IFCS

President Obama's Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge Advancing Interfaith Cooperation and Community Service In Higher Education

The Interfaith Community Service (IFCS) Initiative at Oregon State University (OSU) aspires to initiate meaningful dialogue between religious and nonreligious individuals, bringing together students from all walks of life under the common umbrella of community service.

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Why this initiative is relevant to the campus community at Oregon State University

Participation in the President's Interfaith and Community Service Challenge comes from a commitment to the wellness of students and staff, and a commitment to diversity and a socially just community. OSU acknowledges the importance of spiritual development, and recognizes the link that many students make between charitable involvement and the exploration of spiritual belief (Astin et.al., 2010).

The IFCS Leadership Team

Mamta Accapadi, Dean of Student Life
Clare Cady, Coordinator-ASOSU Human Services Resources
Nicholas Martin, Graduate Student Intern, College Student Services Administration Program
Hannah Pynn, Intern, Office of the Dean of Student Life
Ali Godil, President-Muslim Student Association and Interfaith Advocate
Steven Wong, Graduate Assistant, Office of the Dean of Student Life

Partners and Affiliates

University Partners	Community Affiliates
Center for Leadership Development	Baha'i Community of Corvallis
Counseling and Psychological Services	Beit Am Mid-Willamette Valley Jewish Community
Healthy Campus Initiatives	Community Outreach
Intercultural Student Services	Interfaith Community of Corvallis
New Student Programs & Family Outreach	Linn Benton County Food Share
Office of the Dean of Student Life	Love, Inc.
OSU Foundation	Partner's Place
Philosophy Department	Salman Al Farisi Islamic Center
Religious Studies	Spiritual Life @ OSU
University Housing & Dining	Stone Soup Kitchen
Vice Provost for Student Affairs

IFCS programming will be divided into three phases for the 2011-2012 year. The phases are aimed at creating a sustainable student-based initiative that connects interfaith dialogue as a valuable part of student's educational experience at OSU and the action of community service as a deeper aspect of personal development.

Phase 1 - "Why I Serve?" is a lecture series spanning the entire academic year, featuring the voices of local, regional, and national speakers sharing their personal stories of vocation, spirituality, and community service. There will also be discussion groups following the lectures to engage students in dialogue of understanding and education.

Phase 2 - IFCS Conference is a winter conference on campus January 21st, 2012. The conference will engage student and OSU community participants in exploration of their spiritual beliefs, as well as assist participants in linking their motives with actions of community service. Educational sessions and roundtable discussions will provide participants with diverse perspectives and opportunities in the OSU community.

Phase 3 - A spring term IFCS service learning trip will be a student service immersion trip into a culture group that will foster heightened dialogue and structured conversation around the topics of spirituality, vocation, service and purpose.

Find out more:

IFCS@oregonstate.edu

IFCSatOSU