Values Clarification
Arianna Triplett, Amani Dewan, Eric Jones
The term values can be defined as important beliefs shared by members of a specific community or culture. Listed below are some of the specific values that were seen throughout our service trip in Louisville, Kentucky.
Community
The term community can be defined and shown in many ways. First off being defined as a group of people have similar characteristics in common. And being able to come together in order to help better certain causes or help a community. We were able to help the community of Louisville in particular, by volunteering with organizations like Volunteers of America, The Ruth House, as well as Dare to Care.
Drive
As a group, we got the opportunity to gain different experiences, from assembling safe sex and needle exchange kits with Volunteers of America. To raking leaves at The House of Ruth, and assembling backpacks of food at Dare to Care. Through these various experiences, no matter how tired we might have been, each team member showed a increased drive and compassion to keep going and doing the absolute best they could.
Respect
Respect is an important attribute to have in life and to have on this trip, because we meet and work with many different people from many different backgrounds. Having respect for the people you are working with can help build relationships. Its also important to have respect with the other people in the group having respect for one another has helped us with teamwork and helped make the trip what it is.
Empathy
Empathy is also something that is very important to have on this trip. having empathy can help you better understand the problems that are being dealt with and can further help you connect with those you are helping by putting yourself in their shoes.
Empowerment
"The process of becoming stronger and more confident"
On the Louisville trip our whole group became more empowered. As a group we come from lots of different backgrounds and many different academic focuses. But on this trip we were able to learn about public health from different groups and individuals who were very educated on the issues and provided us all with knowledge that we will be able to use for the rest of our lives. With this knowledge we gained, we are all more capable to handle and bring attention to different issues in our own communities.
Selflessness
"Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's self"
On the trip our group got very close and showed selflessness in many different ways. Such as, on some mornings when having to rush out early, people would look out for one another by making each other sandwiches if someone was running late. This is just one of many examples throughout the trip, but everyone was looking out for each other at all times.