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Vogel Library Events

Community Voices

Listening to community voices helps us understand local needs, concerns, and perspectives. This is a welcoming space where students gather to discuss current events, community issues, ideas for the future. 

Our goal is to create a respectful and open dialogue. When we meet, we agree to listen actively, speak thoughtfully, and work together to build a community where everyone feels valued and heard.

Community Voices - January

Join us: Tuesday, Jan 21 from 3-4 PM.

January Topic: Stepping Up

Guest speakers shared big ideas with our campus on MLK Day. Let's gather to share key takeaways, connect with like-minded community members, and wrap our minds around ways we can work together to improve our community.



January - Stepping UP

WHERE and HOW do you want to make a difference?

  • Identify your interests and passions.
  • Which social issues are you most passionate about?
  • What impact do you want to make?
  • How can you connect your values to work being done in the community?
  • What work is being done already?
    • Can you join in that work?
    • Are you compelled to start something new?
  • What kind of involvement are you looking for?
  • Consider your skillset.
    • What skills do you already have that could benefit an organization?
    • Could this be an opportunity to learn new skills?
    • What is your availability? (be realistic)

Identifying a Good Match

  • Does the organization's mission resonate with your personal values?
  • Does the organization encourage a visit or short-term opportunity before signing on? Is there a way to make sure its a good fit?
  • Is this an organization that you want to be associated with?
    • How well does the organization connect with the community it serves?
    • Does the organization clearly communicate its impact?
    • Are finances clearly disclosed?

Community Voices - February

Join us: Tuesday, Feb 18 from 3-4 PM.

February Topic: I see you. I hear you. What you say matters.

Our theme, "I see you. I hear you. What you say matters," is all about recognizing the value of every individual's perspective and experience. It's about fostering a space where we can truly listen to and understand each other, even when we disagree.



February - I see you. I hear you. What you say matters.

  • In what ways do you feel seen and heard in our college community? In what ways do you feel unseen or unheard?

  • What are some of the most pressing issues facing our campus community right now? How do these issues impact different groups of students differently?

  • Whose voices are currently missing from the conversations about these issues? How can we create space for those voices to be heard?

  • What steps can we take, as individuals and as a community, to ensure that everyone feels safe and empowered to share their perspectives?

  • If you had the power to change one thing about our campus climate to make it more inclusive and welcoming, what would it be?

  • What kind of community do you want to create here at Wartburg College? What values are most important to you?

  • How can we move beyond simply listening to each other and start taking action to address the concerns and ideas that are shared?

  • What are some of the challenges we face in truly hearing and understanding perspectives that are different from our own?

  • How can we practice empathy and active listening in our daily interactions with others?

  • What role does vulnerability play in creating a space where everyone feels safe to share their truth?

  • What is one action you will commit to taking to help build a more inclusive and welcoming community?

Vogel Library, Wartburg College   |   100 Wartburg Blvd, Waverly, IA, 50677 |   Phone: 319-352-8500   | Email: asklibrarian@wartburg.edu