Category: Volunteer Opportunities

New Year, New Service!

As we are finally getting back in the groove of the New Year (and SUPER fun 8 AMs), the Center for Civic Engagement is getting its groove on too!  For those of you new to the office, our mission is to focus on community development both inside and outside the College of Charleston community.  We do this by emphasizing education, direct service, and critical reflection.

This year we will be casting a lot of light on our recurring service events with different community partners.  These partners include Neighborhood House, Keep Charleston Beautiful, and Lowcountry Food Bank.  The service with Neighborhood House, One80 Place and Lowcountry Food Bank will be focusing on the issues people face when experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, while Keep Charleston Beautiful will be focusing on litter, environmental and other social issues around Charleston.

The Alternative Break program has a fresh round of Spring Break trips to Washburn, TN, Charlotte, NC and Louisville, KY.  The trip to Washburn will be focusing on Environmental Justice through engaging in organic gardening, conservation projects and eco-construction projects while also having the opportunity to practice daily yoga, evening hikes and vegetarian meals prepared by a local chef. Those in Charlotte will be learning about sustainable and affordable housing, working with Habitat for Humanity on home construction and education of the current housing crisis. Participants in the Louisville trip will be educated on refugee resettlement, partnering with Kentucky Refugee Ministries to organize warehouse donation and serve a direct impact by preparing welcome kits of household items for incoming refugees. In addition, there are exciting Maymester opportunities to Greece and Puerto Rico, focusing on Sustainable Tourism and Permaculture with Environmental Justice, respectively.

The Bonner Leader program is very excited to announce the return of their Engage and Empower’s “Get Up and Go Get It” week this spring.  Engage and Empower is an opportunity for students to get more involved with organizations both on and off campus and gives Bonner leaders an opportunity to facilitate group presentations.

If you are interested in any of the above items, feel free to stop by our office in 203 Lightsey.  It’s going to be a great year, let’s spend it becoming engaged, active citizens!

 

Weekly Digest: Nov. 18th

bonner-program-logoAB Logo_Greenone-time-event-logorecurring-event

 

Civic Engagement Weekly Digest │ November 17th, 2015

Read below to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities in the Charleston community. Volunteer announcements are either one-time events or ongoing service opportunities. Contact information is included with each entry. If you are searching for more volunteer opportunities email our office at: volunteer@cofc.edu. Please make sure to register/sign-up for events you plan on attending!

HHAW 2013 T-shirt image

One-Time Service

  • Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week!  This national event is put on annually, the week before Thanksgiving (U.S.). This year, between November 14th and 21st, the Center for Civic Engagement will be partnering with other campus offices and organizations, to educate students, faculty and staff about the issues people experiencing homelessness and hunger deal with on an almost daily basis. To learn about all events happening during HHAW check out volunteer.cofc.edu. To take action sign-up for one of our Recurring Service opportunities! #cofcHHAW
  •  “A Place at the Table”, SSMB 129 6-8pm TODAY. Learn about hunger and food security in one of the wealthiest nations in the world, America. From New York to Los Angeles, millions of Americans wonder where their next meal is coming from. Come learn and discussion possible solutions and ways to help those in the Charleston community.

 

Recurring Service

  • Keep Charleston Beautiful! Keep Charleston Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and the City of Charleston, conducts environmental clean ups of debris around the Charleston area. Volunteers go to specific neighborhoods, streets, parks and marshes to help keep Charleston beautiful! Our next clean-up is November 21st from 8:30am to 12:30pm. To sign up or get more information, please email: volunteer@cofc.edu. (Part of #cofcHHAW)
  •  Lowcountry Food Bank! The Lowcountry Food Bank, located in North Charleston, helps feed children, adults, seniors and families in need along coastal South Carolina. Come pack, sort, clean food while getting to know your fellow Cougars! Your next opportunity is November 20th, from 12:30-3:30pm! Limited to the first ten volunteers! Emailvolunteer@cofc.edu to register! *Transportation provided (Part of #cofcHHAW)

 

