Each year, Rockhurst welcomes first-year students with the Finucane Service Project during Orientation. It is a time when teams of students go out into the community to perform service with community agencies. Many students have fond memories of their Finucane Service Project- feelings of accomplishment, a sense of camaraderie with their team, and greater understanding of the Jesuit mission of Rockhurst. We start with service because it is a vital part of our mission to "engage with the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders."
Starting the new academic year during COVID-19 made the planning for this year's Finucane Service Project a challenge. We wanted to hold true to the goals of the day in the most responsible way possible. The conversation among the planning committee was how do we best serve our students and our neighbors. We returned to the original goals of the project: to introduce new students to Kansas City and to introduce new students to Jesuit tradition of service. We leaned into our core value of Reflection and Discernment to determine the way forward a Finucane Service Project minus the project.
We invited teams to take a bus tour of Kansas City using the Dividing Lines: A History of Segregation in Kansas City podcast. Students were introduced to neighborhoods of Kansas City and the history of inequities in its development. They were challenged to consider how that development affects our current systems, like education. After the tour, meetings with community agencies introduced students to individuals and organizations that are working to address inequities and create a better Kansas City for all. In the end, students were asked to consider their talents, skills, interests and ways in which they can utilize them to serve our community. This format allowed us to achieve our goals and demonstrate care and compassion for our students and neighbors.
The animation of Reflection and Discernment during the Finucane Service Project encourages me as I consider the way we move forward this year. As we plan our service and civic engagement this year, may we take the time to consider "How can I use my talents in the service of others? What is the safest way I can participate with the community to effect change? How does my service support the community agency and its mission?" If you would like to share in the experience of the narrated driving tour of Kansas City, you can download the Dividing Lines: A History of Segregation in Kansas City podcast here.
