In recognition of April being National Volunteer Month, Brilliant Detroit is highlighting some of our most dedicated and longest running service partners. For this piece, we spoke with our partners at the University of Detroit Mercy, specifically Father Tim Hipskind, Director of Community Engaged at the Learning Institute for Leadership and Chelsea Manning, Program Manager of the Titan Equity Nourish Network.
The University of Detroit Mercy puts a special emphasis on community service. They offer students many ways to volunteer, catering to different interests and availability. The Detroit Mercy Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) focuses on supporting a food sovereign Detroit through projects including food assistance, composting, and alternative growing methods. A core element of the program is collaboration with community organizations to actuate systemic change.
- How did you first hear about/connect with Brilliant Detroit?
One of the Nursing faculty at Detroit Mercy, Molly McLelland had worked with Brilliant Detroit and was very impressed with your work and introduced us.
- What about Brilliant Detroit’s work or mission motivated you to partner with us?
We were very impressed with the way Brilliant truly engages with the neighborhoods in which you are situated. We saw that you hire neighborhood residents to be a part of your work and seek guidance from neighborhood leaders in crafting your programs. This approach aligns with our philosophy of how to bring about lasting impact and real change.
- How do you feel your work has made an impact?
We are grateful that we have had so many ways to collaborate: From providing educational opportunities like helping kids learn how to grow food via hydroponic, to connecting families with our composting program and food supplies, to providing student volunteers to help with preparing backpacks for back-to-school and delivering flyer and do yard work.
- Anything else you may want to add about volunteering with Brilliant Detroit?
Brilliant Detroit provides countless ways for individuals and groups to connect in meaningful ways on efforts that are truly making a difference in our communities. You will see the ways you are part of a larger effort that is really making important impacts. We often encourage students to volunteer for Brilliant Detroit. Its a wonderful opportunity to have a direct impact on youth in our community while also providing an engaging and wonderful experience for volunteers.
- What would you say to others considering volunteering or partnering with Brilliant Detroit?
Brilliant Detroit is providing a model for how non-profits can collaborate most effectively with communities: engaging local leadership, tapping into community assets, supporting the growth of “Brilliant” young people to build a better Detroit.
You can learn more about University of Detroit Mercy’s Titan Equity Nourish Network (TENN) on their website https://www.udmercy.edu/about/mission-vision/lead-serve/tenn.php
