Building Connections: How Your Mindset Really Determines the Quality of Your Service
The idea that good service is explicitly quantifiable is bred as early as middle school, when our perceived “community impact” becomes directly related to the number of volunteer hours we accumulate. This concept begins to take shape when volunteer hours become a requirement, assigned alongside attendance and other graduation requirements, that many begin to view service as a numbers game, where the quantity of hours overshadows the depth of the experience itself. Mitchell and Donahue, the authors of the Cambridge Handbook of Service Learning and Community Engagement, aptly characterize the service assignments delegated to student volunteers as “‘plug and play’ volunteer experiences” (Mitchell and Donahue 462). In other words, these service activities tend to remain superficial, whether they involve spending a couple hours cleaning the beach or clocking in to help distribute food to those in need. While these actions undeniably make an impact, as the beaches end up cleaner and food lands on more people’s plates, it doesn’t stay that way. The deeper issues that lie within our garbage consumption or the systemic factors contributing to homelessness remain unaddressed. To address these issues effectively, a fundamental shift in mindset is required, one that refrains from viewing service as a mere quota to fulfill.
Moreover, this idea of service as a numerical transaction fails to foster a genuine connection between volunteers and the communities they aim to serve. Instead, it often results in a skewed power dynamic resembling the “savior-rescuer” trope, where the volunteer perceives themselves as the benevolent savior, destined or best equipped to rescue others, regardless of the actual impact of their actions. This reduction of community service to a “drop-in, drop-out” activity can inadvertently nurture a savior complex among volunteers. In The Student Companion to Community-Engagement Learning, authors Donahue and Plaxton-Moore draw a thought-provoking parallel between this mindset and the actions of superheroes, prompting the question, “What collateral damage might we create when we drop in with good intentions but too much arrogance and attempt to ‘fix’ or ‘help’ a community grappling with injustice?” (Donahue and Plaxton-Moore 59). Within the context of service environments, this mentality results in detached relationships between volunteers and community members. It can leave those on the receiving end feeling diminished, as if they are “less than” the volunteers, despite the fundamental purpose of service work being to uplift and support those in need. Consequently, perpetuating the notion that service work is merely a donation of time rather than an activity meant to positively impact diverse communities proves to be a hazardous approach. This leads us to a pivotal question: What does good service truly look like?
Well, within the unique context of the Francisco Homes, the definition of effective service transcends simply cumulating volunteer hours, instead necessitating deeper engagement with the community itself. The Francisco Homes is a transitional home, working to assist previously incarcerated individuals integrate back into society. Volunteers and workers at the Francisco Homes serve as coaches, leading residents as they attempt to take hold of their responsibilities and goals again. While there is undoubtedly societal stigma surrounding those who have been incarcerated, with many believing their criminal records hold them back from reintegrating back into society, the role of transitional homes, such as the Francisco Homes, in providing a non-judgment and supportive environment for these individuals helps to remove some of that stigma. In order to build these environments in the first place, strong relationships must be built between volunteers and residents, such that the commitment of the volunteer is made evident and that trust is steadily established between the two. This requires that the volunteer is willing to put aside any existing biases and is prepared to adapt to new narratives. In my time at the Francisco Homes, I’ve learned to rethink the existing notions I had about those who were previously incarcerated and open my mind to learn their true narratives. While it’s difficult to correct my thinking, as I am surrounded by those who hold similar biases and therefore encourage me to “be safe” and “watch out”, I found that my journey as a volunteer in this environment has not only transformed my perspective but has also underscored the incredible value of these authentic relationships. I’ve come to realize that effective service here is not just about what I give but how deeply I’m willing to understand, support, and adapt. By doing what I have to shed my biases and open myself to conversation with the Francisco Homes’ residents, I’ve been lucky enough to watch first-hand as the residents have allowed their true selves to shine, indicating the existence and constant cultivation of trust.
Therefore, I believe the true measurement of good service is related to the cultivation and application of an open and introspective mindset. An open mindset allows one to empathize with the needs and desires of those being serviced, facilitating a deeper understanding of their unique circumstances. As Donahue and Plaxton-Moore discuss open mindness, they place an emphasis on “…listening to the narratives of the people you are interacting with in the community…” (Donahue and Plaxton-Moore 57). This, in turn, leads to more meaningful and lasting relationships. An introspective mindset, on the other hand, prompts us to continuously assess and improve our own actions and motivations. It encourages us to question whether our service is truly addressing the root causes of issues or merely offering temporary solutions. In doing so, it compels us to adapt and refine our approach to better meet the evolving needs of those we aim to assist. By combining these two mindsets, service providers can better navigate the complexities of service work, ultimately leading to a more significant and enduring impact on the lives of those they serve.