Community Partner Events and Volunteer Opportunities

  • Engaging Creative Minds! The mission of Engaging Creative Minds is to inspire the creative and innovative potential of all students to achieve academically and become imaginative, adaptable and productive adults. Help provide arts integration, whether it is creative design or collaboration and problem solving skills, in more than 20 schools! To learn more and sign up, email: kathy@engagingcreativeminds.org
  •  Lowcountry Herald Potluck and Donation Drive! The Lowcountry Herald is a newspaper dedicated to helping the homeless. We make newspapers, give them to the homeless, and the homeless in turn give them away and ask for a three dollar donation. The homeless vendors keep the money as a form of income. They hold a potluck every Sunday at 12:45–2pm on Trident Tech’s Downtown campus. Volunteers are needed each week for this to bring and/or serve food to the homeless. Bringing food is appreciated, but not mandatory. They also collect a wide variety of donated items, from toiletries, blankets, clothing, etc. For more information about the Lowcountry Herald and volunteer opportunities, please email: lowcountryherald@gmail.com
  •  Families Helping Families! Palmetto Project organizes, Families Helping Families, a type of Christmas programming that provides food, clothing, and Christmas gifts for nearly 3,800 families with urgent and emergency needs. We need data entry volunteers to put applications into  system that will then match families in need with sponsors. Also, We need warehouse volunteers to receive, sort, log, wrap, and distribute gifts to happy families. Get a group of friends and spend an afternoon helping to ensure that all South Carolinians have a happy holiday season! There are a multitude of dates and times to volunteer. If you are interested in helping out the Palmetto Project in another way, please fill out and submit  the volunteer application by copy and pasting the following link into your browser.
  •  Communities in Schools! Communities in Schools and Lambs Elementary need energetic, caring mentors and tutors! Volunteers could work in multiple schools and gain valuable experience, while helping elementary students learn and grow! To get more information and become a volunteer, visit www.cischarleston.org and/or emaildbrown@cischarleston.org
  •  Sandpiper Activities Volunteers! Sandpiper Premier Senior Living is looking for volunteers to interact with their residents in a multitude of ways! They are seeking motivated and energetic volunteers leading games (bingo, cross words, puzzles, shuffle board, etc.), helping put together socials, bible study and group luncheons. Interested parties should contact Marva Bland, Activities Director at (843) 881-3210 ext. 2215

________________________________________

Center for Civic Engagement

160 Calhoun St., Lightsey 203

Phone: (843)953-5838

Website: volunteer.cofc.edu

Email: volunteer@cofc.edu

Weekly Digest: Nov. 4th

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Civic Engagement Weekly Digest │ November 4th, 2015

Read below to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities in the Charleston community. Volunteer announcements are either one-time events or ongoing service opportunities. Contact information is included with each entry. If you are searching for more volunteer opportunities email our office at: volunteer@cofc.edu. Please make sure to register/sign-up for events you plan on attending!

 

One-Time Service

  • Veteran’s Day! This Veteran’s Day, November 11th, we will be creating a remembrance garden of American flags in the Cistern Yard for all student, staff and faculty veterans (9-10am). We will also serve lunch and play games with veterans at the VA Medical Center’s Patriots Harbor Community Living Center (10:45am-2:15pm, Registration Required). In the evening, we will be screening, “When I Came Home”, the emotional story of coming home after returning from Iraq (7-9pm). For more information, how to register and get involved, email: volunteer@cofc.edu.
  • Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week!  This national event is put on annually, the week before Thanksgiving (U.S.). This year, between November 14th and 21st, the Center for Civic Engagement will be partnering with other campus offices and organizations, to educate students, faculty and staff about the issues people experiencing homelessness and hunger deal with on an almost daily basis. To learn about all events happening during HHAW check out volunteer.cofc.edu. To take action sign-up for one of our Recurring Service opportunities! #cofcHHAW

 

