The Gephardt Institute values opportunities to collaborate with schools, departments, and groups across the University to promote civic engagement and community service.  Recently, Institute staff worked with the McDonnell International Scholars Academy, an initiative that brings future global leaders from partner institutions around the world to Washington University for graduate and professional study and research.  The collaboration enabled current and incoming scholars to have a shared community service experience in St. Louis as part of their orientation activities.
 

More than 50 McDonnell Scholars and their family members were hosted for the day by Gateway Greening, which promotes urban vitality through community gardening and education.  One group worked at the Tower Grove community garden at the corner of Sidney and Virginia.  The others traveled to Lafayette Square Community Garden at Park and Dolman. Everybody rolled up their sleeves and helped transport mulch, pull weeds, trim foliage, and generally help tend the gardens.  Garden leaders from the community expressed great appreciation for the “extra hands” at the end of the growing season.

The Gephardt Institute also facilitated discussion to challenge participants to think about their views of community service and how volunteerism in the United States may compare or contrast with their own countries.  The day ended with an introduction to resources for those who wished to become further involved.  Several of the scholars already have made plans for a return trip to the gardens.