After completing the readings and our class discussion on the topic  “Ethical Service Engagement,” I have written and personally pledged to abide by the following three overarching guidelines that I believe are important to ethical service engagement.

  1. Participate in a reciprocal relationship.

This kind of a relationship will ensure that there isn’t a power imbalance between myself + service provider and my host community. Although I don’t expect it from myself, a mutual understanding diminishes any hero complex that may arise from good (or bad intentions) and ambition. Reciprocity also discourages a one-way vector of action and knowledge; to be reciprocal, it must be both ways, collaborative.  The host community will be involved in the planning and implementation from start to finish thus benefitting the sustainability of the service or program for the community. A reciprocal relationship also encourages: the community’s empowerment and ownership, the need to understand the community and culture, and the integration of learners into the existing infrastructure and social network. It’s a relationship that allows the community to state and enforce their own ethical boundaries as well.

  1. Pre-departure education and training to minimize language and cultural barriers are essential.

Research and conversations about the location, community, and social/service issue are key to engaging in ethical service. In my opinion, it’s unethical to consciously choose not to take advantage of the many free resources and information we have available to us via the internet, libraries, and conversations to better prepare yourself for service. My service and community have historical and/or cultural background that will help me as an individual and within a group act in a more effective and significant way for the community.

  1. Community is always the priority.

The community should be the priority in assessment, execution, and evaluation.  There should be a local agenda and local feedback during all stages. Learning to listen is important in making someone else a priority. I love to listen, and I believe it’s in learning from someone is when we learn best. The service should be asset-based and not need-based: What resources are already available? What local strengths are there to work with and among? The narrative from beginning to end should be according to the community. If the community is the priority, I believe respect and appreciation will follow.