Recurring Service

  • Keep Charleston Beautiful! Keep Charleston Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and the City of Charleston, conducts environmental clean ups of debris around the Charleston area. Volunteers go to specific neighborhoods, streets, parks and marshes to help keep Charleston beautiful! Our next clean-ups are November 14th and 21st from8:30am to 12:30pm. To sign up or get more information, please email: volunteer@cofc.edu. (Part of #cofcHHAW)
  • Lowcountry Food Bank! The Lowcountry Food Bank, located in North Charleston, helps feed children, adults, seniors and families in need along coastal South Carolina. Come pack, sort, clean food while getting to know your fellow Cougars! Your next opportunity is November 20th, from 12:30-3:30pm! Limited to the first ten volunteers! Emailvolunteer@cofc.edu to register! *Transportation provided (Part of #cofcHHAW)
  • Neighborhood House Farmer’s Market Gleaning and Monday Market! Neighborhood House is a part of Our Lady of Mercy Outreach. They help feed, clothe, house, and counsel those in need. They have partnered with Fields to Families, an organization working with local farmers to bring fresh produce to those who may go hungry. The gleaning takes place Saturday, November 14th, from 1pm-3pm in Marion Square. The Monday Market is the opportunity for the community to pick up the produce, also learn ways to prepare and get the most out of these products. The Monday Market, takes place the following Monday, November 16th, after the Gleaning, between 11:00 am -1:30 pm. To sign up, email: volunteer@cofc.edu. (Part of #cofcHHAW)

 

Community Partner Events and Volunteer Opportunities

  • S.C.O.R.E.! The South Carolina Oyster Restoration and Enhancement Program (SCORE) is a community-based habitat restoration and monitoring program of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Volunteers will be bagging shells at their Fort Johnson locations on James Island, this Saturday November 7th, from 9am-11am. Please RSVP to score@dnr.sc.gov. A map to get to Ft. Johnson is located here. For all events, closed-toed shoes and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty are a must!! We will provide water, gloves, sunscreen, and bug spray. We will have single use cups for water, but encourage volunteers to be eco-friendly and bring a refillable bottle.
  •  Lowcountry Herald Potluck and Donation Drive! The Lowcountry Herald is a newspaper dedicated to helping the homeless. We make newspapers, give them to the homeless, and the homeless in turn give them away and ask for a three dollar donation. The homeless vendors keep the money as a form of income. They hold a potluck every Sunday at 12:45-2pm on Trident Tech’s Downtown campus. Volunteers are needed each week for this to bring and/or serve food to the homeless. Bringing food is appreciated, but not mandatory. They also collect a wide variety of donated items, from toiletries, blankets, clothing, etc. For more information about the Lowcountry Herald and volunteer opportunities, please email: lowcountryherald@gmail.com
  • Families Helping Families! Palmetto Project organizes, Families Helping Families, a type of Christmas programming that provides food, clothing, and Christmas gifts for nearly 3,800 families with urgent and emergency needs. We need data entry volunteers to put applications into  system that will then match families in need with sponsors. Also, We need warehouse volunteers to receive, sort, log, wrap, and distribute gifts to happy families. Get a group of friends and spend an afternoon helping to ensure that all South Carolinians have a happy holiday season! There are a multitude of dates and times to volunteer. If you are interested in helping out the Palmetto Project in another way, please fill out and submit  the volunteer application by copy and pasting the following link into your browser.
  • LUNG FORCE Run/Walk! The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is Saturday, November 14 from 7-11am at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. We are seeking volunteers to help us with event day setup, registration, directing participants along the route, and handing out water. It’s a fun, exciting and inspiring event. We hope you will consider being a part of it! Please email MargaretAnn.Mabry@LungSE.org if interested.
  • Communities in Schools! Communities in Schools and Lambs Elementary need energetic, caring mentors and tutors! Volunteers could work in multiple schools and gain valuable experience, while helping elementary students learn and grow! To get more information and become a volunteer, visit www.cischarleston.org and/or emaildbrown@cischarleston.org
  • Sandpiper Activities Volunteers! Sandpiper Premier Senior Living is looking for volunteers to interact with their residents in a multitude of ways! They are seeking motivated and energetic volunteers leading games (bingo, cross words, puzzles, shuffle board, etc.), helping put together socials, bible study and group luncheons. Interested parties should contact Marva Bland, Activities Director at (843) 881-3210 ext. 2215

