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@
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to build community with other like minded people across the country who are dedicated to working on the same kinds of issues that I am.”
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship - direct application deadline for fall semester
Applicants are required to have completed a baccalaureate degree by the time the fellowship commences. Prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy is highly desirable. The program is open to US citizens and non-U.S. citizens living in the US eligible for employment.
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, established in 1987, is a highly-competitive national fellowship program that provides recent college and graduate school alumni with the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security. Twice yearly, the fellowship’s Board of Directors selects a group of outstanding individuals to spend six to nine months in Washington. Supported by a salary, the fellows serve as full-time junior staff members at the participating organization of their choice.
Scoville...
Global Health Corps Africa Fellowship - expected direct application deadline
Eligible: seniors and graduates aged 30 years or younger who are a citizen or legal permanent resident of Burundi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.
Global Health Corps is building the next generation of diverse health leaders. We offer a range of paid fellowship roles with health organizations in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia and the opportunity to develop as a transformative leader in the health equity movement. Everyone has a role to play in the health equity movement!
Note that applications are due at noon EST on the deadline date.
Questions? Any prospective Wellesley applicants are welcome to seek...