Rather than service, I think of the work I do in the real world, and in the workplace of the academy, as community work. The work I do with others to support and improve the places where we live, work and play.

I believe community work needs to be a key part of any academic career, rather than something that gets tacked on to the end of a CV.

I have been lucky enough to work with numerous community and membership-based organizations throughout the years, and almost all have in common a focus on increased social justice, long-term capacity building, and respect for clients and members.

Here are just a few of them:
The Stop Community Food Centre
Causa Justa :: Just Cause
Adsum House
Rocks Paper Scissors Collective
Fathers and Families of San Joaquin

I am also honoured to serve as one of the co-chairs for the ACSP Planner of Color Interest Group (POCIG), join the listserv to stay up-to-date.