Weekly Digest for November 2nd

Civic Engagement Weekly Digest │ November 2nd, 2015

Read below to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities in the Charleston community. Volunteer announcements are either one-time events or ongoing service opportunities. Contact information is included with each entry. If you are searching for more volunteer opportunities email our office at: volunteer@cofc.edu. Please make sure to register/sign-up for events you plan on attending!

 

One-Time Service

  •   Veteran’s Day! This Veteran’s Day, November 11th, we will be creating a remembrance garden of American flags in the Cistern Yard for all student, staff and faculty veterans (9-10am). We will also serve lunch and play games with veterans at the VA Medical Center’s Patriots Harbor Community Living Center (10:45am-2:15pm, Registration Required). In the evening, we will be screening, “When I Came Home”, the emotional story of coming home after fighting for your country (7-9pm). For more information, how to register and get involved, email: volunteer@cofc.edu.
  • Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week!  This national event is put on annually, the week before Thanksgiving (U.S.). This year, between November 14th and 21st, the Center for Civic Engagement will be partnering with other campus offices and organizations, to educate students, faculty and staff about the issues people experiencing homelessness and hunger deal with on an almost daily basis. To take action sign-up for one of our Recurring Service opportunities! #cofcHHAW

 

Recurring Service

  • Keep Charleston Beautiful! Keep Charleston Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and the City of Charleston, conducts environmental clean ups of debris around the Charleston area. Volunteers go to specific neighborhoods, streets, parks and marshes to help keep Charleston beautiful! Our next clean-up is November 14th from 8:30am to 12:30pm. To sign up or get more information, please email: volunteer@cofc.edu. (Part of #cofcHHAW)
  • Lowcountry Food Bank! The Lowcountry Food Bank, located in North Charleston, helps feed children, adults, seniors and families in need along coastal South Carolina. Come pack, sort, clean food while getting to know your fellow Cougars! Your next opportunity is November 20th, from 12:30-3:30pm! Limited to the first ten volunteers! Emailvolunteer@cofc.edu to register! *Transportation provided (Part of #cofcHHAW)
  • Neighborhood House Farmer’s Market Gleaning and Monday Market! Neighborhood House is a part of Our Lady of Mercy Outreach. They help feed, clothe, house, and counsel those in need. They have partnered with Fields to Families, an organization working with local farmers to bring fresh produce to those who may go hungry. The gleaning takes place Saturday, November 14th, from 1pm-3pm in Marion Square. The Monday Market is the opportunity for the community to pick up the produce, also learn ways to prepare and get the most out of these products. The Monday Market, takes place the following Monday, November 16th, after the Gleaning, between 11:00 am -1:30 pm. To sign up, email: volunteer@cofc.edu. (Part of #cofcHHAW)

 

Community Partner Events and Volunteer Opportunities

  • St. Andrew’s Parks & Playground Halloween Carnival! St. Andrew’s Parks & Playground is seeking volunteers for their Halloween Carnival, Friday, October 30th from 4-9pm. Volunteers will help run carnival games and lightly scare kids on the haunted hayride. Transportation from campus and dinner are provided, while kid friendly costumes are highly encouraged. For more information and to sign up contact Amanda Collins at (843) 763-4360 or recreation@standrewsparks.com
  • LUNG FORCE Run/Walk! The American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is Saturday, November 14 from 7-11am at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. We are seeking volunteers to help us with event day setup, registration, directing participants along the route, and handing out water. It’s a fun, exciting and inspiring event. We hope you will consider being a part of it! Please email MargaretAnn.Mabry@LungSE.org if interested.
  • Communities in Schools! Communities in Schools and Lambs Elementary need energetic, caring mentors and tutors! Volunteers could work in multiple schools and gain valuable experience, while helping elementary students learn and grow! To get more information and become a volunteer, visit www.cischarleston.org and/or emaildbrown@cischarleston.org
  • Sandpiper Activities Volunteers! Sandpiper Premier Senior Living is looking for volunteers to interact with their residents in a multitude of ways! They are seeking motivated and energetic volunteers leading games (bingo, cross words, puzzles, shuffle board, etc.), helping put together socials, bible study and group luncheons. Interested parties should contact Marva Bland, Activities Director at (843) 881-3210 ext. 2215
  • Teacher’s Supply Closet! Teacher’s Supply Closet is a local organization, which allows educators from Title 1, low-income schools access to free classroom supplies. They have multiple volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved, from helping with Teacher shopping (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30pm-6:30pm) or restocking and warehouse work. Tolearn more and sign up or visit their website: http://teacherssupplycloset.wix.com/teacherssupplycloset

