Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement
Built upon the foundations of Wellesley’s motto, Non Ministrari Sed Ministrare, Civic Engagement explores the role of social justice work across all majors and career fields. The Civic Engagement program works to prepare Wellesley graduates to make a difference in the world. We offer opportunities to engage in sustained, collaborative, reflective, and meaningful ways that enrich a liberal arts education.
Explore Ways to Get Involved
Opportunities in Civic Engagement take many different forms. Since we place community partners at the center of our work, the structure of our programs varies based on their needs and preferences. Based on your interests, availability, and capacity, there’s a lot to choose from!
From semester long commitments, to single day service, to immersive programs like Alternative Breaks, we encourage students to select opportunities that allow them to sustainably manage their classes, co-curriculars, and wellness.
Ministrare Council
The Ministrare Council leads Civic Engagement’s programs, working with community partners, faculty, staff, and students to help bring Wellesley’s mission and motto to life. Ministrare Council works to build community across campus through volunteer programs and events.
Ministrare Council is a group of civic-minded student leaders who are responsible for guiding their peers through community engaged work. Ministrare Council is led by six Fellows, each with a specialized focus area. The remainder of the Council is composed of Coordinators who support our student volunteers through education and reflection.
Ministrare Council offers Wellesley students an opportunity to work closely with professional staff in community organizations to learn about community based work. While recruitment for these positions normally begins in the spring semester, there are occassionally open positions available throughout the year.
Participate in an Alternative Break!
Program Dates:
Winter: Jan. 14 - 21, 2023
Spring Trip Dates: Saturday, March 25 – Saturday, April 1, 2023
Application Deadline: Wednesday, February 15
The Civic Engagement Alternative Break (AB) program is a week-long residential immersive community service experience. ABs offer a unique opportunity for students to explore issue areas through in-field service, non-profit organization partnership, community building, and thinking critically about social change. Students serve in small teams. Room, board, program transportation, and activities are fully funded by Wellesley College’s Career Education – Civic Engagement department. There are two Alternative Break opportunities during the academic year: Winter Session and Spring Break.
The Impact of Civic Engagement
Hear from members of Ministrare Council about how Civic Engagement has influenced their thinking about community, service, and putting Wellesley's motto into action.
2022–2023 Ministrare Fellows
Contacts
The Ministrare Council organizes many aspects of Civic Engagement — you can make appointments with our Fellows (listed above) to discuss Alternative Breaks, Community Partnerships, Wellesley Partnerships, or general volunteering questions. For all other topics, including Federal Work Study opportunities, please email civicengagement@
See Handshake for Upcoming Events!
"I reached out to several Wellesley alums and former Pickering/Rangel recipients to help me prepare for the finalist interviews and essays. If I can give advice to anyone wanting to apply for this fellowship in the future it is to do the same thing! I couldn’t have done this without their guidance and encouragement."
"I'm excited by the unknown. I'm not sure where I'll be or who I'll meet at these embassies, but I'm looking forward to the new experiences!"
Projects for Peace Alumni Award (graduates)
Projects for Peace is a global program that partners with educational institutions to identify and support young peacebuilders and changemakers. The program encourages young adults to develop innovative, community-centered, and scalable responses to the world’s most pressing issues. Along the way, these student leaders increase their knowledge, improve skills, and begin to see themselves as agents of change. Since 2007, Projects for Peace has worked with approximately 115 colleges and universities to support almost 2000 projects.
Service Fellowships
Service is at the very heart of Wellesley’s motto, and fellowships can support all kinds of service in the world: in the U.S. and abroad; for undergraduates and graduates; with structured opportunities, placement with NGOs, or “build your own” projects. This resource is by no means exhaustive, but instead aims to provide an introduction to some of the most common fellowships as well as some helpful first steps.
Govern for America Fellowship - expected direct application deadline
Eligible: rising seniors who are U.S. citizens and are able to commit to the two year program (no GPA or major requirement).
States are where we tackle our nation’s toughest issues. From education to health care to criminal justice and more, states are where Americans see their government in action. But today, state governments are in dire need of new perspectives, passionate people to get things done, and talented leaders with the ability to move our country forward. At Govern for America, we recruit, develop, and connect exceptional graduates to key roles in state governments across the nation through a two-year, paid fellowship. If you...