Caring for Our Community
At LCC we believe that our impact does, and should continue to, reach beyond the edges of our campus. LCC is not an institution that exists just for itself, or just for our students, but it is a place that we hope impacts the global world that we live in today. Our mission at LCC is to “provide a Christian liberal arts education within a diverse learning community that transforms people for servant leadership.” That last part, transforming people for servant leadership, is a key part of our work and identity as a university. We seek to provide service-learning and volunteering opportunities for students to engage with the needs of local, regional, and global communities. The goal of the Service-Learning program is to develop servant leaders who can identify needs within their community and learn how to effectively apply their unique knowledge, skills, and talents to be a catalyst for change.
Learning Outcomes
What is Service-Learning?
Service-Learning: a set of activities rooted in community, empowerment, and partnership, where students provide service activity identified by the community as necessary and appropriate, which promotes reflective learning.
Volunteer: A volunteer is a person who willfully donates their time and energy to help promote a good cause of help an organization work more effectively
Service-Learning Ambassador
A Service-Learning Ambassador (SLA) empowers students by facilitating service opportunities that promote civic engagement, community development, and servant leadership. SLAs address the needs of their community by making connections with local partners, leading Service Club, organizing service events, and encouraging active involvement in social change. Additionally, the SLA team is responsible for teaching others about service-learning, finding funding for student-led projects, and celebrating student service achievements.
Service Structure at LCC
There are many ways to engage in volunteering and service-learning at LCC.
- Service-Based Programs: LCC departments organize, implement, and lead several service programs for our student body which happen on an annual or semi-annual basis. Some of these programs are run in partnership with local organizations while some are organized internally. All these programs are formally organized and have set learning goals created.
Examples: Vilnius Camp, Dressember, Angel Tree, and more.
- Volunteering Opportunities: Through the Office of Student Engagement and Formation student can gain access to a list of various opportunities where they can serve both locally and internationally. Students can learn about opportunities for one-time or ongoing volunteering. Students can also learn about student clubs and organizations that serve regularly in the community.
- Academically Based Service-Learning: Service-learning is the intentional integration of service and academic study. Some courses at LCC incorporate service into the curriculum, allowing students to serve while deepening their knowledge and understanding.
Service Learning & Volunteer Form
Service hours are tracked through a Microsoft Form. Below are the steps to be able to track and get your hours verified by the university.
- Follow the link to fill out the Microsoft Form: You can fill out THIS FORM multiple times for each volunteer opportunity.
- Submit the form and wait for confirmation of verification: Verification is done on a scheduled basis. You can expect to know your verified hours at the end of the semester. If you would like to request the amount of hours LCC has registered for you in the current semester, send an email to aray@lcc.lt.
Get Involved
1. Follow the Service Team on Instagram! @lcc_serviceclub
2. Join Service Club by contacting Dijedon Biljali dbiljal21@students.lcc.lt
Service Club has an open meeting policy, so join us any time! We will discuss current volunteering opportunities, make plans to go with friends, learn how to add our volunteering experience on a CV and more! We meet Thursdays in Room 202 at 18:00.
3. Get involved right here in Klaipeda! Contact the listed representative to learn more.
Red Cross – Zoriana Bakalets or Yurii Miroshnyk
Volunteer in the Emergency Preparedness Program, Warm Visits (visiting seniors in their homes), and in other educational programs. Language: Lithuanian, English, Russian
Draugas Draugui – Reghina Ianisena or Daryna Ustenko
Volunteer in a thrift shop that has the goal to make positive change in the community and support social projects. Volunteers are needed to sort clothes and help in other ways. Language: English, Lithuanian
Išganymo Armija (Salvation Army) – Mariia Tarasiuk
Put together a fun event to engage the lonely in our community or organize programming for Ukrainian children on Saturday afternoons. Language: English, Lithuanian, Russian, Ukrainian
Caritas – Yahor Rameika
Weekly volunteering opportunity to connect with teens. Serve as a mentor and friend by teaching English and having fun. Language: English, Lithuanian
Maisto Bankas (Food Bank) – Yana Zharnovska
Various opportunities throughout the year to organize food donations and support special projects. Language: English
American Corner – Nino Maisuradze
Lead an English Club, movie night, or other event for people in Klaipeda that want to practice English or learn more about American culture. Language: English
Ukrainian Volunteer Center – Valeriia Hichko
Participate in special projects that support Ukrainian military and families. Language: English, Ukrainian
Volunteer in a local animal shelter and provide care for dogs and cats. Must be 18 years or older and able to commit for a longer timeframe. Fill out the volunteer form or email info@linksmosiospedutes.lt with a CV in order to volunteer.
Volunteer in another local animal shelter and provide care for dogs and cats. One time volunteering is possible. Volunteers are needed to clean and shovel snow. Volunteers who come regularly can serve by walking dogs. Fill out the volunteer form to volunteer.
Klaipedos Pagalbos Moterims Linija
Volunteer at the Klaipeda Women’s Helpline and provide support to women facing a range of difficulties. Volunteer must complete 100 hours of training (which takes 4-5 months) and should expect to volunteer 4-8 hours per week. Interested volunteers can fill out this form to begin the process.
Klaipėdos socialinės ir psichologinės pagalbos centras
The Klaipeda Women’s Social and Psychological Support Center helps women suffering from domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. Students interested in internships or who are interested in the issues of human trafficking and violence can contact kmn@moteriai.lt or egle.puidokaite@gmail.com.
Klaipėdos Sutrikusio Vystymosi Kūdikių Namai
The Klaipeda Home for Children with Developmental Disabilities provides care to children with special needs, emotional and behavioral challenges, and disabilities. Contact Edvina at +370 657 75208 or atokvepis@kudikeliai.lt to learn about volunteering.
Resources
European Voluntary Service: international volunteer program funded by the European Commission
European University Sports Association: volunteering opportunities in sports events held in the EU
European Youth Portal- EU Funded Volunteering: database of volunteering opportunities in the EU