Hertzberg + Flower

The Hertberg article in particular was very interesting as it was able to draw many different points of view regarding the subject of community service. However one may define synonyms of this type of social work, its underlying foundation is to benefit or enhance the lives of others who do not share the same opportunities as those in other economic situations. Its not to say that the experiences one may gain in public school vs private school isn't advantageous in certain aspects, but a smaller student to teacher ratio or the offerings of more experienced counselors with connections to certain universities clearly are. Thus, the idea here would be to try to smaller the gap between public and private school for example by providing after school programs, extra-circulars or whatever it may be so that disenfranchised students in worse public schools can have an opportunity to succeed.

Hertzberg has a strange opinion on charity work, mainly that certain kinds of community work are ineffective and do not provide a lasting impact. For example an organization who fundraises money to donate to a school may not be as influential as a arts after school program that helps increase creativity and out of the box thinking for students.

Between, Bickford, Hertzberg and Flower there are different semantics which define community work. Bickford essentially exploring the idea of activism which in her opinion is not something she aligns with community work but more of rebellious stance. Hertzberg explains that the idea of charity, or charitable donations are not community service necessarily as they don't have a lasting impact. Flower on the same note explains that these kinda of donations do not lead to social change and rather have a negative connotation.

Since when does giving back get so complicated? It seems as though almost anything you do, donating money, being an activist, or starting a drive for old clothes for example are only hurting communities and not benefiting anyone in a long term. The issue is that people give back in different ways, not everyone strives to be a social worker, teacher, or hospital volunteer. It is becoming a trend to want help but in a way that is not cliche but has a legitimate longterm benefit. Many students or business leaders who don't have the passion to work one on one with a student are finding a new source of giving back. Social Entrepreneurship is one old phenomenon that is starting to pick up pace and may have a lasting effect.

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