 

Weekly Digest for October 21st

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Civic Engagement Weekly Digest │ October 21st, 2015

Read below to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities in the Charleston community. Volunteer announcements are either one-time events or ongoing service opportunities. Contact information is included with each entry. If you are searching for more volunteer opportunities email our office at: volunteer@cofc.edu. Please make sure to register/sign-up for events you plan on attending!

 

Recurring Service

  •   Keep Charleston Beautiful! Keep Charleston Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and the City of Charleston, conducts environmental clean ups of debris around the Charleston area. Volunteers go to specific neighborhoods, streets, parks and marshes to help keep Charleston beautiful! Our next clean-up is October 24th from 8:30am to 12:30pm. To sign up or get more information, please email: volunteer@cofc.edu.
  • Lowcountry Food Bank! The Lowcountry Food Bank, located in North Charleston, helps feed children, adults, seniors and families in need along coastal South Carolina. Come pack, sort, clean food while getting to know your fellow Cougars! Your next opportunity is Friday, October 23rd, from 12:30-3:30pm! Limited to the first ten volunteers! Emailvolunteer@cofc.edu to register!

 

One-Time Service

  • Veteran’s Day! This Veteran’s Day, November 11th, we will be creating a remembrance garden of American flags in the Cistern Yard for all student, staff and faculty veterans (9-10am). We will also serve lunch and play games with veterans at the VA Medical Center’s Patriots Harbor Community Living Center (10:45am-2:15pm, Registration Required). In the evening, we will be screening, “When I Came Home”, the emotional story of coming home after fighting for your country (7-9pm). For more information, how to register and get involved, email: volunteer@cofc.edu.

 

Community Partner Events and Volunteer Opportunities

  • Thought Leader Speaker Series! South Carolina Community Loan Fund is in search of volunteers for its Thought Leader Speaker Series, October 19th, 2015, featuring Nicholas Kristof, American journalist, author, op-ed columnist, and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes. Volunteers are needed to assist with variety of tasks including event set up, registration, and ushering. A volunteer orientation will be held before the event at which time we will detail all available positions, note your preference, and try our best to assign you accordingly. We ask all volunteers to plan to arrive at 8:00 am on the day of the event and stay until the conclusion of the event. For more information about the event visithttp://sccommunityloanfund.org/blog/event/thought-leader-speaker-series/
  • 5 Branches of American Hero’s VFW Fall Festival! The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3433 in Summerville is hosting a Fall Festival fundraiser, Sunday October 18th, from10am-5pm and needs volunteers! Volunteers will help run carnival games, help with the snack bar, as well as clean up and general needs. To sign up or to get more information, email cheftime4zinn@gmail.com or look up the Facebook event here.
  • Fall Fun House! The Fall Fun House Event offers a fun-filled, safe alternative to Trick or Treating this Halloween for families during our after hours on Saturday, October 24th,3:30-7pm. Children will enjoy silly carnival games, prizes, arts & crafts and, of course, candy! Dress up (kid – appropriate) and Come PLAY with us! To volunteer, please register with Kendra McCabe at kendra@explorecml.org or (843) 853-8962.
  • St. Andrew’s Parks & Playground Halloween Carnival! St. Andrew’s Parks & Playground is seeking volunteers for their Halloween Carnival, Friday, October 30th from 4-9pm. Volunteers will help run carnival games and lightly scare kids on the haunted hayride. Transportation from campus and dinner are provided, while kid friendly costumes are highly encouraged. For more information and to sign up contact Amanda Collins at (843) 763-4360 or recreation@standrewsparks.com
  • Sandpiper Activities Volunteers! Sandpiper Premier Senior Living is looking for volunteers to interact with their residents in a multitude of ways! They are seeking motivated and energetic volunteers leading games (bingo, cross words, puzzles, shuffle board, etc.), helping put together socials, bible study and group luncheons. Interested parties should contact Marva Bland, Activities Director at (843) 881-3210 ext. 2215
  • Teacher’s Supply Closet! Teacher’s Supply Closet is a local organization, which allows educators from Title 1, low-income schools access to free classroom supplies. They have multiple volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved, from helping with Teacher shopping (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30pm-6:30pm) or restocking and warehouse work. Tolearn more and sign up or visit their website: http://teacherssupplycloset.wix.com/teacherssupplycloset

