Instead of a midterm exam, we are going to participate in a community project. You will have a chance to apply critical thinking concepts into real world challenges by volunteering for New York Cares.
Post your community project right here, in the comments box below.
New York Cares: newyorkcares.org
“Meets pressing community needs by mobilizing caring New Yorkers in volunteer service.”
Step 1: Register at newyorkcares.org and complete the online orientation.
Step 2: Browse volunteering opportunities. What are you interested in?
Step 3: Sign up for 1 volunteering session before the end of week 4/ September 28th.
Step 4: Volunteer! by the end of week 6/ October 12th.
Step 5: Write a report about your experience. See guidelines below.
Step 6: Submit your project here.
Community Project Guidelines
Your report should include the following:
Part A) Describe your volunteering activity: what, where, who, how, why, etc.
Part B) Include a picture that captures the essence of your project, with a caption.
Part C) Select 2 of the below course learning outcomes for CRT 100 and explain how you did or did not address them through your project.
Here are 4 of our relevant learning outcomes:
| Type | Outcome | |
| CRT | 1.Demonstrate ability to think clearly, logically, thoroughly, critically, and effectively. | |
| CRT | 2.Demonstrate ability to solve problems and make mindful decisions in academic, personal, and professional situations | |
| Gen ed/ values | 3.Values- Students will be able to make informed choices based on an understanding of personal values, human diversity, multicultural awareness and social responsibility. | |
| FYE | 4.Students will become aware of the importance of social responsibility and citizenship (e.g., awareness of intellectual property, ethical research, respectful discourse/behaviors) and come to value themselves as members of a diverse academic community that is situated locally, nationally, globally, and digitally. |
37 thoughts on “Community Project”
Name: Namgyal Wangchuk
Prof. Ewa Barnes
CRT 100 Critical Thinking
Date: 10/08/2023
Community Project
Volunteering at the Buddhist Temple, the Drukpa Center USA, involves contributing to a global network of Drukpa monasteries and temples. These spiritual centers, guided by spiritual leader Gyalwa Dokhampa, serve as hubs for worship, meditation, and community bonding among local Buddhists. They offer a nurturing environment for Buddhist practice, meditation, learning, and spiritual development. Additionally, they function as cultural hubs, preserving and disseminating Buddhist customs and principles within their communities.
Upon my arrival in the United States a few years ago, I was introduced to this temple by local friends. Within its sanctuary, I discovered a refuge and formed connections with like-minded individuals from various backgrounds. When the opportunity arose, I eagerly became a volunteer.
My recent volunteer work centered around the “Weekly Sunday Dolchog” – Tara Practice at the Drukpa Center in Woodside, Queens, New York. Tara Puja, an essential Buddhist practice, involves revering and seeking blessings from the deity Tara through mantras, prayers, and offerings.
As a volunteer, my responsibilities encompassed:
1. Temple Maintenance – Engaging in tasks such as cleaning, gardening, and general upkeep of the temple premises and structures.
2. Ceremonial Assistance – Actively participating in or supporting various Buddhist rituals and ceremonies, including lighting butter lamps.
3. Hospitality – Extending a warm welcome to visitors, offering tea, and providing information about the temple’s customs and practices.
4. Cooking and Food Preparation – Assisting in the preparation of meals for monks, practitioners and guests.
Learning Outcomes:
During my volunteer work at the Drukpa Center USA, I demonstrated clear, logical and effective thinking by working on tasks with organization and attention to detail. Whether it was temple maintenance, ceremonial assistance, hospitality or cooking and food preparation, I prioritized the needs of the temple and its community. I followed instructions, communicated effectively with fellow visitors, practitioners and volunteers to ensure smooth operations and a positive experience for everyone involved.
Volunteering at the Drukpa Center USA taught me the values of community, compassion, and cultural preservation. I learned the importance of coming together with people from diverse backgrounds to support and nurture each other on our spiritual journeys.
I also developed a sense of social responsibility, understanding the importance of contributing to the well-being of the temple and its community. These values have had a positive impact on my own life, guiding me to foster connections, show kindness, and appreciate the richness of different cultures.
