On Saturday, Feb. 22, Bonner Leaders from the University of Lynchburg participated in what is called a “Bonner Intensive.” The daylong event is aimed at helping Bonners prepare for their legacy project — a culminating project which integrates a Bonner’s identity, service, and academics in collaboration with their nonprofit organization to address a true community need.
“We work with them over all four years, checking in with them each semester to guide their progress and to help formulate and execute this signature work,” said Tasha Gillum, Lynchburg’s director of leadership development.
“[Bonner Intensive] helps them work toward that final goal, being the completion of their project for the community, but also presenting their legacy projects at the Student Scholar Showcase and Bonner graduation.”
Over the years, Gillum added, some Bonners also have made presentations about their legacy projects to their community partner’s board of directors or even the Lynchburg City Council or School Board.
After Bonner Intensive, the students volunteered at the “Coldest Night of the Year,” an annual fundraising walk for Miriam’s House. The local nonprofit serves people who experience homelessness.
Bonners were stationed at intersections and other spots on the course to cheer on the walkers and make sure everyone stayed on the route. The once-a-year service opportunity was separate from what Bonners do over four years for their community partner, but still significant.
“Bonners complete a service internship with the community partner they work for throughout their college career,” Gillum explained. “The service we complete after Bonner Intensive is a one-time service opportunity, unlike a Bonner’s service internship, which is long-term, deep, and pervasive.”
Lynchburg’s Bonners have volunteered at the walk for four years, which gives them the opportunity to “do some of the heavy lifting for Miriam’s House,” Gillum added.
“Because we’re a group that comes back year after year, we have this long-term relationship with them. By returning every year, we’re adding capacity to Miriam’s House, in that they don’t need to train a new set of volunteers every year.
“We can just come in and execute. … It speaks to the long-term value that Bonner offers the community. Because we have these ongoing relationships, we can actually make a meaningful impact in our community.”
