Community Action

On campus and beyond, the MA community responds to real-world challenges and issues through service, social justice and advocacy.

The Community Action program at Marin Academy seeks to educate students about civic and social justice issues and inspire them to engage in meaningful action for the betterment of school, local, and global communities. The program reinforces the MA mission to “think, question, and create” in a civic-minded manner while accepting the “responsibilities posed by education in a democratic society” through meaningful community engagement.
 
Rather than requiring a set number of community service hours, Marin Academy integrates service and civic learning projects into academic courses and programs, inviting all students to participate in some form of community engagement each year. Opportunities are available outside of class to engage in community action and outreach through participation in school-sponsored service events, the Community Action Leadership Council, the Youth Grants Board, and the Crossroads Program. Students also participate annually in grade level service days, service learning minicourses and Conference on Democracy. The director works closely with student leaders, faculty members, MAPA, and community partners to develop a variety of opportunities for service, social justice and advocacy work throughout the year.
 
Fall Highlights
 
  • Community Action Outing for National Coastal Clean-Up Day

  • MAPA-Community Action Family Service Day

  • X Day: Biology Service Learning with Marin County Parks

  • Monthly Brown Bag Lunch-Making for St. Vincent de Paul

  • Thanksgiving Food Drive with Marin-SF Food Bank

  • Holiday Gift Drive

 
Spring Highlights
 
  • X Day: 10th-Grade English Service Learning Project

  • 9th-Grade Community Engagement Minicourse

  • Conference on Democracy

  • American Red Cross Blood Drive

  • Earth Day Community Action

  • Senior Capstone Projects

Let’s All Get Involved!

MA students
student working in a garden
students making bagged lunches and smiling
group of smiling students
people setting at long table doing crafts
MA parents and students working in MA garden
students in red cross shirts
students working outdoors
MA students holding a rope
student working outdoors
people making bagged lunches

Student Leadership Opportunities

Community Action Goals

  • Students develop a heightened awareness of and sensitivity to the needs of others within their community so as to foster empathy and a desire to make a positive impact.
  • Students apply academic, social and interpersonal skills for the betterment of the community. They are involved in making informed decisions and engaging in service, social justice and advocacy to address relevant, real-world challenges and issues.
  • Students gain a greater understanding of themselves as contributing, compassionate human beings.
  • Students develop strong leadership and team-building skills through community engagement.
James Hughes

James Hughes

Director of Community Action, English Teacher