Community Recommendation

The community recommendation must be completed online by a mentor, employer, pastor or other adult (possibly at school) familiar with the applicant's leadership potential and involvement outside of school.  The applicant provides a name and email address, and an email invitation is sent to the recommender, who must then submit the form online by the application deadline.  The following questions are asked on the community recommendation:

• How long have you known the applicant and in what context?

• Please rate the applicant (below average, average, above average, very good, extraordinary) in each of the following five categories. Use the "extraordinary" rating only for truly exceptional performance. For example, an applicant who is the best you have seen in five years may rate as exceptional. Then, explain your rating by giving a specific example of the applicant's behavior.

• 1. Leadership Experience and Potential
  To what extent will the applicant be a service-minded leader and an agent of positive transformation on the college campus and his/her community at home? Consider the following:

  • Has the applicant sought, found, and grown from authentic leadership experiences and other opportunities that have equipped him/her with leadership skills? (Keep in mind any possible limitations of time or opportunity imposed by family or circumstance.)
  • Does the applicant demonstrate a level of insight and perception indicative of a leader?
  • Does the applicant have a realistic awareness of the challenges of leadership? In light of these challenges does s/he posses a willingness to step out of his/her comfort zone to be a leader?
  • Does the applicant see Act Six as an opportunity to be a part of something significant and important? Does s/he demonstrate a desire to make a real difference on the college campus and their community at home, to educate as well as learn from others?

• 2. Heart for and Commitment to Service
  To what extent will the applicant commit to humbly serving others and to what extent will s/he view Act Six as an opportunity to reach out to those around him/her? Consider the following:

  • Is there evidence that the applicant's leadership and community involvement is motivated by a sincere desire to invest in the welfare of people, rather than to merely build a resume?
  • Does the applicant's understanding of the benefits of leadership emphasize the rewards of empowering others more than the recognition and notoriety that comes with leadership?
  • Does the applicant clearly articulate a long-term commitment to serving others?

• 3. Personal Goals and Vision
  To what extent will attending college and participating in Act Six align with and/or transform the applicant's goals and vision for his/her life? Consider the following:

  • Can the applicant articulate ways that s/he hopes to change and grow through college?
  • Does the student's discussion of his/her goals and desired personal growth complement the mission of the Act Six initiative?

• 4. Perspectives and Insights on Diversity
  To what extent will the applicant be committed to and effective in fostering intercultural relationships and acting as an agent for social transformation on the college campus? Consider the following:

  • Does the applicant have a strong sense of their own identity?
  • Does the applicant articulate the value of people from different backgrounds being together and building authentic relationships across their differences? Does s/he do so with perspectives and insights that penetrate beyond surface-level cliches and easy answers?
  • Does the applicant have significant experience in multicultural settings and has s/he reflected on that experience in ways that suggest that s/he can carry it forward to the campus community?
  • Does the applicant acknowledge that there are very real challenges in bringing people from diverse backgrounds together?

• 5. Resiliency and Strength of Character
  To what extent will the applicant be able and willing to persevere through hardship? How resilient is s/he to the challenges and struggles that life brings? Consider the following:

  • Does the applicant possess a depth and strength of character that will serve to encourage, support, and empower those around him/her?
  • Has the applicant demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity?
  • Does the applicant possess motivation, creativity, relative maturity, integrity, independence, originality, passion for learning and capacity for growth?