Why?

Before engaging in service, it’s important to identify your values. What drives you? What motivates you? Why are you seeking to engage in this project, group or activity? Understanding your values gives you a foundation for making decisions and communicating your intentions to others.

How?

At the Pace Center our work is guided by four core values:

  • Engaged Discovery - Students learn how to serve, why to serve and from service.
  • Community Focus - Students learn to listen to communities, understand community needs and build community on campus and beyond.
  • Impactful Programs - Service is meaningful when students both grow as individuals and respond to the needs of the world.
  • Student Leadership - Students doing service lead in ways that go beyond position, title or role.

Identifying our values sends a clear message about who we are, what we believe in and what we stand for. Our values drive our decision-making and interactions with others. Being able to articulate our values and how they speak to our work is an important component of creating buy-in from others.

Activity

Answer the following questions with the words, phrases or experiences that most readily come to mind:

  • What was a time that brought you great joy? Who were you with? What were you doing?
  • What was a time where you felt called to action? What motivated you to act? What did you do?
  • What are your passion areas? What do you love about them? What do they add to your life?
  • What was a time when you had to overcome an obstacle? How did you overcome the challenge you faced?

Looking at your answers above, what stands out to you as being important? Use your answers to identify and articulate your values.