Places I Have Volunteered (Or Would Love To If I Had More Time)

Volunteering has been a big part of my life since I started university four years ago. Through volunteering, I was able to give back to the university community, meet new people, acquire new skills, and gain experiences that I will never forget. The benefits of volunteering are endless! As we start another academic year of exams and all-nighters, YouAlberta has decided to compile some of my favourite volunteer opportunities available on campus. Whether you’re a first year student looking for campus involvement or a senior (oops, fourth or fifth year) student wanting to give back to the community, here’s a list of tried-and-tested student services that offer amazing volunteer experience to students ON campus!

USchool 

USchool is a program run by the University of Alberta Senate to help educate, inspire, and connect socially vulnerable students (grades 4-9) to the University of Alberta. Students will participate in week-long activities that are engaging and fun. USchool is currently looking for volunteers for the Winter 2016 semester.

Blogger’s note: I volunteered for USchool for one year during my second year. Photography days (with a campus tour) are my personal favourite! P.S., Volunteers will also receive a thank-you letter from the University Chancellor at the end of the semester.

Safewalk

Safewalk is a safe and reliable alternative to walking alone around campus at night. Safewalk is free of charge and is available to any member of the surrounding community including undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and members of the public. Volunteer applications for the Winter 2016 semester are due on Monday, January 18 at 5pm.

Campus Food Bank

The Campus Food Bank (CFB) is a non-profit charity that provides emergency food hampers to the university community. The CFB believes that students should hunger for knowledge, not for food. Volunteer applications for Winter 2016 are now closed. However, CFB is also recruiting volunteers for the Spring and Summer terms.

Blogger’s note: I am senior volunteer/team leader at the CFB for two years now! Please don’t hesitate to ask me if you have any questions on how to get involved with the CFB.

The Landing

The Landing provides a safe student space and support for gender and sexual diversity on campus. They offer regularly scheduled drop-in hours, education sessions, and other services such as peer mentorship, referrals, and more! The Landing recruit volunteers every Spring. However, event volunteers are needed throughout the year!

Sustain SU

Sustain SU is a Students’ Union service that provides peer-to-peer learning and support for all undergraduate students to incorporate sustainability in every aspect of the university experience. Please visit the Sustain SU for more information on how to get involved with their projects and initiatives.

Peer Support Centre

The Peer Support Centre (PSC) is a Students’ Union service that offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental place to talk to someone for support. No issue is too big or too small. The PSC accepts volunteer applications from March to late July every year.

Orientation

Orientation aims to provide programs that aid in the transitioning of students from high school into university smoothly and effectively. Be bold. Be a Bear. Volunteer applications for Orientation 2016 will open in late January.

Blogger’s note: I was an orientation leader for the Faculty of Arts for two years (2014 and 2015). “I got UAlberta spirit, yes I do, I got spirit, how about you?”

And last but not least, don’t forget to check Infolink Volunteer Registry!This is a helpful database to find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you (on or off campus)!

From this volunteer to you: Be part of the ripple effect! Have a great semester ahead and have fun volunteering! :)