The 5 Pathways to Service

The 5 Pathways to Service are a way of conceptualizing the work one does within a community. By better understanding the work we seek to do and how it can impact those we seek to help, the better we can serve.

Each community challenge calls for a unique response and a particular type(s) of service. An important component to helping communities in need is identifying what is needed and what is not. Providing a type of service that is not needed, while well-meaning, may be counterproductive and even harmful to communities in the long-term.  

1. Direct Service

Work that addresses an immediate community challenge.

2. Activism

Work that seeks to influence or persuade others to meet a community need.

3. Political Participation

Work that seeks to participate in the processes of democratic self-governance.

4. Financial Stewardship

Voluntary giving to or securing resources for individuals/organizations that work to meet a community need and/or taking a vested and active interest in the financial well being of those individuals/organizations.

5. Engaged Scholarship

Work that seeks a long-term, sustainable solution to a community challenge by working with members of the community being served and employing the skill sets and knowledge base of those seeking to serve. 

The 5 Pathways to Service were developed by the Office of Civic Action and Engagement, based on previous work done by Stanford University's Haas Center for Public Service.