This community-engaged learning module provides students with an opportunity to reflect in a structured way on their learning from volunteering and community experience(s). Core topics include active citizenship, leadership, project management, the nature of community, the role of volunteering, and the interlinking of these areas. 
Students will consider these themes and topics with reference to their own volunteer and community participation. You will be guided to develop a portfolio to document your volunteering experience, reflect on key learning from this experience, and consider how this has helped form personal and professional values and competences (e.g., communication, negotiation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills). Students will have an opportunity to learn about themselves as learners, engage their critical thinking and broaden their social awareness.
Students should have 50 hours of prior and/or ongoing experience of volunteering. (See Pre-requisite section).
 

Pre-Requisite: To complete this module students must be able to reflect on 50 hours of recent or ongoing volunteering experience with a recognised and approved organisation. The 50 hours can have been completed prior to the start of the module, or can be completed concurrent with the module.   
Examples of prior experience that may be used to satisfy the volunteering requirement might include: 
(a)  those who have volunteered with UCD VO  
(b) those who have volunteered with UCD SVP or 
(c) those who volunteered with coaching or running a sports club or student society
(d) student ambassadors
(e) access mentors and leaders
Students must be able to document this involvement and will be required to ask an employee of the organisation to complete an Evidence of Volunteering and Involvement Statement. The volunteer work must be unpaid. Students should have completed Garda
vetting, if required, with the organisation where they volunteer.