to a mutual aid fund. 

Mutual aid funds are an incredible way to care for your community. If this is a new idea for you, read our guide to what mutual aid funds are — but the tl;dr is: You can join grassroots efforts to help distribute money to people most in need.

Mutual aid funds are common after natural disasters as a quick way to respond to immediate needs before nonprofits and government agencies are able to respond — but they’re also a common way of supporting marginalized communities who are often ignored by traditional aid.

You can use this tool to find a mutual aid network near you. 

Donate blood.

Donating blood saves lives.  

Donated blood helps people experiencing complications during childbirth, victims of gun violence or car accidents, people injured during natural disasters, and people going through surgeries. 

The process is easy, isn’t painful, and you usually get to leave with a free snack. 

The easiest way to give blood is to simply find a blood drive hosted by the Red Cross . 

Become an organ donor.

If you want to take things to the next level, become an organ donor.

As of February 2021 , there were more than 107,000 patients on the national transplant waiting list — with another person being added every nine minutes. By signing up as an organ donor, you can ensure your organs give someone else life.

Simply visit organdonor.gov to indicate to your state that you wish for your organs to help someone else when you die — or you can even donate a kidney right now.  

Attend or host heritage and pride events.

Every community is filled with diverse people with a myriad of different life experiences — and that diversity should be celebrated.

Do some research and find out how your community celebrates heritage months , pride events , and other awareness celebrations . 

Attend events for AAPI Heritage Month , volunteer with an LGBTQ+ organization in honor of Pride Month , support a Black-owned business during Juneteenth , learn how to make your town more accessible for Disability Pride Month , and more!

If your community isn’t doing something to honor the identities of your neighbors, join together to create something new and inclusive of those you care about.

Take an online bystander intervention training class.

When you see someone experiencing harassment or discrimination in your community, it’s important to know what to do. It’s natural to freeze up and stay silent — but bystander intervention trainings help citizens feel empowered to speak up and safely de-escelate the situation.

Listen to our podcast episode about the 5 Ds of Bystander Intervention and sign up for a training with Right To Be to play a role in keeping community members safe.

Donate to local nonprofits.

No matter where you live, there are hard-working, empathetic, mission-driven nonprofit organizations hustling to care for your community. And they need your help.

By donating to them (and especially by signing up for recurring monthly donations), you’re going to ensure they’re able to continue their important work.

Not sure where to donate? Think about the issues you care about most — whether it’s animals, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice , refugee support , girls in STEM, or something else — and use Google ( or Ecosia ) to find an organization serving that purpose in your community. It’s as simple as that.

Put up a Little Free Library.

Little Free Libraries are a fun way to connect with your neighbors , share your love of reading, and increase access to books. 

You can learn what it takes to start your own library in this guide from littlefreelibrary.org .

Host a Free Fridge.

Free Fridges are another great way to care for your neighbors — but instead of sharing books, you’re sharing food. They take a bit more work and they’re usually more of a team effort, but they can have a profound impact on ensuring that nobody in your neighborhood is going hungry .  

Little Free Pantries also serve a similar purpose with non-perishable goods!

Explore this guide from Freedge.org about how to start your own.

Have more ideas on giving back to the community?

We're always interested in creative and inspiring ways to make a positive difference in your neighborhood, city, country, or world. Get in touch to share how you and your friends are making a difference. It might just turn into our next good news story.

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Exploring the impact and importance of community service – engaging the mind, transforming lives, and building a better society.

Engaging in acts of service plays a pivotal role in fostering strong and vibrant communities. These acts not only benefit the recipients but also have a profound impact on the individuals who lend a helping hand. The concept of community service encompasses a broad range of activities, from volunteering at local shelters to organizing fundraising events for charitable organizations. By becoming actively involved in giving back, individuals develop a deeper understanding of empathy, compassion, and the importance of collective well-being.

Contributing to the betterment of society through community service allows individuals to connect with others on a meaningful level. It fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among like-minded individuals who share the same values and altruistic aspirations. Through the collective effort and coming together, communities are able to address pressing social issues and drive positive change.

Engaging in community service not only brings about a sense of fulfillment but also cultivates personal growth and development. By stepping out of one’s comfort zone and actively working towards the betterment of society, individuals gain valuable insights and skills that can be applied to various aspects of their lives. It promotes the acquisition of problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and a broader perspective on the world.

The Benefits of Community Service: How Giving Back Can Improve Your Life

Participating in community service can have numerous positive effects on your life, bringing about personal growth, a sense of purpose, and increased social connections. When you engage in acts of giving back to your community, you open yourself up to a world of opportunities and experiences that can enrich your life in unexpected ways.

Furthermore, community service can have a positive impact on your mental and physical well-being. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase your overall happiness. By actively participating in your community and making a meaningful contribution, you can experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can improve your overall quality of life.

Overall, community service is not just about giving back; it is also about improving your own life. By engaging in acts of service, you can experience personal growth, build meaningful social connections, enhance your skills, and improve your overall well-being. So why not take the leap and start making a difference in your community today?

Exploring the positive impact of community service on personal growth and happiness

Engaging in community service can have a profound effect on an individual’s personal development and overall sense of happiness. By actively participating in acts of service, individuals have the opportunity to cultivate valuable skills, develop a greater sense of empathy, and experience a sense of fulfillment that can greatly contribute to their personal growth.

One of the key benefits of community service is the acquisition of valuable skills. Through volunteer work, individuals can develop a wide range of abilities, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, all of which are highly valuable in various aspects of life. Additionally, community service provides an opportunity for individuals to enhance their social skills by interacting with diverse groups of people and learning to collaborate with others towards a common goal.

Engaging in acts of service also fosters a greater sense of empathy and compassion. By actively participating in community service, individuals are exposed to different perspectives, cultures, and life experiences, which can help broaden their understanding of the world and improve their ability to empathize with others. This heightened sense of empathy not only contributes to personal growth but also aids in building stronger personal relationships and creating a more inclusive and understanding community.

Moreover, community service has been found to be closely linked to personal happiness. Research suggests that helping others and contributing to the betterment of society can lead to a sense of purpose and satisfaction. When individuals engage in acts of service, they experience a feeling of fulfillment and a sense of making a positive difference, which can greatly enhance their overall well-being and happiness. Additionally, volunteering often provides opportunities for individuals to connect with others who share common interests and values, further fostering a sense of belonging and happiness.

In conclusion, community service has a significant positive impact on an individual’s personal growth and happiness. Through the acquisition of valuable skills, the development of empathy, and the experience of fulfillment, engaging in acts of service can contribute to the overall well-being and sense of purpose of individuals. By actively participating in community service, individuals have the opportunity to make a difference in their community while also experiencing personal growth and happiness.

Community Service as a Pathway to Career Success: How Volunteering Can Boost Your Resume

Volunteering is not only a way to give back to your community but also a valuable pathway to career success. Engaging in community service provides individuals with opportunities to develop important skills, gain valuable experience, and make connections that can enhance their professional prospects.

