Civic Fellows Program

The Civic Fellows Program is a one year paid engaged service program for Mason students. 

Thank you for your interest in serving as a community partner site for the Civic Fellows Program! Civic Fellows will be matched with Community Partners to complete 8-10 hours per week of service on a project proposed by the Community Partner. Students and Partners will participate through the Civic Fellows Program in a cohort model and participate in pre-service training as well as workshops throughout the year. As part of the cohort experience, students will be introduced to concepts of social justice, civic learning, and anti-racism to conceptualize their service with their community partner. Civic Fellows will be matched with Community Partners to complete 8-10 hours per week of service on a project proposed by the Community Partner. Students will engage in a cohort model to participate in pre-service training and professional development workshops throughout the year. As part of the cohort experience, students will be introduced to concepts of social justice, civic learning, and anti-racism.   

Community Partner FAQ & More

What are the expectations of community partners and potential partners?

  • Community Partner sites should be located in Fairfax, Prince William or Arlington counties;  
  • Partner sites must have a substantial project or program for the fellow to focus on throughout the year that will contribute to the mission and goals of the organization. Projects can be direct or indirect service projects;   
  • Community Partners sites must have the capacity to supervise the fellow during the duration of the 14-week (per fall and spring semesters) service and offer guidance, direction, and mentoring;  
  • Partners must provide orientation to students about the organization - sharing the history, mission, and scope of the organization’s work;   
  • The partner supervisor or their alternative must attend the Civic Fellow Training and end of the year celebration;  
  • Partners must provide an evaluation of the fellow during the course of the program and at its completion;  
  • Partner sites must provide and create a safe and supportive environment for student volunteers.  

What are the expectations of the CECiL Office and George Mason University?

  • As a convener of the Civic Fellows Program, the CECiL office will work with community partners to match Civic Fellows student volunteers;  
  • CECiL will conduct training sessions for students to prepare them for their experiences at partner sites; 
  • CECiL will communicate regularly with community partners and work to build mutually beneficial relationships; 
  • CECiL will oversee student awards and volunteer hours during the duration of the program;   
  • CECiL will seek and provide feedback with community partners and Civic Fellows regarding the service experience. 

What kind of projects can Civic Fellows complete?

  • Projects should meet specific needs of the community organization;  
  • Projects can be direct or indirect service opportunities. Civic Fellows can spend time working directly with constituents or on administrative duties that support constituent services and programs.   
  • Projects can be ongoing but should have a specific deliverable that fits within the program calendar to help assess the development of the project and the experience of Civic Fellows and Community Partners. 
     

Some examples of potential projects might be, but are not limited to:  

  • The planning and execution of a program event, like a fundraiser or community celebration  
  • The translation of guides or resources  
  • Tutoring of K-12 students  
  • Office administration with a specific project that the Fellow is responsible for, like updating a database, or collecting resources for community members