Student-Led Initiatives

Student-led initiatives utilize teams of volunteers in the development and implementation of community-based projects, tapping into the creativity and energy of the Sarah Lawrence population to work toward social change. Passionate students have the ability to volunteer with an existing initiative to sustain or grow its operations, or start new relationships with partners in the community that address a particular community challenge. A staff advisor supports both existing and new projects, offering guidance when and where needed.

Students wishing to spearhead new initiatives can sit down and talk with a staff member of the Office of Community Partnerships and Service-Learning. Prospective projects should be backed by a demand in the community for the undertaking (most often in the form of a non-profit organization as partner).

Current Initiatives

Language Partnerships
Language acquisition is a challenge—whether it is one's first language or seventh. Through a partnership with the SLC Operations and Facilities Office, volunteers teach English lessons to participating members of the Sarah Lawrence community.

Enviro-Earth
During the growing season, children and adults in Yonkers turn a series of vacant lots into lush gardens by growing vegetables and flowers that serve more than 2,000 area residents. Volunteers make two trips a week to work with these community gardens supported by the Greyston Foundation.

Reading Buddies
Based out of multiple schools in Westchester County, Reading Buddies provides additional literacy support to elementary learners reading below grade level. The partnership works in collaboration with the JCY-Westchester Community Partners which utilizes an intergenerational approach to community outreach.

Harts for Hope
Volunteers host weekly art sessions with members of the Wartburg Adult Care Community, a diverse care facility of more than 400 residents located in Mount Vernon. Over art exercises, students and residents develop intergenerational relationships that transcend the art pieces themselves.

San Andres Iglesia
Based in a small, Episcopal church in a predominately Latino neighborhood in Yonkers, Rev. Yamily Bass-Choate operates a multifaceted community outreach effort. Sarah Lawrence volunteers provide enrichment activities for elementary youth residing in the community on Saturdays.

Right to Write
Started initially as a project by two faculty members, Right to Write is now supported by graduate student leaders in the College's MFA program. Students facilitate weekly writing workshops with inmates of the Westchester County Correctional Facility, providing writing prompts and exercises to facilitate artistic expression amongst the participants.

Environmental Community Outreach
Environmental Community Outreach strives to involve Sarah Lawrence students in the greater community through environmental activism.  Each month, the group travels to a community partner to support their environmental initiatives.

Alternative Spring Break Trips
Student leaders design two spring break trips, selecting the project, location, and participants.  Applications go out to the campus in October, and from there participating students host fundraisers and finalize pre-departure logistics.  During the first week of spring break, the groups set out for their various destinations.