When you volunteer, you have the chance to develop and strengthen various skills that are highly sought after by employers. For example, working on a team project with other volunteers can enhance your teamwork and collaboration skills. Additionally, taking initiative and demonstrating leadership in a volunteer role can showcase your ability to take on responsibilities and lead others. These skills are not only applicable to volunteer work but can also be transferable to a wide range of professional settings.

Another way that community service can boost your resume is by providing you with valuable experience in a specific field or industry. Whether you are volunteering at a hospital, an animal shelter, or a non-profit organization, you can gain hands-on experience and knowledge in areas that are relevant to your desired career path. This experience can make you a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs in that particular field.

In addition to skills and experience, community service can also help you make important connections that can benefit your career. Volunteering often involves working with a diverse group of individuals, including fellow volunteers, community leaders, and professionals in various fields. These connections can provide you with valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and even potential job leads. Building a strong network through community service can greatly expand your professional opportunities.

In conclusion, community service is not only about giving back to your community, but it is also a pathway to career success. Engaging in volunteer work allows you to develop important skills, gain valuable experience, and make meaningful connections that can enhance your resume and open doors to new career opportunities. So, next time you think about volunteering, remember the potential impact it can have on your professional growth.

Highlighting the professional advantages of participating in community service

Exploring the numerous benefits that arise from engaging in community service extends beyond its well-known charitable nature. It also offers substantial professional advantages that can greatly impact an individual’s career growth and development. Successful participation in community service can enhance various skills and qualities that are highly valued in the professional world, including leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

By volunteering in community service projects, individuals have the opportunity to take on leadership roles and gain valuable experience in managing and organizing initiatives. This can showcase their ability to take charge, make informed decisions, and effectively coordinate resources. Employers often appreciate the strong leadership skills that community service involvement demonstrates, as it suggests an individual’s potential to be proactive and influential within their professional role.

Engaging in community service also provides ample opportunities for individuals to develop and refine their communication skills. Interacting with diverse groups of people, such as fellow volunteers, community members, and nonprofit organizations, allows individuals to improve their ability to effectively convey ideas, actively listen, and engage in constructive dialogue. These communication skills are indispensable in various professional settings, as they aid in building relationships, resolving conflicts, and conveying information concisely and persuasively.

Furthermore, community service often involves collaborating with others towards a shared goal. Participating in such projects promotes teamwork and cultivates the ability to work effectively in a group setting. Developing strong teamwork skills is highly beneficial in professional environments, as it fosters cooperation, fosters a positive work culture, and contributes to the overall success of a team or organization.

Another crucial advantage of community service is the opportunity it provides for individuals to enhance their problem-solving abilities. Volunteering in community service often involves addressing complex issues and finding creative solutions to overcome challenges. This develops critical thinking skills, adaptability, and resourcefulness – all of which are highly sought after in the professional world. Employers value individuals who can think outside the box, take initiative, and find innovative ways to tackle problems.

In summary, participating in community service offers not only the satisfaction of giving back but also professional advantages that can significantly impact an individual’s career trajectory. From fostering leadership skills to enhancing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, community service provides a fertile ground for cultivating qualities that employers highly value. By actively engaging in community service, individuals can seize opportunities to develop essential professional skills while making a positive impact on their community.

The Power of Community Service in Building Stronger Communities

Engaging in acts of community service plays a vital role in strengthening and enhancing the fabric of societies. By coming together, individuals can make a meaningful impact on the well-being of their communities, fostering a sense of unity, empathy, and social responsibility. Community service allows for the development of strong bonds among individuals, as they work towards a shared goal of improving the lives of those around them.

When individuals engage in community service, they contribute to the overall betterment of society. Acts of service such as volunteering at a local shelter, participating in clean-up projects, or organizing fundraising events provide direct support to those in need and help address specific issues that exist within the community. These collective efforts create a ripple effect, inspiring others to get involved and creating a chain reaction of positive change.

Additionally, community service fosters a sense of empowerment among individuals. Through their involvement, individuals learn valuable skills, gain new perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of the issues faced by their community. By working together and taking action, individuals can become agents of change, driving progress and working towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Moreover, community service helps to break down barriers and bridge divides within communities. When people from diverse backgrounds come together to serve a common cause, they build bridges of understanding and empathy. It allows individuals to see beyond their differences and focus on their shared humanity, fostering a sense of unity and promoting social cohesion.

In conclusion, the power of community service lies in its ability to bring people together, build stronger communities, and create a positive impact on society as a whole. By actively participating in acts of service, individuals can contribute to the well-being of their communities and promote a sense of unity, empathy, and social responsibility. Through community service, individuals have the power to make a difference and drive positive change. By harnessing this power and working together towards a common goal, communities can thrive and flourish.

Examining how volunteering fosters a sense of belonging and unity in neighborhoods

Volunteering has a profound impact on communities, creating a greater sense of belonging and unity among its residents. When individuals come together to give their time and skills for the betterment of their neighborhoods, it establishes a foundation for building stronger connections and relationships.

Through volunteering, people of diverse backgrounds and interests can work together towards a common goal. This shared purpose brings individuals closer, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding among community members. It provides an opportunity for people to interact and collaborate, promoting a sense of togetherness and unity.

Engaging in volunteer work also allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the issues and challenges faced by their community. By actively participating in initiatives that address these issues, volunteers develop empathy and a greater sense of responsibility towards the well-being of their neighborhood. This shared concern for the betterment of the community further strengthens the sense of belonging and unity among neighbors.

Volunteering often involves working alongside others towards a common objective. This collaborative effort not only brings about positive change but also fosters teamwork and camaraderie. Working towards a shared goal emphasizes the importance of collective effort and encourages individuals to support one another. As volunteers work together to overcome challenges and achieve their objectives, a stronger sense of belonging and unity is formed.

Moreover, volunteering provides opportunities for individuals to connect with their neighborhood and its residents on a deeper level. By actively contributing to community projects and initiatives, volunteers become more familiar with the needs and aspirations of their neighbors. This knowledge facilitates stronger social bonds and a greater sense of belonging, as people become invested in the well-being of their community.

In conclusion, volunteering serves as a powerful catalyst for creating a sense of belonging and unity within neighborhoods. By bringing people together for a common purpose, it promotes understanding, empathy, and teamwork. Through active participation, individuals develop a deeper connection with their community and its residents, fostering a stronger sense of belonging for all.

Inspiring Change Through Community Service: Stories of Individuals Making a Difference

Transforming communities through acts of selflessness and dedication, these stories highlight the power of individuals to bring about positive change. These remarkable individuals have proven that even the smallest actions can have a lasting impact, showcasing the extraordinary potential of community service.

Meet John, a retired teacher who spends his afternoons tutoring underprivileged children in his neighborhood. Armed with patience and a passion for education, John has not only helped these children improve their academic performance but has also instilled in them a sense of confidence and self-worth. Through his dedication, John has shown that true change begins with a single act of kindness.

Emily, a young artist, has used her creative talents to brighten the lives of hospital patients. Every week, she visits a local children’s hospital, offering art workshops and uplifting experiences. Through her work, Emily not only brings smiles to the faces of young patients but also provides a much-needed escape from the challenges they face. Her commitment to making a difference demonstrates that community service can be a powerful tool in promoting healing and well-being.

