Community Voices
"I have made so many lasting Waltham Group friendships, both at Brandeis and in the Waltham Community!"
— Anne Blackstock-Bernstein '09
"Never underestimate the value of even an hour of community service."
— Josh Bellet '10
“It constantly amazes and centers me that so many people care about helping others and giving back to our community. The sheer number of people that are involved in our programs and attend our events, both in Waltham Group and the Blood Drive, makes my heart swell with pride at the kinds of students that we have at Brandeis.”
–Jenna Rubin '11
"Volunteering with Waltham Group has been the most meaningful part of my Brandeis experience. Coming together with other Brandeis students who truly want to make a difference in both our, and Waltham's, community is really inspiring. In terms of volunteering, it always amazes me that no matter how stressed out I am before leaving campus, once I am volunteering with my kids in their classes - all of my worries just disappear and I come back to campus feeling so rejuvenated. I've found volunteering to definitely be a two-way street: the volunteer and community both get so much out of it!"
- Lara Solinsky '11
About the Department
The Department of Community Service, with a slogan of "Within Community Comes Unity" is dedicated to providing students, faculty and staff with relevant volunteer experiences that match the needs of our neighbors, as well as the skills and interests of our student volunteers. The department seeks to establish sustainable and reciprocal partnerships with local social service, governmental, educational and cultural agencies as we advise and support community service initiatives.
Our endeavors include fostering a community member who is civically engaged as an advocate, volunteer and educated citizen. We strive to embody the pillars of the university and core values of the Division of Student Affairs through experiential service opportunities, collaboration with the academy and intentional reflection.
Student service outreach is done primarily through the Waltham Group, a student-led community service organization.