Letter from the Director

Welcome to the American University Center for Community Engagement and Service website. We invite you to explore the myriad of opportunities that exist through our office and throughout campus to engage with the DC metropolitan area and beyond.

It is an exciting time to be in the District of Columbia with the large number of issues on the forefront, from public education to DC voting rights.

The DC metropolitan area has a huge nonprofit sector, from grassroots groups to international organizations. According to The Business of Doing Good in Greater Washington: How the Nonprofit Sector Contributes to the Nation’s Economy, there are over 7,000 nonprofit organizations and schools in the Greater Washington region. That means that there are plenty of places to get involved, to learn, and to give back.

We are committed to building bridges between the AU community and the diverse communities of the D.C. metropolitan area. Our office staff can help link you to the issues you care about most and to the organizations and schools that are addressing many of the region’s critical needs. We have directories of nonprofit organizations and schools that will help you apply your skills to areas such as housing and homelessness, race and ethnicity, food, health, youth, the environment, senior citizens and many more.

Low-income and marginalized communities are facing greater challenges and disparities in the city. The nonprofit sector, which has been a huge support to such communities, is in a crunch. While the demand for services has increased, funding sources are shrinking and resources are tighter. That makes it even more important that AU students and faculty engage in the critical issues of today. Our goal is simple: To become a resource and partner to students, faculty, staff, and the community in seeking solutions to the most pressing issues facing the DC area and the global community. We also aim to develop partnerships that are mutually beneficial and promote social change.

Come by our office in the Mary Graydon Center anytime to meet us and share your ideas. We welcome your input and participation in putting ideas into action and action into service.

Sincerely,

Marcy Fink Campos, Director