Another inspiring story is that of Marcus, a passionate environmentalist who has spent years organizing beach clean-ups. By mobilizing local volunteers and raising awareness about the importance of preserving our natural resources, Marcus has made a significant impact on his community. His efforts have led to cleaner and safer beaches, inspiring others to take responsibility for the environment and work towards a sustainable future.

These stories of John, Emily, and Marcus are just a glimpse of the countless individuals who are actively making a difference through community service. Their dedication, compassion, and willingness to serve others serve as a powerful reminder of the potential within each of us to create positive change. By giving back to our communities, we not only contribute to their betterment but also experience personal growth and fulfillment. Their stories inspire us to seek opportunities for service, knowing that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

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How to Write a Great Community Service Essay

College Admissions , Extracurriculars

Are you applying to a college or a scholarship that requires a community service essay? Do you know how to write an essay that will impress readers and clearly show the impact your work had on yourself and others?

Read on to learn step-by-step instructions for writing a great community service essay that will help you stand out and be memorable.

What Is a Community Service Essay? Why Do You Need One?

A community service essay is an essay that describes the volunteer work you did and the impact it had on you and your community. Community service essays can vary widely depending on specific requirements listed in the application, but, in general, they describe the work you did, why you found the work important, and how it benefited people around you.

Community service essays are typically needed for two reasons:

#1: To Apply to College

• Some colleges require students to write community service essays as part of their application or to be eligible for certain scholarships.
• You may also choose to highlight your community service work in your personal statement.

#2: To Apply for Scholarships

• Some scholarships are specifically awarded to students with exceptional community service experiences, and many use community service essays to help choose scholarship recipients.
• Green Mountain College offers one of the most famous of these scholarships. Their "Make a Difference Scholarship" offers full tuition, room, and board to students who have demonstrated a significant, positive impact through their community service

Getting Started With Your Essay

In the following sections, I'll go over each step of how to plan and write your essay. I'll also include sample excerpts for you to look through so you can get a better idea of what readers are looking for when they review your essay.

Step 1: Know the Essay Requirements

Before your start writing a single word, you should be familiar with the essay prompt. Each college or scholarship will have different requirements for their essay, so make sure you read these carefully and understand them.

Specific things to pay attention to include:

• Length requirement
• Application deadline
• The main purpose or focus of the essay
• If the essay should follow a specific structure

Below are three real community service essay prompts. Read through them and notice how much they vary in terms of length, detail, and what information the writer should include.

From the Equitable Excellence Scholarship:

"Describe your outstanding achievement in depth and provide the specific planning, training, goals, and steps taken to make the accomplishment successful. Include details about your role and highlight leadership you provided. Your essay must be a minimum of 350 words but not more than 600 words."

From the Laura W. Bush Traveling Scholarship:

"Essay (up to 500 words, double spaced) explaining your interest in being considered for the award and how your proposed project reflects or is related to both UNESCO's mandate and U.S. interests in promoting peace by sharing advances in education, science, culture, and communications."

From the LULAC National Scholarship Fund:

"Please type or print an essay of 300 words (maximum) on how your academic studies will contribute to your personal & professional goals. In addition, please discuss any community service or extracurricular activities you have been involved in that relate to your goals."

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas

Even after you understand what the essay should be about, it can still be difficult to begin writing. Answer the following questions to help brainstorm essay ideas. You may be able to incorporate your answers into your essay.

• What community service activity that you've participated in has meant the most to you?
• What is your favorite memory from performing community service?
• Why did you decide to begin community service?
• What made you decide to volunteer where you did?
• How has your community service changed you?
• How has your community service helped others?
• How has your community service affected your plans for the future?

You don't need to answer all the questions, but if you find you have a lot of ideas for one of two of them, those may be things you want to include in your essay.

Writing Your Essay

How you structure your essay will depend on the requirements of the scholarship or school you are applying to. You may give an overview of all the work you did as a volunteer, or highlight a particularly memorable experience. You may focus on your personal growth or how your community benefited.

Regardless of the specific structure requested, follow the guidelines below to make sure your community service essay is memorable and clearly shows the impact of your work.

Samples of mediocre and excellent essays are included below to give you a better idea of how you should draft your own essay.

Step 1: Hook Your Reader In

You want the person reading your essay to be interested, so your first sentence should hook them in and entice them to read more. A good way to do this is to start in the middle of the action. Your first sentence could describe you helping build a house, releasing a rescued animal back to the wild, watching a student you tutored read a book on their own, or something else that quickly gets the reader interested. This will help set your essay apart and make it more memorable.

Compare these two opening sentences:

"I have volunteered at the Wishbone Pet Shelter for three years."

"The moment I saw the starving, mud-splattered puppy brought into the shelter with its tail between its legs, I knew I'd do whatever I could to save it."

The first sentence is a very general, bland statement. The majority of community service essays probably begin a lot like it, but it gives the reader little information and does nothing to draw them in. On the other hand, the second sentence begins immediately with action and helps persuade the reader to keep reading so they can learn what happened to the dog.

Step 2: Discuss the Work You Did

Once you've hooked your reader in with your first sentence, tell them about your community service experiences. State where you work, when you began working, how much time you've spent there, and what your main duties include. This will help the reader quickly put the rest of the essay in context and understand the basics of your community service work.

Not including basic details about your community service could leave your reader confused.

Step 3: Include Specific Details

It's the details of your community service that make your experience unique and memorable, so go into the specifics of what you did.

For example, don't just say you volunteered at a nursing home; talk about reading Mrs. Johnson her favorite book, watching Mr. Scott win at bingo, and seeing the residents play games with their grandchildren at the family day you organized. Try to include specific activities, moments, and people in your essay. Having details like these let the readers really understand what work you did and how it differs from other volunteer experiences.

Compare these two passages:

"For my volunteer work, I tutored children at a local elementary school. I helped them improve their math skills and become more confident students."

"As a volunteer at York Elementary School, I worked one-on-one with second and third graders who struggled with their math skills, particularly addition, subtraction, and fractions. As part of my work, I would create practice problems and quizzes and try to connect math to the students' interests. One of my favorite memories was when Sara, a student I had been working with for several weeks, told me that she enjoyed the math problems I had created about a girl buying and selling horses so much that she asked to help me create math problems for other students."

The first passage only gives basic information about the work done by the volunteer; there is very little detail included, and no evidence is given to support her claims. How did she help students improve their math skills? How did she know they were becoming more confident?

The second passage is much more detailed. It recounts a specific story and explains more fully what kind of work the volunteer did, as well as a specific instance of a student becoming more confident with her math skills. Providing more detail in your essay helps support your claims as well as make your essay more memorable and unique.

Step 4: Show Your Personality

It would be very hard to get a scholarship or place at a school if none of your readers felt like they knew much about you after finishing your essay, so make sure that your essay shows your personality. The way to do this is to state your personal strengths, then provide examples to support your claims. Take some time to think about which parts of your personality you would like your essay to highlight, then write about specific examples to show this.