I always feel incredibly grateful and fulfilled during my volunteer work at the Drukpa Center USA. It is a truly enriching experience that fills my heart with joy and a sense of purpose. Being able to contribute to the temple and connect with like-minded individuals brings me a deep sense of happiness and contentment. It is a wonderful opportunity to give back and be a part of something meaningful.
IMG_3949
Photos and videos attached
Photos and videos attached
Wonderful, Namgyal. Your reflection is informative and truly inspiring.
Name: Minna Weng
Prof. Ewa Barnes
CRT 100 Critical Thinking
Community Project
I was a volunteer for packing and distributing food at FoodFirst in Red Hook, New York, in collaboration with New York Cares, the New York Housing Development Corporation, and other organizations to address community hunger issues and distribute food to low-income residents. On that day, there were nine volunteer members, and our task was to package and distribute food to a total of 238 low-income community residents. The packaged food included rice, green beans, red beans, milk, canned vegetables, canned tuna, frozen dried fruits, and more.
During this process, I learned that as a volunteer, I am serving others, serving the community, and spreading love. While helping others, I felt a sense of self-worth, and I realized the happiness that a spirit of service brings. I intend to actively participate in volunteer activities in the future to make my life more meaningful and valuable.
New York is a city of cultural diversity where people come from different cultural backgrounds. We all live together in this city, and we should respect each other, respect different cultures, and respect different beliefs. Let’s work together to contribute to creating a better home.
That does sound fulfilling, Minna. I am happy to hear about your positive experience. Can you add some information about our course learning outcomes and how the project relates to it?
Name: Jacqueline NIeves
Prof. Ewa Barnes
CRT 100 Critical Thinking
My first time as a volunteer
My experience begins by looking for the place where we were going to meet since I got lost but after a while I found the place and it was located in the basement of Iglesias St. Malachy’s Church. 239 West 49th Street, New York, NY, 10019-7493, when I arrived the first thing I did was check if I was on the volunteer list with the leader Sandra, then they gave us the instructions to distribute the food and the food actually varied a lot and there are different food packages or if the clients wanted the food hot or cold and all that had to be done from 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM. Afterwards I found a colleague named Samantha to deliver the food and they gave us the food, it was very heavy with the food they gave us a list of where it should be delivered. My partner and I went outside and the leader called an Uber and in a few minutes the Uber arrived and we loaded all the things in it and we went to our first destination which was about 20 minutes away, the first was in a very large building and almost all of our deliveries were there and the majority were for older adults who received our food with a smile and their face and thanked us for doing that and for continuing to volunteer that was the most beautiful thing about being a volunteer, but no everything can be good as it was my first time as a volunteer, like my partner we made mistakes with some deliveries so it was something bad on our part but it was because we were new, in the end we finished our deliveries we called an Uber and we returned to deliver the bags in Those of us who brought the food and that was how my first volunteer experience ended.
I chose learning 1, an example of how I dealt with it is when we had two hours to distribute the food in 15 different places so I tried to call the customers to let them know that we were on the way so that they didn’t go out and it didn’t take us too much time because we had more deliveries and I understood that everyone wanted their food on time and I tried to do it as quickly as possible with my partner.
Learning 2, an example of how I deal with it is when my partner Samantha and I realized that we distributed the food wrong and we no longer had food for our next delivery. At that moment we calmed down and called the leader of that project and explained that We were wrong and we apologized, they understood and gave us a solution.
Summery
Sounds fulfilling but also difficult at times, even dramatic! I am glad it all worked out in the end.
Qqq
Li Yi
CRT 100
Professor Barnes
October 12 , 2023
Community Project Report
I had the opportunity of participating in the “West Side Campaign Against Hunger,” a program devoted to easing hunger by ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to healthy food choices and support services with dignity. Our workspace was outside of the “Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew” at upper west side 86 Street.
For this project, my main task was to neatly arrange the supplies that needed to be distributed in the designated locations. This entailed the constant lifting of food items weighing between 30-40 pounds and arranging them under tents for distribution. The task demanded that volunteers work both indoors and outdoors throughout the shift. The project was staffed by a dedicated team, including the organization’s employees and fellow volunteers. A notable figure among us was Team Leader Andrew Lippman, who has dedicated 13 continuous years to volunteering. Andrew
has contributed over 5,000 hours of service and participated in more than 2,200 projects, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills to ensure the well-being of residents and the positive volunteer experience.
