Reasons why Social Action is important

As part of our ongoing commitment to the national #iwill campaign, which promotes youth social action, students take part in two Community Weeks throughout the academic year.

The idea of the #iwill campaign and our Community Weeks are for staff and students to undertake practical tasks, initiating positive change in the local area. 

Here are just a few reasons why taking part in social action is so important:

Making a difference is good for you 

Achieving goals set as a team within the community can improve your physical and mental health, evoking optimism and joy. It’s also said to reduce stress as you are able to focus on someone and something else. 

It strengthens your community 

Social action includes a range of different activities such as improving schools, the environment and working with local charities. This helps you build a relationship with the local community as you set goals together, investing in its places and people. Carpentry apprentices made these wonderful owl boxes for Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership, who work with the community to conserve and promote the countryside and urban areas of the Stour Valley.

It brings people together and encourages teamwork 

Social action is most effective when groups of people work together towards a common goal. This is an important skill that can build confidence and be carried throughout education into the workplace. 

You can put your skills to good use 

The activity you choose can relate to your course, giving you the chance to put what you have learned into action. This will allow you to explore your interests and to recognise skills. If you are trying something completely new, you might discover hidden talents. 

It helps you develop your sense of awareness 

It is important to be able to understand different social situations. Working within the community will help you build confidence, improve your social skills and increase your ability to interact.  

We encourage all of our students to get involved in meaningful social action during College Community Days. Together, we can help our local communities by volunteering throughout Canterbury and the surrounding area.

Source: canterburycollege.ac.uk