• If you want to show that you're a motivated leader, describe a time when you organized an event or supervised other volunteers.
• If you want to show your teamwork skills, write about a time you helped a group of people work together better.
• If you want to show that you're a compassionate animal lover, write about taking care of neglected shelter animals and helping each of them find homes.

Step 5: State What You Accomplished

After you have described your community service and given specific examples of your work, you want to begin to wrap your essay up by stating your accomplishments. What was the impact of your community service? Did you build a house for a family to move into? Help students improve their reading skills? Clean up a local park? Make sure the impact of your work is clear; don't be worried about bragging here.

If you can include specific numbers, that will also strengthen your essay. Saying "I delivered meals to 24 home-bound senior citizens" is a stronger example than just saying "I delivered meals to lots of senior citizens."

Also be sure to explain why your work matters. Why is what you did important? Did it provide more parks for kids to play in? Help students get better grades? Give people medical care who would otherwise not have gotten it? This is an important part of your essay, so make sure to go into enough detail that your readers will know exactly what you accomplished and how it helped your community.

"My biggest accomplishment during my community service was helping to organize a family event at the retirement home. The children and grandchildren of many residents attended, and they all enjoyed playing games and watching movies together."

"The community service accomplishment that I'm most proud of is the work I did to help organize the First Annual Family Fun Day at the retirement home. My job was to design and organize fun activities that senior citizens and their younger relatives could enjoy. The event lasted eight hours and included ten different games, two performances, and a movie screening with popcorn. Almost 200 residents and family members attended throughout the day. This event was important because it provided an opportunity for senior citizens to connect with their family members in a way they aren't often able to. It also made the retirement home seem more fun and enjoyable to children, and we have seen an increase in the number of kids coming to visit their grandparents since the event."

The second passage is stronger for a variety of reasons. First, it goes into much more detail about the work the volunteer did. The first passage only states that she helped "organize a family event." That really doesn't tell readers much about her work or what her responsibilities were. The second passage is much clearer; her job was to "design and organize fun activities."

The second passage also explains the event in more depth. A family day can be many things; remember that your readers are likely not familiar with what you're talking about, so details help them get a clearer picture.

Lastly, the second passage makes the importance of the event clear: it helped residents connect with younger family members, and it helped retirement homes seem less intimidating to children, so now some residents see their grand kids more often.

Step 6: Discuss What You Learned

One of the final things to include in your essay should be the impact that your community service had on you. You can discuss skills you learned, such as carpentry, public speaking, animal care, or another skill.

You can also talk about how you changed personally. Are you more patient now? More understanding of others? Do you have a better idea of the type of career you want? Go into depth about this, but be honest. Don't say your community service changed your life if it didn't because trite statements won't impress readers.

In order to support your statements, provide more examples. If you say you're more patient now, how do you know this? Do you get less frustrated while playing with your younger siblings? Are you more willing to help group partners who are struggling with their part of the work? You've probably noticed by now that including specific examples and details is one of the best ways to create a strong and believable essay .

"As a result of my community service, I learned a lot about building houses and became a more mature person."

"As a result of my community service, I gained hands-on experience in construction. I learned how to read blueprints, use a hammer and nails, and begin constructing the foundation of a two-bedroom house. Working on the house could be challenging at times, but it taught me to appreciate the value of hard work and be more willing to pitch in when I see someone needs help. My dad has just started building a shed in our backyard, and I offered to help him with it because I know from my community service how much work it is. I also appreciate my own house more, and I know how lucky I am to have a roof over my head."

The second passage is more impressive and memorable because it describes the skills the writer learned in more detail and recounts a specific story that supports her claim that her community service changed her and made her more helpful.

Step 7: Finish Strong

Just as you started your essay in a way that would grab readers' attention, you want to finish your essay on a strong note as well. A good way to end your essay is to state again the impact your work had on you, your community, or both. Reiterate how you changed as a result of your community service, why you found the work important, or how it helped others.

Compare these two concluding statements:

"In conclusion, I learned a lot from my community service at my local museum, and I hope to keep volunteering and learning more about history."

"To conclude, volunteering at my city's American History Museum has been a great experience. By leading tours and participating in special events, I became better at public speaking and am now more comfortable starting conversations with people. In return, I was able to get more community members interested in history and our local museum. My interest in history has deepened, and I look forward to studying the subject in college and hopefully continuing my volunteer work at my university's own museum."

The second passage takes each point made in the first passage and expands upon it. In a few sentences, the second passage is able to clearly convey what work the volunteer did, how she changed, and how her volunteer work benefited her community.

The author of the second passage also ends her essay discussing her future and how she'd like to continue her community service, which is a good way to wrap things up because it shows your readers that you are committed to community service for the long-term.

What's Next?

Are you applying to a community service scholarship or thinking about it? We have a complete list of all the community service scholarships available to help get your search started!

Do you need a community service letter as well? We have a step-by-step guide that will tell you how to get a great reference letter from your community service supervisor.

Thinking about doing community service abroad? Before you sign up, read our guide on some of the hazards of international volunteer trips and how to know if it's the right choice for you.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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The importance and benefits of giving back to your community

Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. It will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to people and ideas that will positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life. Helping your community is an opportunity for you to grow as a person, to better understand how you fit into the world around you.

Why is it so important to give back to your community?

Why is it so important to find a cause you love and volunteer your time? Spending time enriching your community is a great way to broaden your perceptions of the world. By immersing yourself in a community and surrounding yourself with people who are dedicated to bettering the world, you can learn so much about how the world works. You gain a unique sense of purpose by serving those around you, one which often manifests in other areas of your life.

Of course, it’s also important for your community! Without volunteers, many of the services and events we enjoy in our communities would not be so readily available. Spending time helping out at local shelters or food banks provides an important service to less fortunate neighbors. Giving back to the place you call home helps to unite the community and bridge some of the social, economic and political gaps.

What are some of the benefits of volunteering?

Donating your time to support those around you is extremely beneficial, both for you and your community. It is statistically proven that people who volunteer regularly are healthier both physically and mentally. Individuals who have volunteered throughout their lifetime typically live longer and have better psychological well-being. In addition to the health benefits, volunteering gives people a sense of purpose. The fulfilling feeling of giving back and contributing to society is unparalleled.

Giving back is also a great way to get to know your community and its citizens. When you volunteer, you have the opportunity to meet lots of new people. Working alongside individuals who also care about improving their surroundings will allow you to broaden your network of friends. Additionally, it will help you to better understand the circumstances of other members of your community. Having a broad, open-minded perspective of the different walks of life around you will help you to be an effective and empathetic citizen.

People skills are not the only skills you will gain through volunteering! Dedicating time to help others will teach you patience, kindness, and resilience. Not only will you improve your communication abilities by working alongside a diverse team of people, but you will also gain a plethora of other experiences that will help you as you navigate your future. Volunteering may even help you discover a new passion or interest.

How can you get involved in your community?

