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CA 2009 Information

CA 2009 Important Dates:

Late May - Information and application materials for Community Action mailed to all incoming students.
June 1 - Applications are mailed and available online through the Student Volunteers Council website.
Mid-July - Acceptance information letter and equipment list emailed to all accepted participants.
Saturday, September 5 - Arrive at Princeton - students can pick up their room key at Baker Rink between 8AM and 6PM.
      3:00 PM - Registration for CA 2009 officially begins at Murray-Dodge Hall.
      Evening - Groups leave for sleep site.
Friday, September 11 - CA Dance Party!
Saturday, Septebmer 12 - CA Concludes and Freshmen Orientation Week Begins.


The Student Volunteers Council (SVC) of Princeton University is pleased to offer our 20th annual Community Action. CA is a pre-orientation program led by upper-class students that is designed to promote an ethic of service and community awareness among undergraduates, foster productive collaboration between the University and surrounding communities, engage all participants in both academic and interpersonal dialogue, and provide quality leadership opportunities for upper-class students.

The total cost for the week is $495. Students receiving any level of need-based financial aid from Princeton will have the total fee subsidized by the University. Community Action is a drug and alcohol free program for both leaders and participants

Click here to see an informational video about CA!
(Download RealPlayer)

Community Action is the first opportunity for entering students to participate in community service at Princeton. During the week groups comprised of 8-12 first-year students and 3-4 upper-class students spend their days in Princeton, Trenton and Philadelphia renovating homes, restoring city gardens, serving food in soup kitchens, and working with children. Typical tasks include painting, spackling, tearing down walls, harvesting vegetables in community gardens, painting a mural in a school, touring local neighborhoods and agencies, and interacting with community members. No past experience is necessary - just a willingness to work hard and immerse yourself in our community.

Community Action is not all work. It's also a great way to meet other freshmen and learn more about Princeton. Each evening, groups go to a designated facility near their service site to clean up, cook, engage in group activities, and relax. Evening activities include a meal and discussion with Princeton professors and administrators, a program-wide dance, and other recreational activities in the community.

MISSION STATEMENT

Community Action is a student-led pre-orientation program for the freshman class sponsored by the Student Volunteers Council. The program involves a week of volunteer service based on a community immersion experience that allows participants and leaders to live in or near their community service work sites. By combining a relevant service experience with meaningful community contact, Community Action seeks to:

* Promote an ethic of service and community awareness among undergraduates
* Foster productive collaboration between the University and surrounding communities
* Engage all participants in academic and interpersonal dialogue
* Provide quality leadership opportunities for upperclassmen

STUDENT RESPONSES

"This was one of the best experiences I've ever had. . . Our group became very close, and working together made possible a kind of bonding
that usually takes a very long time to develop."

"The discussions forced me to rethink many of my preconceptions concerning the causes as well as the possible solutions to poverty and urban decay."

"The program gave me an interesting introduction to the SVC and made me more aware of the area that surrounds Princeton. I would definitely do it again. It was a great way to meet other first-year students."

"I thought the late-night discussions were provocative, and I enjoyed sharing my thoughts and ideas with people who cared about what I was saying. . people who are now my friends. It was a true bonding experience!"

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Dave Brown, Director, Student Volunteers Council, at 609-258-5557. You can also contact the CA Coordinators Jacob, Danielle and Peale.