During this project, I realized the following two learning outcomes:
1. CRT 2 – Demonstrating the ability to solve problems and make informed decisions in academic, personal, and professional environments:
In the project, we weren’t just moving food; we were collaborating to address potential challenges and ensure seamless food distribution. This required us to swiftly resolve issues such as food placement and volunteer task allocation to meet the community’s needs.
2. CRT 3 – VALUES:
Through my participation in this program, I experienced the importance of social responsibility. By providing food relief to community members in need, we positively contributed to the community. Our efforts not only provided food but also raised awareness of social issues.
This volunteering activity not only filled me with pride but also deepened my understanding of the meaning of social responsibility and volunteering. Working with a team of volunteers, I learned collaborative and problem-solving skills that will benefit me in future academic, personal, and professional settings
In conclusion, this report summarizes my contributions and the valuable lessons learned during my participation in the West Side Campaign Against Hunger program. I eagerly anticipate continuing to support the community in the future and applying these important lessons to my academic and personal life.
This image reflects our work site and underscored the significance of the program. It serves as an example of the dedication of our volunteers and the community’s needs.
Here is the picture
Sounds great, Li. I love that you had to collaborate with a team. It sounds like a lot of work too.
Carlo Vivar
Professor Ewa Barnes
CRT 100
10 October, 2023
Community Project
So, for my community project, I did not sign up for any of the options on the website. What I did do is an act of community service. It was a collaboration of a BMCC program called “Conexiones and Connections” this peer mentoring program teamed up with New York Parks a group that helps take care of parks in NYC. The Park I helped and participated in was the Washington Market Park. This Park is located right next to BMCC’s main building on 199 Chambers St. in regards to who participated well like I previously stated it was me and some workers from the NYC parks program along with the BMCC conexiones and connections program; it was a lot of fun. You might ask yourself how I accomplished this act of community service, it was easy and a very fun experience, I had to attend the plants and add more soil and some compose to the dirt to make it more nourished. The reason I did this was because I like giving back to the community and helping out. I also found this activity interesting. With this workshop I learned to become aware of my social responsibility. So I think that I would categorize my income type with number #4 (FYE).
.
Sounds and looks great, Carlo. It must be nice to walk by the park and know you contributed to its growth.
Can you add more about the course learning outcomes?
Savannah Lucas
Prof. Barnes
CRT 100
10.17.2023
For my community project, I volunteered at a pantry in the South Bronx. I told a friend of mine about it and she came along to volunteer as well. When we got to the place, the outside of the building read “Providing Help and Creating Hope”. Based off of my first perception of the task at hand, I already felt as if I was giving back to my community and walking into the right place. We were then led to the pantry area where I met two other volunteers, one who was also doing a school assignment and another who just simply enjoys giving back. They were in the process of opening up boxes and restocking shelves and grouping together different items that will be placed in individual bags to give out.
The team leader then approached and directed us to the basement area in which he pulled a huge stack of boxes of apples out on a pully. He then gave us some bags, you know the ones that hang on the aisles of supermarkets where you gather your fresh produce. He placed a huge bucket next to us and asked if we could open up the boxes of apples and place 10 in each bag. We got some gloves and then got to work.
We demonstrated an ability to think clearly and logically when in the process of bagging up the apples we immediately thought about how to make this process occur the fastest. I started to take the roll of plastic bags and tear a bunch a part individually so that they are easier to grab. Another person started to place the boxes of apples on the table, we started with two. After that, I decided to tear the flaps of the box off so that way there is nothing in the way when grabbing the apples. After we finished the first box, we decided to place the individual bags we tore off inside an empty box and but it between us all.
After we finished up a couple bags, we decided to also place the bucket we were tossing them into behind us so it is easier for all of us to place them inside.