There are so many important causes out there that always need volunteers to support the work they’re doing. Whether you’re passionate about advocacy, animal rights, or helping the homeless, you can find a valuable way to donate your time. Many towns and cities have community centers, which can be a great place to find opportunities to give back to the place you call home. You can also check websites like VolunteerMatch or Idealist for volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and abilities. Even if you only donate a few hours of time each month, you will be making a huge difference in the lives of others.

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Writing a College Essay About Community and Examples

By Eric Eng

Writing a college essay about community is a common requirement in the series of essay prompts most colleges include alongside their Common Application. If you’re applying to multiple universities, you’ll notice that many of these essay topics overlap, although the wording is always different. 

One main reason for this is that all college admissions committees want to learn the same things about you. They’re all interested in learning more about who you are, what you’re interested in, what goals you have in the future, and why you’ve chosen to apply to this university. 

One of these prompts is a college essay about community. While it varies from college to college, the prompt will roughly sound like this:

Tell us a little about a community you consider yourself part of.

Each university will add its own spin or add-on question, but they’re all asking the same thing: what about your background has had a major impact on who you are today?

Here’s an actual example from Brown University to give you some context:

“Tell us about a place or community you call home. How has it shaped your perspective?”

Another example is from the University of Michigan : 

“Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. ”

From Duke University:

“We seek a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had to help us understand you better—perhaps related to a community you belong to, your sexual orientation or gender identity, or your family or cultural background—we encourage you to do so. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying.”

At first glance, this college essay about community seems pretty easy. The question in itself is short and colleges typically only request a brief answer of a few hundred words. However, after you read the prompt a few more times, you might realize how open-ended it is. What are the best words to describe community ? 

How you answer this question depends on your perspective. You might choose to describe the literal community where you live, or you could interpret it more metaphorically to mean a group of people you identify with for a specific reason. 

For example, if you are a person of color, your community could be your cultural group. In some diversity essay examples , focusing on the sense of belonging in a foreign country could be an ideal angle to explore. If you are an international student , you might share how you found your community in a new country. Alternatively, you could see your weekly Dungeons & Dragons group in writing your college essay about community. Think about the groups or environments where you feel a sense of belonging and connection.

Regardless of how you interpret community, the primary thrust of the question remains the same. This is the perfect opportunity for you to talk more about who you are and how you interact with your community at large. 

Admissions officers aren’t only interested in how you can benefit from attending the university. They’re also interested to know what you’ll be able to offer students, teachers, and the larger school community. 

How to Write the Community Essay: Complete Guide (plus tips!)

While all college essays are an excellent time to show admissions officers why you’re a great fit for the school, the college essay about community is especially important. If you’re able to knock this essay out of the park, you can successfully convey to colleges how you would contribute to the school. Let’s look at 10 things to know before you write a college essay about the community to help you write the best response possible.

Decide what community you want to write about

Start by brainstorming the communities you are a part of. These can be defined by factors, such as:

The best tip that we could give you is to choose the community where you can share most about yourself. Think about the different “identities” you have and what groups of people you spend time with at school, work, or elsewhere. Don’t limit yourself to the literal definition of “community” if something truly resonates what your definition of “community” pops up.

Start outlining your essay with guide questions

As we’ve mentioned before, this college essay about community is an open-ended question. So take this as an opportunity for you to get creative! Reflect on your experiences and how they have shaped who you are today. Use these guide questions to help structure your thoughts and outline your essay:

• What specific actions did you take in that community? (Hint: use active verbs like “coordinated” and “led” to clearly describe your roles).
• What types of challenges did you address (on a personal, local, or global level)?
• What particular contributions did you make?
• What skills, qualities, or values did you acquire?
• How did you utilize the lessons learned within and beyond that community?

Don’t be afraid to get personal

All college essay prompts are designed to help admissions officers get to know you better. So a college essay about community is one of the best places to accomplish this goal. One advice we can give students is to get personal! Don’t be afraid to show off your quirky side, something unique about you, a little bit about your background, and everything that makes you…well, you !

Although the college essay about community does involve other people, the question is mainly asking what group you identify with. Similarly, in diversity essay examples, the emphasis is on how your unique background, identity, or perspective has influenced your life and how it might contribute to the diversity of the college community. 

While you’ll no doubt mention and even describe other people, don’t forget to talk about yourself and how this community changed or affected you. This should be your primary focus throughout the piece as it’s what the college is most interested in learning more about.

If you feel that the topic you chose is a little too personal for you to really open up, consider switching to another sense of the word “community” about which you’re more comfortable talking.

Toot your horn.

At the heart of it, a college essay about community is asking you to talk about your achievements… at least a little. As a member of a community, you need to be offering something to the group, not just benefitting. Showing this reciprocity means you are contributing to a larger community.

Many students talk about dreaming of changing the world, but not all of them know where to start. If you are actively doing something positive for your community, in a sense, you are changing the world… your own little world. Positive contributions and acts of service to your community may be small, but they are a start, and that still counts as something.

For example, if you’ve been part of a local food bank, you might talk about how you organized a fundraising event that raised thousands of dollars and significantly increased the food bank’s capacity to serve those in need. Or perhaps you volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and led a team of volunteers in building homes for underprivileged families. 

Since there aren’t many college essays on volunteering, this would be a great opportunity to talk about it. While you shouldn’t go overboard, don’t be afraid to earnestly talk about how you’re helping others within your community. 

Still, what makes college community service essay examples genuine is that you’ll need to share how the experience shaped who you are today. If you have read other students’ community service essay examples before, you’d notice that they talk about how the experience led them to a positive change in their lives. Discuss how leading those fundraising efforts teaches you about perseverance and the power of community. Or how did building homes with Habitat for Humanity instill in you a deep sense of empathy and responsibility? Sharing these insights will make your community service essay stand out.

For admissions counselors, this is an important part of deciding whether or not you’ll fit right in at their university. They want to know how you’re going to contribute to their community other than being an academic member.

Choose a format

The basics of writing a college essay about community is to pick how you’re going to tell it. Choosing the right format is the way to effectively convey your experiences and insights. Here are some points to consider:

The Story Structure

The Story Structure is ideal for students who have encountered a challenge within their community. If you opt for this format, consider addressing these three questions in your essay:

• What challenge did you encounter?
• How did you address it?
• What did you learn from the experience?

The Collection Structure

If this doesn’t apply to you, the Collection Structure might be more suitable. When using this format for writing your essay, check out these points:

• Theme or Central Idea: Choose a unifying theme that ties your different experiences together. This could be a value, skill, or passion that permeates your community involvement.
• Vignettes : Share several short stories or snapshots that illustrate your engagement. These can be varied and highlight different roles, projects, or impacts you’ve had.
• Connection : Each vignette connects back to your central theme and demonstrates how each experience contributes to your overall growth and perspective.
• Reflection : Reflect on what these experiences have taught you and how they have shaped you as a person.

For example, in writing your college essay about community, you might write about your involvement in multiple community projects, such as organizing local clean-up events, mentoring younger students in a science club, and participating in cultural festivals. Each of these vignettes would showcase different facets of your character and how you contribute to your community.

