Welcome to the Office of Civic & Community Engagement

Aloha! Welcome to the Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE) at the University of Hawai'i Mānoa. Since 1994, our office has worked with students, faculty, and members of the community. The OCCE provides students with the opportunity to do service learning and volunteer in their community in meaningful ways while furthering their education. We provide faculty with resources and assistance to integrate Service Learning Pedagogy into courses.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, ed. by Thomas Ehrlich, 2000 (Preface, page vi)

A morally and civically responsible individual recognizes himself or herself as a member of a larger social fabric and therefore considers social problems to be at least partly his or her own; such an individual is willing to see the moral and civic dimensions of issues, to make and justify informed moral and civic judgements, and ti take action when appropriate.

Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, ed. by Thomas Ehrlich, 2000 (Introduction, page xxvi)

What is Service Learning?

Service Learning combines the best of active learning and citizenship by connecting course content with service projects that help the community. It is a powerful way of understanding course material by learning from experience.

Service Learning can help

To develop personal and social responsibility
To develop leadership ability and critical thinking skills
To improve your knowledge of academic subjects
To expand your world view
To develop skills for future employment

Preparing for the Real World

Service Learning is all about connecting what you're learning in class to the real world. It helps you find relevance in the material you're learning, and exposes you to real-life situations to enhance your understanding. We hope you'll find that the four walls that separate the classroom outside of college suddenly become less daunting after you engage in a service learning project.

Maui Aid Efforts

The devastating fires in West Maui, Kula, and Kihei have left many without homes, resources, and access to said resources, here are some ways to help the efforts. You can help by donating to the Kako'o Maui Fund here.

Together Against Injustice

Here at the OCCE, we recognize that change needs to happen at many different levels to address ongoing racial injustice and inequities. We will provide support and guidance to our network of students, faculty and community stakeholders by offering current and relevant information and resources, as well as offer space for dialogue and discussion around these issues. Please take a look at the statement from President Lassner and the statement from National Campus Compact, which also provides a set of recommendations for colleges and universities to challenge the injustices our communities are facing. As our Native Hawaiian host culture has taught its keiki (children) for generations, aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain - it is my pain. When there is joy - it is also mine. We stand ready to serve with our communities and encourage you to reach out to us if in need.

Resources & Reading Recommendations

Community Partners Spotlight