This experience definitely allowed me to touch on my values a lot more. It felt amazing to give back and do something for my community. It feels like a social responsibility to help those less fortunate than you in any way that you can and knowing that I spent as little as 3 hours of my time to in order to help so many people feed themselves and their families brings an immense amount of joy to my heart.
Sounds great and fulfilling indeed, Savannah. So great a friend joined you too.
I see 1 course learning outcome discussed here–1 more?
This is the food pantry and them getting things ready to put into individual bags
.
..
…
….
Mya Chamberlain
Prof. Ewa Barnes
CRT 100 Critical Thinking
10/18/2023
On the 11th of October I volunteered at a food pantry in Bedstuy, Brooklyn. The woman I met first and went to for instruction was named Eulene. Eulene directed me to where I could find protective/ hygienic gear. Everyone who worked with food directly had to wear a mask, gloves, and an apron. I appreciated how cautious and clean they were and had my expectations exceeded.
My job was to stand in the front of the pantry and issue milk to passerbyers and people who look like they might be in need. I loved the variety of milk we were able to provide for the people. We have oat, 1%, 2%, and soy milk. Super inclusive! While handing out milks I struck up a conversation with someone who was assisting me at the table named Avalon and she told me how she moved from California and studies food insecurity in the states she lives in. We spoke about the power of community gardens and how food shopping should be more intimate and unite us because it’s dining is a culture we all share.
I appreciated the friendly banter that was exchanged between people who were passing by and myself. A man asked me to name a mammal that drinks milk from a species that isn’t their own. He pointed out that humans are the only organisms that drink milk from goats, cows, and so forth. Another woman complimented my poise and proceeded to ask me if I thought she was funny. There were many characters! Having to work with strangers reminded me of my retail experience and I believe that if I didn’t have it- I wouldn’t have been so comfortable. However as someone who’s spent a decent amount of time working retail jobs, I can say I genuinely enjoyed it.
CRT 2.Demonstrate ability to solve problems and make mindful decisions in academic, personal, and professional situations : I addressed this by arranging the milks in a way the gave the illusion of choice and quantity when we began running out of milk. I spaced them out and arranged them in a checkerboard fashion.
CR3.Values- Students will be able to make informed choices based on an understanding of personal values, human diversity, multicultural awareness and social responsibility: When someone would come around who was clearly dysfunctional, I behaved in a way that would not trigger them, instead being kind and cordial. At a certain point someone thanked me for speaking to them with “high esteem”. However, I would speak to anyone like that. It kind of saddened me to know that my behavior highlighted a divide for them but it also made me feel good to be able to remind them there are people in the word who will treat you with respect regardless. When I noticed my buddy at the table get uncomfortable, I would check in with them and handle conversations for them. She spoke about how being from the suburbs shielded her from seeing people mentally ill and publicly deviant.
Thanks, Mya. Your volunteering experience sounds quite adventurous, and it sounds like many people received free milk, which is great.
layza Hiciano
Prof. Ewa barnes
CRT 100
Date wed 18 2023
I was a volunteer for the Meals-on-Wheel Prepare and Provide project at Jefferson Community Center 2205 First Ave at 114th Street. There were 11 volunteer members including myself. and our task was to prepare and package food for delivery.The food that we packaged contained oatmeal for breakfast for individuals who needed breakfast, sloppy Joe for lunch, and potatoes and baked chicken for dinner. Since there was a budget cut we were able to prepare about 1400 meals altogether. During this process, I learned as a volunteer, the love people have for each other in the community, while serving the community the love you get to spread yourself, and the many different types of people who are willing to serve the community. While helping prepare the food, I felt humbled in a way because I went there with a certain idea. Once I felt kindness and love while meeting everyone I felt a sense of happiness and comfort.
Fye: Students will become aware of the importance of social responsibility and citizenship. While working with others I did start to feel like I was really a part of the community even though I didn’t get to connect with the people who were going to receive the food I still made sure that food was placed in a way that showed the love that us as a team was trying to show.
CRT 1: Demonstrate ability to think clearly, logically, thoroughly, critically, and effectively. They didn’t really have us work in a particular order but regardless of that, we were still a team so I made sure to work in a way that didn’t affect the others around me.