You can also combine the narrative and collection structures by discussing a challenge while highlighting a range of values and lessons learned at the same time. This hybrid approach showcases your diverse experiences and insights within your community.

“Describe a Community You Belong to” Essay Examples

East meets west.

I look around my room, dimly lit by an orange light. On my desk, a framed picture of an Asian family beaming their smiles, buried among US history textbooks and The Great Gatsby. A Korean ballad streams from two tiny computer speakers. Pamphlets of American colleges were scattered on the floor. A cold December wind wafts a strange infusion of ramen and leftover pizza. On the wall in the far back, a Korean flag hangs beside a Led Zeppelin poster.

Do I consider myself Korean or American?

A few years back, I would have replied: “Neither.” The frustrating moments of miscommunication, the stifling homesickness, and the impossible dilemma of deciding between the Korean or American table in the dining hall, all fueled my identity crisis.

Standing in the “Foreign Passports” section at JFK, I have always felt out of place. Sure, I held a Korean passport in my hands, and I loved kimchi and Yuna Kim and knew the Korean Anthem by heart. But I also loved macaroni and cheese and LeBron. Deep inside, I feared I’d be labeled by my airport customs category: a foreigner everywhere.

This ambiguity, however, has granted me the opportunity to absorb the best of both worlds. Look at my dorm room. This mélange of cultures in my East-meets-West room embodies the diversity that characterizes my international student life.

I’ve learned to accept my “ambiguity” as “diversity,” as a third-culture student embracing both identities.

Now, I can proudly answer: “Both.”

Let’s unpack this community essay example.

As a reader, what did you notice in the essay? How did it make you feel? Here’s our take:

• The author uses very descriptive language that does an excellent job of setting the scene, making the piece as engaging as a short story.
• Although the subject is potentially generic (i.e. a story about having two different identities due to cultural differences), the author does a wonderful job of keeping it personal, insightful, interesting, and non-cliche.
• The story comes full circle by discussing something different in the past and how the writer’s experiences have changed it for the better today.
• The author openly admits to having an “identity crisis” which captures the reader’s attention even more without being too overbearing.

Let’s look at another example:

The Pumpkin House

I was raised in “The Pumpkin House.” Every Autumn, on the lawn between the sidewalk and the road, grows our pumpkin. Every summer, we procure seeds from giant pumpkins and plant them on this strip of land. Every fall, the pumpkin grows to be a giant. This annual ritual became well-known in the community and became the defining feature of our already quirky house.

The pumpkin was not just a pumpkin, but a catalyst to creating interactions and community. Conversations often start with “Aren’t you the girl in the pumpkin house?” My English teacher knew about our pumpkin and our chickens. His curiosity and weekly updates about the pumpkin helped us connect.

One year, we found our pumpkin splattered across the street. We were devastated; the pumpkin was part of our identity. Word spread and people came to our house to share in our dismay. Clearly, that pumpkin enriched our life and the entire neighborhood’.

The next morning, our patch contained twelve new pumpkins. Anonymous neighbors left these, plus, a truly gigantic 200 lb. pumpkin on our doorstep.

Growing up, the pumpkin challenged me as I wasn’t always comfortable being the center of attention.

But in retrospect, I realize that there’s a bit of magic in growing something from a seed and tending it in public. I witnessed how this act of sharing creates an authentic community spirit. I wouldn’t be surprised if someday I started my own form of quirky pumpkin growing and reap the benefit of true community.

This time around, pause and reflect on this essay. How did the community the author described change their perspective? How did it affect them personally? What action did the author mention going forward? Here’s what we think:

• In this essay, the author expresses the importance of rituals and family which is an excellent topic for a college essay about community.
• The topic of the essay is mentioned within the first two to three sentences of the piece, making use of limited space.
• The word “community” is explicitly used which shows admissions staff you know how to follow directions while also making it easier for them to understand what you’re writing about.
• The topic is unique to the writer and not something that many – if any – other applicants would be able to write about.
• It comes across as very authentic, personal, and genuine while still being engaging and interesting.

Lastly, once the inspiration finally strikes, seize the moment by immediately putting your thoughts on paper. Start drafting your essay about community with sincerity and passion, and let your heart guide your words.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the words to describe community?

A community is a group of people who share something in common. In writing your college essay about community, you can define it by the shared traits of the people in it or by the strength of the connections among them. It’s about finding a group of people who are similar in some way and feel a sense of belonging or connection with one another.

2. Why do colleges ask for a community essay?

Colleges use community essays to understand how you might fit into their school community. These prompts give you the chance to show admissions officers why you’d be a great addition to their campus.

3. How do I write a college essay about community?

When writing your college essay about community, focus on three main points:

• Highlight an aspect of yourself.
• Show this in the context of a community you belong to.
• Explain how this experience might influence your contribution to the college community you’ll join.

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Importance of Volunteerism Essay

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Need to write an essay about volunteering? Community service is a truly hot topic! This argumentative essay about the importance of volunteerism contains everything necessary to inspire you!

Introduction

Importance of volunteering.

It is so disappointing that many people within our societies do not know, understand or value the importance of services in the community by volunteering. Serving society is very important in helping to solve many problems, especially those that have been neglected by the government and other social programs.

Volunteering to serve the community is not only beneficial to the individuals involved, but it is necessary in creating better societies for all. For instance, community members may volunteer to clean up a town near them or feeder roads.

This way, all members benefit by living in a clean environment that is free from illnesses related to sanitation. By cleaning the compounds surrounding them, society members help promote the health of their young ones who are always playing, during which time they can eat anything on the ground which would have otherwise caused them serious infections.

Community work does not always revolve around environmental work, but it is equally important for the fortunate members of society to help those who are less fortunate. Community members may volunteer to offer gifts and other services to help the less fortunate ones.

For example, people may contribute goods such as clothes and food to help the street children who have no homes or take them to children’s homes from where they can be provided for. This way, the members of society will have helped others live a more and better comfortable life.

Especially young children will feel the love that they never got from their parents. This is essential in the growth and development of a child, and the assistance and love they receive from society will surely help them grow to be better adults in society (Landry 1).

Volunteer work in our societies basically involves sharing and friendship through which people can find out what others need so that they can work on assisting them in all ways possible. Through volunteer work, many people’s lives are changed, be it through words or material assistance.

For instance, a community may volunteer to help young people addicted to drugs where they organize meetings with them, and doctors or psychiatrists volunteer to talk to them about the effects of drugs as the community helps them avoid the vise by giving them jobs to keep them busy.

Being responsive to the needs of other people makes us realize and appreciate humanity and spiritual being, as well as feeling good for changing someone’s life. This can even help shy people gain self-esteem. Volunteering in society work helps in promoting and building our social obligations as human beings.

Through community volunteer work, people are able to respect each because they work together without any discrimination. Volunteerism can be thought of as a social capital where everyone is concerned for the well-being of others. It also helps create trust and confidence between society members and brings society together (McHenry 1).

A society where people volunteer and work together always faces fewer problems since all the members tend to get along well and support each when they are in need.

