Within Harvard, the stereotype often prevails: it is “a place where people prioritize making money over changing the world,” Alexandra Arguello ’27, a student in the Harvard Undergraduate Legal Committee (HULC), acknowledges. This perception stems from the College’s prestigious reputation and the predominant notion that its students are solely focused on personal achievement. Beneath this stereotype, however, lies a vibrant community of individuals committed to making a positive impact beyond the university walls.
The Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) is “a student-led organization [that] mobilizes volunteers in collaboration with Boston and Cambridge partners to address gaps in opportunities in resources,” as written on the PBHA website. Around 1,500 Harvard students actively volunteer each year, dedicating their time and energy to various causes to benefit the wider community. Through their efforts, they demonstrate a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to society and make a difference in the lives of others, showcasing a side of Harvard that often goes unnoticed but is undeniably significant.
Participating in PBHA not only allows students the opportunity to make an invaluable impact on the community but also provides “transformative growth experiences for our volunteers,” as stated by Talia Levitt ’25, Vice President of PBHA. Levitt said PBHA has a “‘dual mission’ of both meeting community needs and developing student leadership.”
The Summer Urban Program (SUP), one of PBHA’s most popular programs, is a summer day camp and an evening ESL program that engages over 1,000 low-income youth and teens from Greater Boston. It provides high-quality and low-cost summer learning to individuals, which is made possible through PBHA’s volunteers. Khin Oo ’24, the Programming Chair of PBHA, reflected on the profound impact of the SUP program. “College students have been able to develop their skills to lead their classrooms and learn about the communities where their young ones come far,” said Oo. Her statement showcases the program’s ability to teach students to develop skills in leadership, communication, and teaching.
Arguello echoes Levitt’s and Oo’s sentiments. For Arguello, PBHA became a beacon of social justice and empowerment, offering firsthand experience in public interest law and advocacy. Through related programs like HULC, students delve into various legal fields, working alongside advocacy groups to bridge legal gaps and provide essential representation to marginalized individuals. “I decided to join the Harvard Undergraduate Legal Committee (HULC) because I aspire to pursue a career in law,” Arguello explained. “This program provides an ideal opportunity for me to gain an understanding about the dynamics of legal advocacy while serving my community.”
Arguello’s involvement in the HULC Sensitivity Training Series underscores PBHA’s commitment to equip volunteers with the necessary skills for effective community engagement. Through seminars focusing on negotiation, trauma-sensitive interviewing, and self-care, PBHA ensures volunteers are well-prepared to navigate challenging legal situations while prioritizing emotional well-being. “Through this process, I am gaining valuable insights I will need as a volunteer to engage in effective communication, conflict resolution, and maintaining emotional well-being in challenging legal situations,” Arguello stated.
Reflecting on her experience, Levitt acknowledges PBHA’s pivotal role in her personal and professional growth, highlighting the organization’s emphasis on holistic leadership development. She underscores PBHA’s transformative impact, not only in shaping her values and leadership style, but also in fostering a sense of belonging within a compassionate community. “My involvement in PBHA has truly been the single most transformative experience I’ve had in college,” Levitt shared. “I can’t overstate how pivotal PBHA has been in my personal and professional growth.”
PBHA also works to create a community within its volunteer base. “Ensuring community and belonging amongst volunteers is really important to us,” Levitt said. PBHA Street Crew volunteer Mary Mangan’s ’27 experience further illustrates the organization’s impact on community engagement. By repurposing leftover food from dining halls to serve the homeless population around Harvard and Central Square, Mangan exemplifies PBHA’s ethos of utilizing resources to effect positive change. “I wanted to give back to the community and meet new people,” Mangan shared. “Volunteering with PBHA has helped me meet new people and has allowed me to spend time giving back.”
Levitt also described various events PBHA offers to connect its volunteers, emphasizing their importance in fostering community spirit. “We host an Open House at the beginning of every semester to help prospective volunteers find a program that most resonates with them,” she explained. Throughout the semester, PBHA continues to nurture its community with regular study breaks and appreciation events for volunteers and directors. Levitt further highlighted: “At the end of every year, we have an event called the Public Service Celebration, which all PBHA volunteers are invited to, to celebrate the amazing work that we have all done and recognize our most dedicated volunteers with special awards.” These events serve as key opportunities for volunteers to unite, bond, and reflect on their collective achievements throughout the year.
As PBHA gears up for its annual Community Cabinet in March, it reaffirms its commitment to community engagement and advocacy. “We invite community partners working in service and advocacy across the city to share their work, experiences, and ways for our students to plug in. We have a really exciting line-up of community leaders coming this year!” Levitt said. Through events like the Public Service Celebration, PBHA celebrates the collective efforts of volunteers while fostering a sense of community and belonging. PBHA is a testament to Harvard’s dedication to social responsibility and community engagement. Through its unwavering commitment to social justice, PBHA continues to inspire meaningful change within Harvard and beyond to break the Harvard stereotype.
“PBHA challenges this stereotype by gathering a community of individuals who volunteer their time and effort without expecting monetary compensation,” Arguello said. Instead, volunteers get a “rewarding feeling that comes from helping others!”
As Mangan aptly advised, “Every bit of time volunteering helps.” With over 60 active programs spanning diverse sectors, such as after-school/in-school initiatives, mentoring, adult services, advocacy, health, housing, and SUP, PBHA offers many volunteering opportunities, so there is something for everyone to try. As Oo shared, “PBHA is my home away from home.”
Mishelle Wiewiora ’27 (mwiewiora@college.harvard.edu) has found her home in PBHA’s Y2Y and HSHS programs.