BrownCAN connects Brown alumni volunteers to opportunities through two structures:
- Rhode Island-based engagement opportunities that are captured in the 'Needs' section of this page.
- A guide for identifying opportunities for meaningful engagement with communities across the globe.
Both structures include opportunities for direct engagement and indirect capacity building across various issue areas and time commitments.
'Direct Engagement' typically involves face-to-face interaction with community members. These activities vary in duration and intensity, from one hour to one-day to semester-long commitments.
These activities are typically in person.
Some examples include:
- Spending an hour discussing your career and educational pathway with students during a local school’s career exploration week.
- Regularly tutoring a K-12 student for an academic term.
'Consulting' involves sharing knowledge or expertise with an organization or individual to bolster their capacity to serve a community.
These opportunities can take place in person or virtually.
Some examples include:
- Advising a non-profit leader on their strategy and business practices in areas such as fundraising, marketing, governance, HR, or financial management.
- Speaking at a workshop or panel that helps Brown students learn the hard or soft skills they need to effectively engage with community organizations.