The security of society is also improved, especially through the rehabilitation of street children and drug addicts who are more likely to cause insecurity in society. By supporting each other, society members can live in harmony and be happier than those societies that do not work together.

Importance of Volunteering: FAQ

• What Is Volunteer Work? Volunteering is unpaid work done by a person to benefit the community. In other words, volunteering means that someone is giving their time to help an individual, a group of people, or a non-profit organization.
• Why Is Volunteerism Important? Volunteer work develops and improves the community. Besides, it is helpful for the one who deals with it. Volunteering can improve one’s mental health, reduce stress, and give meaning to their life.
• How Does Volunteerism Benefit the Community? Volunteering is related to the need for people to participate in their community and be important to others. Imbued with such values as reciprocity, solidarity, and mutual trust, it significantly improves the quality of life.

Works Cited

Landry, L. “The importance of volunteering.” 2002. Web.

McHenry, W. “ The Importance of Community Service . ” 2000. Web.

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Importance of Giving Back To The Community Essay

Oct 24, 2023 | 0 comments

Oct 24, 2023 | Blog | 0 comments

In today’s interconnected world, the concept of Giving Back To The Community Essay is more than just a charitable act; it embodies a vital societal principle that underscores the significance of collective responsibility. This notion’s essence lies in reciprocating the blessings one has received by actively engaging in activities that help others and contribute to the well-being of those less fortunate. As per recent statistics, the communities that actively participate in these endeavors tend to uplift the underprivileged and foster a sense of fulfillment and cohesion within themselves.

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National Honor Society Four Pillars

The National Honor Society (NHS) Four Pillars represent the fundamental values that form the cornerstone of this esteemed organization. Understanding these pillars is essential to comprehending the essence of the NHS. Let’s take a closer look at each one:

• Scholarship:  The first pillar emphasizes the significance of academic excellence. While maintaining high grades is paramount, the NHS also recognizes the importance of a curious mind. It’s not just about achieving top grades; it’s about a genuine love for learning and intellectual growth.
• Leadership:  The second pillar underscores the importance of taking initiative and demonstrating leadership qualities. Being a leader doesn’t always mean being in charge; it’s about inspiring others to work towards a common goal. It’s about showing the way, being a role model, and positively impacting your community.
• Service:  The third pillar revolves around giving back to your community. This can take many forms, whether volunteering at a local shelter, tutoring younger students, or participating in community clean-up events. It’s about understanding the privilege of your position and using it to help people around you, especially those less fortunate.
• Character:  The fourth pillar is perhaps the most integral one. It’s not just about doing the right thing when someone’s watching; it’s about doing the right thing even when no one is. It’s about being honest, respectful, and compassionate. It’s also about having the strength of character to stand up for what is right, even when it’s not the popular choice.

Purpose as the Reason Why Giving Back to the Community Is Important

Understanding the purpose behind giving back to the community is pivotal to comprehending its importance. It’s not just about fulfilling a requirement or ticking a box; it’s about recognizing each individual’s power to make a positive impact. When you plan to give back, whether through volunteering, offering a free essay example to aid others, or organizing community events, you are actively contributing to the betterment of society. Helping your community isn’t just a one-way street; it’s a reciprocal relationship that fosters a sense of belonging and unity. By offering your time, skills, or resources, you help people in need and create a ripple effect that inspires others to join in and help our community thrive.

The Benefits of Giving Back

Giving back to the community benefits those receiving and positively transforms the givers’ lives. Let’s delve into some of the key advantages:

• Fosters Personal Growth:  Engaging in acts of giving back nurtures empathy, compassion, and a sense of gratitude. It allows individuals to develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others, leading to personal growth and a broader perspective on life.
• Creates a Stronger Community:  By contributing to the community’s well-being, individuals foster a sense of unity and togetherness. Acts of generosity and kindness build stronger bonds among community members, creating a support system that benefits everyone.
• Enhances Mental Well-being:  Helping others has been proven to boost happiness and a sense of purpose. Giving back triggers the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that positively impacts mental well-being.
• Promotes Skill Development:  Volunteering and giving back provide opportunities to learn new skills and gain valuable experiences. Whether it’s organizational abilities, communication skills, or problem-solving techniques, these experiences contribute to personal and professional growth.
• Creates a Positive Impact:  Each act of giving back, no matter how small, contributes to a larger, positive impact on society. Whether mentoring the youth, supporting the elderly, or contributing to a charitable cause, these actions collectively create a more compassionate and supportive environment for all.

Mistakes to Avoid in Writing My Giving Back to the Community Essay?

Writing a giving back to the community essay can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it is also important to avoid common mistakes. A few of these include:

• Don’t choose the wrong topic.  You need to select a topic you are passionate about which speaks to your unique voice. If you don’t have any ideas, try brainstorming with friends or family members who might have some suggestions. Remember, there is no perfect way to write an essay; however, you should avoid writing about topics that do not interest you or those too broad for your interests (“How I Gave Back to the Community”).
• Avoid poor organization.  Use clear transitions between each paragraph so the reader can follow along easily as they read through your essay (i.e., Additionally).
• Don’t lose focus while writing my Giving Back Community essay.  Writing an effective essay requires concentration and focus on every aspect of an excellent paper – from selecting a good topic to proofreading and editing! Ensure everything flows smoothly together instead of jumping around randomly throughout different ideas within one paragraph.
• Poor grammar.  Avoiding grammatical errors can be challenging, but it is possible to do so with practice. The best way to keep your grammar error-free is to read your essay aloud before submitting it. If you notice any mistakes while reading it aloud, try rephrasing the sentence or removing the error altogether.
• Avoid plagiarism  – either intentional or unintentional. Plagiarism can occur when you copy from another source word-for-word without citing them properly (if at all). If you are unsure whether something qualifies as plagiarism, look up the source and compare it with what’s written in your paper; if there are significant similarities between both pieces of work, that could mean someone has been stealing from them! It’s okay if some sentences sound familiar because we all use common phrases now and again, but make sure they are not so similar that they could be mistaken.
• Not Following the Instructions-  You may think you know how to write a good essay, but this is not always true. You need to follow all of the instructions given by your teacher. For example, if they ask for a five-paragraph essay and submit a 3-paragraph one, your grade will be lower than it should have been.
• Not Reading Your Essay Before Submitting It – After writing an essay—of any type—you must read over what was written before submitting it, especially if it was due today! Skimming through quickly can help catch errors such as misspellings or sentence structure problems immediately so that they won’t affect your grade later.
• Not following the format is one of the most common mistakes students make while writing their essays. They don’t follow a proper format, making their writing look unprofessional. So, it is always important to follow the format provided by your teacher or lecturer.
• Not following the word limit:  Another common mistake of students while writing an essay is not following the word limit given by their teachers/lecturers during the exam preparation period. This will get you penalized, so ensure you always follow all guidelines given by your instructor before submitting your assignment to them.
• You are not outlining ahead of time . An outline will help you organize your thoughts, making writing the essay easier and faster. Your outline should include all the main points that you would like to include in your final work.