Thanks, Layza. I love that the volunteering experience was such a positive one for you.
Name: Anthony Lora
Prof. Ewa Barnes
CRT 100 Critical Thinking
Date: 10/19/23
Community Project
I went out and volunteered to deliver food to some household seniors at the Presbyterian church on fifth ave. The Presbyterian church has been in collaboration with the nyc cares organization for years now and every couple of weeks they gather volunteers to send out food to some of the seniors in the community. When I first entered the church there were around 10 people who were already there and getting ready to deliver food but after a couple of minutes of me being there that number quickly grew to about 20 people. Our group leader got us all together and made us up into groups of 5. Each group had 10 bags of food that was to be separated among the group members to deliver. After everyone had their designated address to deliver to, our group leader told us the time frame we had to deliver the meals and how to deliver them to the elders. Each group had about 1 hour to deliver their food to the seniors they got and after they delivered it they had to message the group leader that they were finished. Afterwards the group leader will confirm it by messaging the senior and then you can go home. But before we left the church the people that worked there came up and told us how much they appreciated us doing this and how it impacts the lives of the people we are delivering too. Now the main reason for me volunteering to do this in the first place was because it felt good to make someone’s day by delivering them a hot meal to someone who might not have the strength to make one or maybe they’re just too tired to make one for themselves.
I chose learning outcome 1 because during the deliveries it was raining a lot and I had to make sure that the food I had didn’t get soaked or that I dropped it in water. So because of all the rain I had put the food in my bookbag where I knew it wouldn’t get wet. Throughout the 2 deliveries I had, both of the addresses were pretty far from each other so I had to choose the best route to get to them before my 1 hour time frame is up.
For my second learning outcome I chose 3 because while I was going to the first address to deliver the senior his food on the little slip it said that he has been feeling very ill and that he might be able to answer the door quickly. So instead of me waiting there I just gave him 1 knock and left his food on the door knob and told my leader to tell him that his food is on the door knob. By me doing this it saved me time and allowed me to get to my next address within the time frame I was given.
The picture I provided was our group leader giving us the food we are to deliver.
Great, Anthony. It sounds like you helped many people with your food deliveries. I am sorry it was a rainy day.
Name: Alexander Torres
Prof. Ewa Barnes
CRT 100 Critical Thinking
Community Project
A) The project I volunteered at was called “Rescue Good Food From Becoming Waste”, which required a group of people to meet at a local bakery, Bread’s Bakery, near Union Square at 8 p.m. during the closing hour. The project leader, Sevani Persaud, explained what we would be doing. The task was to deliver food to a local shelter, Moravian House, so we were given multiple bags of bread, pastries, and sandwiches to take. The walk was around 10-15 min and during that time I talked with some volunteers. They mentioned that the bakery avoids wasting food by packaging leftovers every week to deliver to different shelters around the area. Once we arrived at the shelter, we dropped off the food and left, since it was nighttime we only saw the receptionist who thanked us for our service.
B) The picture presented below is of the bakery where I volunteered, it is located at 18 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003.
C) 1 – Gen Ed/Values: I have achieved this learning outcome by delivering food to a local shelter that aligns with my values; compassion and social responsibility, while recognizing and respecting the diverse needs of the shelter’s residents.
2 – FYE: By delivering food to a local shelter, I actively engaged in social responsibility by addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals in the community. This experience deepened my understanding of the importance of giving back and being a responsible member of a diverse society.
This sounds great, Alexander. I love that the bakery donates their leftovers instead of throwing them away.
.
