Which Cardinal Commitment is right for you?
Types of Cardinal Commitment
Cardinal Commitments are all different, depending on the needs of a community, organization, or issue you are committing to, the work you engage in, and your public service goals.
Choose the Commitment that best suits you. The criteria below and your personal public service mission statement can help guide you in selecting the right one.
The most important thing is that your service is sustained over time – for at least three quarters – and that your service abides by the Principles of Ethical and Effective Service.
Engagement
Make a sustained commitment to a public service organization and its goals.
- Work for a public service organization as your priority extracurricular activity.
- Participate in a Principles of Ethical & Effective Service workshop.
- Be introduced to the Pathways of Public Service and Civic Engagement.
- Complete a formal reflection on your service experience at the conclusion of your Commitment.
Leadership
Play a significant leadership role in a public service organization or movement.
- Hold a significant formal leadership position with a public service organization.
- Engage in at least one structured learning opportunity (class, workshop, conference, learning community, etc.) to improve your leadership skills and/or knowledge of the issue.
- Organize, design, and facilitate a Principles of Ethical and Effective Service workshop for members (peers) of your organization.
- Meet with a mentor at least once to discuss your Commitment and leadership role.
- Help design and facilitate structured reflection for members of your organization.
- Complete a formal reflection on your service experience at the conclusion of your Commitment.
Impact
Engage in a special project for a public service organization or movement to advance its long-term goals.
- Play a significant role in a public service organization or movement, or on an issue.
- Organize a project, driven by goals and measurable outcomes.
- Engage in at least one structured learning opportunity (class, workshop, conference, learning community, etc.) to improve your project.
- Be able to demonstrate how the Principles of Ethical and Effective Service are reflected in your work.
- Meet with a mentor at least once to discuss your Commitment and leadership role.
- Be able to demonstrate how reflection informs your public service.
- Submit a personal reflection upon completion of your Commitment.
The graphic below illustrates how a student might engage with the programs offered through Cardinal Commitment over time, gathering expertise and taking on more responsibility as they progress. Talk with an advisor to find out more.