Tips to Perfectly Write Giving Back to the Community Essay

• Understand the importance of giving back to the community:  You should always support the community as a student. Giving back to the community helps students become better people and builds connections with other community members. As you can see, giving back to your local community is important. You will write this type of essay to help others learn more about how they can give back.
• Consider the people you want to help:  To write this essay properly, consider which groups or organizations you want to help in your area. You may also want to think about individuals who could use some extra care from time to time.
• Choose the best way to help.  Before writing your community service essay, think carefully about what kind of volunteer work you want and why. Is there a particular cause that is close to your heart? Or are there certain skills that you can offer? Be sure to make this clear in your essay.
• Write clearly and concisely.  For readers to understand what you’re saying, it’s important that they can read through your work quickly without losing focus or getting confused by long sentences or complex vocabulary (unless used sparingly). Try reading aloud what you’ve written so far—if something doesn’t sound right, rewrite it until it does!
• Being  honest with yourself and others is very important when writing a giving back to the community essay. If your intentions for doing so are not genuine, no one will take you seriously or even believe what you say or write about it!
• Give examples of what you have done to help others  and let the reader know that it wasn’t a one-time thing; it was something you often do regularly. You can use this as a guide if you have nothing specific to say, but make sure that whatever example you choose is relevant to helping others in your community. Otherwise, it won’t work very well.
• Don’t make any mistakes like misspellings or other mistakes with grammar . Ensure everything is perfect before submitting it—you don’t want any red marks on your paper from the teacher!
• Ask for Help.  Ask someone who knows how to write essays well for help with sections where you are unsure how they should be written (for example, introduction and conclusion). This will help ensure that all parts of the essay flow together nicely and read smoothly throughout.

Nhs Application Essay Examples

Giving back to the community by rene – may 2018 scholarship essay, the importance of giving back to my community essay, volunteering personal statement, what does community service mean to me essay, i am making a difference in my community essay, a personal narrative essay: my most rewarding volunteer experience, why is giving back to the community important.

Giving back to the community is important because it fosters a sense of unity, compassion, and support within society, addressing the needs of the less fortunate and strengthening communal bonds.

What is an example of giving back to the community?

Volunteering at local shelters, organizing community clean-up drives, or mentoring underprivileged youth are all examples of giving back to the community and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of others.

How can we help the community essay?

Helping the community essay can be achieved by actively participating in initiatives such as volunteering, providing educational resources, offering mentorship, or contributing to charitable organizations that support community development.

What is the power of giving back?

The power of giving back lies in its ability to inspire positive change, foster empathy, and create a ripple effect of kindness and generosity, ultimately contributing to the betterment of society.

With a passion for helping students navigate their educational journey, I strive to create informative and relatable blog content. Whether it’s tackling exam stress, offering career guidance, or sharing effective study techniques

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Columbia College | Columbia University in the City of New York

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Giving Voice to Values

Read the winners of the Undergraduate Community Initiative Essay Contest.

T his past spring, Columbia College, Columbia Engineering and Columbia General Studies came together to launch the Undergraduate Community Initiative (UCI), a series of programming focused on cultivating a shared commitment to the values of belonging, respect and service. The initiative kicked off in January with a celebration of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., followed soon after by two performances by Theater of War, which stages readings of seminal texts to foster dialogue about difficult issues. Related events continued throughout the semester.

The UCI Essay Contest, meanwhile, invited students to reflect on a time that they chose to pursue or embody one of the initiative’s key values, and how that decision made a difference in their life and in the lives of others. Here, we share the winning submission, by Emma Shen ’26, which makes an affecting point about the value of listening and the power of small actions to make a significant difference. Second place went to Tazia Mohammad ’27, whose carefully observed piece about everyday communication can be found here .

Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all the students who submitted their work.

Navigating the Universe of Human Connection

By Emma Shen ’26

Emma Shen ’26

I jolted in surprise from my seat and looked at my roommate. She was staring at the wall, her mind clearly on matters beyond the confines of our dorm room. I gave a noncommittal nod, a silent gesture to acknowledge what should have been an innocuous comment.

She opened her mouth as if to say more, but silence ensued. Instead, she gave a deep sigh and turned off the lights to go to sleep.

I lay awake for a while that night. It was cold, typical for February, but it felt even chillier than usual. Something bothered me about what my roommate had said. She had spoken into existence a feeling I’d been carrying with me all day, a feeling I could not identify because it was too complex to capture in a single word.

I had woken up that morning stressed and in a bad mood, mainly because I had a lot of schoolwork and two Hirevue interviews to film to help with my summer internship search (Hirevues are the bane of my existence). As a student-athlete, I can say with certainty that time is the most valuable commodity I have. With all of the tasks I needed to complete that day, I knew time was not going to be on my side.

Therefore, when one of my friends texted to ask if we could meet for lunch, my instinct was to decline. The precious hour that would be spent chatting about trivial matters was an hour that I could not afford. However, something in the way she wrote the text caught my attention, and I paused. I usually studied with this friend but never had meals with her. Was there something going on? My gut instinct was to accept the invitation, so I did.

We met at a nearby cafe, and I immediately could tell something was off. Her eyes were rimmed red; clearly, she’d been crying. I didn’t say anything, though, simply greeted her with a hug and suggested we find a table and get our food. Once we situated ourselves and had gotten past the usual pleasantries, I knew I had to ask: “Are you OK?”

Tears started streaming down her face as she tried to respond, but I could tell nothing coherent was going to make it out anytime soon. Concerned, I handed her the brown napkins from the middle of the table and waited until she was ready to speak.

“I have no one here at Columbia.”

Those were the first words she uttered. They are words I will never forget.

I won’t go into the details of our conversation because it’s private to me and my friend, but I will say this: As she expressed her emotions, I felt hot prickles of shame and guilt build up inside of me. Here I had been, just earlier that day, griping about trivial matters while my friend was struggling. I didn’t know where to hide my face.

We spoke for two hours, at the end of which my friend seemed to be in a significantly better state. I, on the other hand, felt like I’d been hit by a truck.

A s I lay in bed that night mulling over the day’s events, I reflected on myself. Time and time again, I have turned people down for the sake of maintaining a decent GPA, furthering my career prospects or attending sports practice. Yet I have never paused to consider how my actions have impacted others. The idea that they would even impact others feels counterintuitive because so many choices I have made are in my self-interest, and rarely pertain to anyone else. However, when it comes to building relationships and building a community, I could have done better. I failed to recognize a friend who was hurting, and I could not sleep because of that.

My solution is not groundbreaking; I simply make it a point to share a meal with a friend more often and ask them how they’re doing.

Is the fact that I have lunch more often with friends going to change the world? Probably not. But I write this essay because I think my experience is more common than one would think. The culture at Columbia and in NYC is fast paced and unforgiving. Taking the time to do small things like asking how someone is doing should be easy, yet it happens a lot less than it should. I am living proof of this.

I still take care of the tasks I need to complete, and I continue to prioritize my academics and sports performance. However, even though I’m the center of my own universe, nothing is preventing me from visiting the other planets. It just takes a little thought and some energy on my end.

Emma Shen ’26 is studying financial economics and computer science, and is on the golf team.

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