Community Service

Community service plays a vital role in the functioning and improving of societies. This is why at Ashbury College we encourage our students to get involved in helping others from a very young age. The act of volunteering can take place on a small or large scale and whether small or large, no act goes unappreciated. Ashbury College has a learning community that is rich with programs that foster personal development through service, such as the Community Service Program and the Duke of Edinburgh Program for grades 9-12, as well as the CAS program for IB Diploma students. All three of these programs share service as a central tenet, and collectively, they engage student in the school. It is the goal of the Community Service Committee to engage as many students as possible in thinking about others and giving of themselves to improve the lives of others around them. It is with this mindset, that our students go out into the world looking for ways that they can improve the life of one, or many people in need.

Why get involved?

Some people say that there is no such thing as a selfless act, because all selfless acts make YOU feel good. There are also many other reasons to get involved:

• It helps you to develop new skills and to use old ones.
• Service provides a unique opportunity to reflect on our own circumstances while being empathic of others.
• Universities, colleges and employers seek out individuals who are well-rounded contributors.

To recognize your involvement and acknowledge your hard work, Ashbury awards CS Pins.

• To earn a BRONZE pin you must contribute 60 hours of community service
• To earn a SILVER pin you must contribute 120 hours of community service
• To earn a GOLD pin you must contribute 200 hours of community service
• To earn a PLATINUM pin you must contribute over 400 hours of community service

There are many ways that you can get involved. However, there are some restrictions to what can be deemed community service by Ashbury College.

1. Though we encourage you to help out your local community, we also recommend that you seek outside experiences. It is for this reason that Ashbury will only count 20 hours (of the first 60) of in-school service, towards your diploma. After the 60-hour threshold has been reached, though, all of your in-school and out-of-school contributions will be recorded.
2. Activities that are preformed during school hours cannot be recognized as community service.
3. Activities that are normally preformed for a wage in a for-profit business is not considered community service. For example, working in a doctor's or veterinarian's office.
4. Working in an apprentice position (unpaid) in a for-profit organization. For example, summer camp counselor-in-training.
5. Activities preformed in or around the home such as daily chores, or visiting with relatives, while rewarding, are not considered community service.
6. Hours must be submitted within 6 months of the date which they have been completed to be reflected on your report card

It is our hope that each student will find something that he/she is truly passionate about, and continue their service beyond the Ministry's and Ashbury's requirements.