Aissata Diallo
Prof. Ewa Barnes
CRT 100 Critical thinking
October 22nd
My volunteer project was painting Halloween pumpkins with the visually impaired. We basically got to set up snacks, paint utensils and were assigned a person of our own to assist. Initially, I assumed that everyone was blind, but that was not the case as everyone’s vision was on different scales, some people were legally blind or blind in one eye while others could not see at all. I found this activity interesting because I always wondered how the visually impaired learned to adapt to these changes in their vision and how they functioned differently from a person like me who has 20/20 vision. In the activity, we helped our partners visualize the kind of pumpkin they wanted to create. My lady, Barbara painted a face on her pumpkin, including a witch’s hat, a cat with stars and hearts. She was so adorable and made me smile a lot. She walked me through most of the drawings as I’m not the best drawer and turns out she was very talented. The project took place on 23rd street between 7th and 6th avenue, with the company Visions. There was a group of 5 volunteers, one for each person. We got to distribute popcorn, chips, juice and got to know them personally. Through this project, I became aware of the importance of respectful behaviors such as being careful with your words because we are no different and opening yourself to new opportunities that could lead you into passions in which you had no idea you loved. I learned to adapt to other people’s strengths and disadvantages, studying mindful decisions. I also demonstrated the ability to think critically through someone else’s lenses and how to properly supply those needs.
Aissata–the pumpkin decorating project sounds lovely. Thank you for doing that.
I see 1 course learning outcome addressed–can you add 1 more?
Bryan Madison
Professor Barnes
18 October 2023
CRT 100
Community Help Project
For my community help project I volunteered setting up a food pantry associated with WSCHA located on West 86th street and West end infront of St. Paul and St. Andrew Church. When I arrived there were tents set up with various fruits, vegetables, beverages, all by the case and stacked up accordingly very meticulously. I couldn’t find out where to go but I saw a guy go down a flight of stairs so I went and followed a guy with a walky talky. I walk down the stairs and I see boxes everywhere, potatoes, boxes of rice, everything that would involve feeding the less fortunate all in one room. I was greeted by a man named Andrew who was the coordinator for the food pantry and directed me immediately to the staff and other volunteers that were helping the cause. The objective was to unload the packages of fruits and vegetables out the delivery trucks into the basement of operations where they had the rest of the foods located to send out to the actual food trucks to feed the less fortunate. It was from 7-9 and my 2 hours consisted of loading the dolly with packages of food items, stacking them in their respective spots and doing it over again. It put a lot into perspective for me in terms of people having to go through waking up at 8 in the morning to feed their children as well as themselves. Every time I thank God for putting a roof over my head, food on the table, and clothes on my back.
Gen Ed/ Values: This course learning outcome was addressed during my project by showcasing how there are people (especially with families) hungry and can’t either afford nor are accessible to their necessary needs in their home to feed themselves or the people next to them. It’s important to take into account the disadvantages of some communities and to lend out helping hand.
CRT: This course learning outcome was addressed during my project by there being not enough hands as well as difficulty transferring the cases of food up and down from street to floor. I utilized my critical thinking by putting the dolly’s through the elevator to transport the goods easier.
/Users/bryswavey/Downloads/IMG_4535.HEIC
During the time I had whilst volunteering at this pet daycare/grooming center, I was able to overcome one of the many learning outcomes that we have been taught in CRT. One of these learning outcomes were the 2nd CRT outcome. The way I learned this outcome was when there was an issue where 2 dogs weren’t getting along for whatever reason, and they almost had gotten into a dog fight, where I had to discipline the dogs into letting them know thats not the way to treat each other , by saying things like “NO, bad boy/girl” with a stern voice, or “Stop It” , in order to deescalate the situation and avoid an actual dog fight. Another learning outcome I learned, was the 1st CRT outcome. This outcome I had to learn, because the center was separated into 2 parts, 1 section of the center being for big dogs, and the other section being for the little ones. All they had separating them was a 4-5 inch door, where the big dogs are able to look over that door. sometimes these dogs would look over, and make the little dogs want to climb that way, causing them to be overly excited, barking/yelping, etc. I would then have to nicely, and calmly try to train the dogs to not look over there because of the way it would over-stimulate the other little dogs. Overall, this job experience taught me how to maintain maintenance, and patience. I would say maintenance because this experience had to teach me how to pick up after the dogs, when they would pee/poop in the center. I also had to learn patience because these dogs were trained, but a lot of them would be hard to deal with, for example, when one was playing with a toy, and another dog wanted it, causing him to feel sad/upset, and so I had to either distract the dog by playing with him, or try to get him to want to play with another toy. overall, this experience was fun, because I really love animals and being in a class full of all these different types of dogs, with different personalities and different energies, was a good thing to experience.