By embracing this service-oriented mindset, volunteers will foster authentic connections with the residents of the Francisco Homes, rooted in trust and genuine commitment. When volunteers approach their role with the intent to create relationships, residents will reciprocate and appreciate their effort. Trust, a cornerstone of these relationships, allows the residents to open up, share their challenges, and accept assistance with grace. In the words of Sister Teresa, the executive director of the Francisco Homes, community members can best serve the residents by simply “[paying] attention to the issues of the people that end up being incarcerated. They’re not a different brand of humans” (Sister Teresa, 38). Therefore, by fostering connections with the residents and nourishing a safe space for them to openly articulate their needs for resources or guidance, we as volunteers are not only ensuring that the residents’ needs are met, but also making sure that they do not feel alienated or “less than”. In an environment like Francisco Homes, residents who have been unfairly stigmatized or marginalized find solace and understanding in these authentic connections. Along with trust, the genuine commitment of volunteers creates an atmosphere of reliability and dependability, where residents know they have someone in their corner. This fosters a sense of security, reducing the feelings of isolation and vulnerability that can often accompany individuals in transitional housing. In essence, by nurturing authentic connections through a service-oriented mindset, volunteers not only contribute positively to the lives of those at the Francisco Homes but also nourish new, realistic frameworks of thinking in terms of those who have been incarcerated as they learn and connect with their stories.
With the ability to more confidently receive and ask for help, residents of the Francisco Homes will be more likely to successfully navigate the complex prison and legal system, which gives rise to myriad structural issues. One evening during our weekly planning meeting at the Francisco Homes, a resident expressed his desire to join our planned trips. However, he candidly admitted that the fear of violating his parole was holding him back. Prior to our involvement with the Francisco Homes, none of the volunteers, including myself, had comprehended the complexities surrounding parole, a form of conditional freedom granted to inmates upon release from prison. This newfound liberty comes with an array of stringent responsibilities. Parole is a pivotal aspect of the re-entry process, yet it looms as a menacing presence, given that parole violations can swiftly lead to reincarceration. This makes parole a source of anxiety for those granted it. Ironically, parole often contributes to more problems for parolees, as its stipulations can inadvertently lead to violations. For instance, a blog by Simmons University highlights the common hurdle of obtaining a driver’s license, as “many ex-offenders are not given a new driver’s license simply because of their criminal record, but yet must drive to work, or drive to see their parole officers. They receive fines for driving without a license, which contributes to their debt and complicates their access to a license. (“The Challenges of Prisoner Re-Entry Into Society”). Therefore, parole and its labyrinthine restrictions often instills fear in those who are on it as it can often feel as though the whole system is against them. This underscores the volunteer’s responsibility to foster authentic relationships with residents, creating safe and supportive environments that nurture their self-assuredness. In these settings, residents are empowered to advocate for their rights, access crucial legal resources, and seek the assistance they require. This newfound confidence serves as a valuable tool in a system that can be overwhelming, bureaucratic, and sometimes outright hostile. As residents gain a clearer understanding of their legal rights and avenues for support, they become less susceptible to the systemic issues that disproportionately affect marginalized populations within the legal and correctional system. Ultimately, the strength of these relationships enables residents to break free from the cycle of disadvantage and disempowerment that so often accompanies involvement in the complex prison and legal structure.
In conclusion, effective service surpasses mere volunteer hour accumulation, emphasizing authentic connections and relationships over numeric quotas. This belief finds practical application at the Francisco Homes, a transitional facility aiding individuals reintegrating post-incarceration. Here, service diverges from fulfilling quotas to embracing deep engagement, bias-free understanding, and trust-building. An open and introspective mindset guides us to listen, address root causes, and continuously refine our approach. Residents at the Francisco Homes demonstrate that service aimed at fostering relationships requires investment in trust and a show of genuine commitment. It offers a safe space for marginalized individuals, empowering them to navigate complex systems with confidence. In essence, these relationships dismantle isolation and mistrust, enabling residents to reclaim their agency and overcome external limitations. In a world grappling with systemic issues, such relationships pave the way for a more equitable and supportive future.
