As we "exit" the pandemic and watch student loans rapidly thaw out, young professionals become increasingly aware that passion doesn't always pay the rent. What challenges do young community engagement professionals face regarding compensation and labor issues? Jobs in community engagement in higher education are often passion projects that don't pay out for years in the field as young professionals opt out of jobs that may pay double or triple the salary to do work they find fulfilling. Because of the reputation of community engagement centers as sites of social justice, there is tension for young professionals who assist students in making a difference in communities while they stretch to make ends meet off-campus. While there is a seeming contradiction to inviting conversations on social justice to sites celebrated for social justice work, it would enhance the community engagement practice to enter into discussions about labor, advocacy, compensation, and values when it comes to young professionals. 

Co-facilitators: Cory Schutter