Global Day of Service Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Day of Service?
For years Grinnellians around the world celebrated Founders’ Day with a photo contest on social media. In 2014 the Alumni Council and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations worked together to envision a new way to celebrate Founders’ Day that would highlight one of the core values of the College and the Grinnell community. In 2015 we had our first Global Day of Service celebration to mark Founders' Day and are excited to be continuing this new tradition this year.
What is Founders’ Day?
On June 10, 1846, Trustee James J. Hill laid a single silver dollar — the seed that started Grinnell’s endowment — on the table at the first meeting of the College’s Board of Trustees. Founders’ Day marks Hill’s commitment to the College and the legacy started by that first dollar.
Why are group projects planned on days other than Saturday, June 9, 2018?
We recognize that some organizations may not be able to accommodate a group on the exact date of the Global Day of Service or that event organizers may prefer another date or day of the week for a service project. We hope that all events will be as close to the actual Global Day of Service as possible, but appreciate event organizers’ flexibility and commitment to serving their community when they are able.
How can I participate if I don’t live in an area with a planned group project?
In the past, independent volunteers have signed up for service opportunities with local organizations or have even dedicated an afternoon to helping elderly neighbors or community members. We will be tallying the number of hours dedicated by Grinnellians around the world after the Global Day of Service — please visit the main Global Day of Service page to learn about sharing your service work. Connect on social media with other Grinnellians participating in the Global Day of Service with the hashtag #GCDayofService.
I live in a small town with only a few other Grinnellians and would like to plan a group project. What support can I receive from the Office of Development & Alumni Relations?
The Office of Development and Alumni Relations will help to spread the word about your project by including information in emails to alumni and listing the project on the website. Alumni will be able to sign up to participate in your project and the office will help to connect you with these alumni. In order to receive this support, please complete the project proposal form linked on the Global Day of Service main page by April 15. After April 15, we will not be able to guarantee full support, but will do our best!
What kinds of projects have been done for the Global Day of Service in the past?
Visit the Past Projects page to see what group projects were organized in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
Will I receive Grinnell gear this year?
To continue being good stewards of the College’s resources, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will provide a Grinnell gear item for the Global Day of Service every other year and that item will vary each time. For Global Day of Service 2018, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will send bandanas to participants in the United States. Wherever you will be participating, we encourage you to wear a Grinnell t-shirt, hat, or other item to show off your Grinnell pride!
I regularly volunteer in my community — do I need to volunteer my time in a different way for the Global Day of Service or can I dedicate volunteer work I know I will be doing to the GDS?
Many Grinnellians regularly volunteer and wonder about this. You can certainly dedicate the volunteer work you are already committed to to the Global Day of Service. Please visit the main Global Day of Service page to find the volunteer participation form.
How close to June 9 do I need to complete my service work for it to be a part of the Global Day of Service?
Please aim to complete your service project within the last few days of May or first two weeks of June.
Why should I log the service work that I am doing, or dedicate it to the Global Day of Service, if I’m not doing it with other Grinnellians?
The Global Day of Service is a celebration of Grinnell’s commitment to service and social responsibility. As a Grinnellian, your participation in this event and commitment to Grinnell’s values is what is most important. We would like to include your service work in our Global Day of Service report to the Grinnell community — we will be sharing the total hours committed to service work, as well as highlights such as the breadth of service work completed, with the community.
I’m not sure how I want to be involved — what resources are available for me to learn more and gain a sense of how I want to participate?
We encourage you to visit the Past Projects page and the Learn More About Founders’ Day page to learn more about the Global Day of Service. Please also visit the Global Day of Service main page and consider connecting with another Grinnellian who has been involved in the past. We hope you will join us in celebrating Grinnell’s commitment to service and social responsibility!