 

________________________________________

 

Center for Civic Engagement

160 Calhoun St., Lightsey 203

Phone: (843)953-5838

Website: volunteer.cofc.edu

Email: volunteer@cofc.edu

Welcome Week

Welcomeweek2

Looking to serve in the Charleston community?

Volunteer at Green Heart

Start off the school year by giving your time and skills at Green Heart. Learn more about the Charleston community, Green Heart and volunteering through our office. This is a great way to meet other students with a passion for service and urban gardening. 

When:  Thursday, August 21st  5:00pm-8:30pm

Where: Lightsey Center 203, 160 Calhoun Street

[We will meet and walk to Green Heart as a group]

Register by emailing: volunteer@cofc.edu

Volunteer Fair

Join us at the Volunteer Fair! The Volunteer Fair, a part of Cisternfest, will give students the opportunity to connect with various organizations seeking volunteers.

When: Saturday, August 23rd, 12-2pm

Where: Cistern Yard

Click here to learn more about Welcome Week events.

Volunteer Opportunities

Looking to give back as the school year comes to an end?

Here are some opportunities for you!

April 2014 events newsletter

A Charleston Affair is going zero waste! The office of sustainability needs help in doing a trail run of composting this year at the Charleston Affair. Volunteers are needed to help attendees choose the correct bin for their materials. We’re looking for volunteers from 6:00pm-10:30pm on both Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday May 4th (with a greater need on Sunday).

GrowFood Carolina is looking for some help with our exciting Peak of the Season fundraising party on Wednesday, April 30th!  This is a casual, happy hour event that gives us the opportunity to share with the community all the fun produce that Spring has to offer.  Throughout the evening volunteers will help out with bar tending, clearing plates, décor & set-up.  There will be LOCAL nibbles, libations & music for everyone to enjoy!

Be a Mentor: 2014 Mentor Appreciation Celebration on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Academic Magnet High School. The event will take place at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. We are in desperate need of volunteers for the day of the event to help with set up, greeting guests, and serving food.  All who volunteer with be treated to an evening of music, laughter, and a fabulous meal prepared by Willie Jewels.

Continue reading →

Volunteer Opportunity Directory

Check Out Our Recurring Volunteer Opportunity Directory!

Are you looking to volunteer in the Charleston Community on a regular basis? We have a guide for you! Categorized by social issue it is your guide to service in the Charleston area.

It can be found on our Ongoing Service Opportunities page

You can also join the student volunteer corps or check our one time service event calendar. If you would like more information you can email volunteer@cofc.edu or come to our office in Lightsey 203.

The guide will be updated frequently so check back for more opportunities.

WELCOME BACK!

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

We are so excited for all of the service projects and events we have lined up for this semester! Keep an eye out for our semester calender and list of events!

Interested in volunteering? The Center for Civic Engagement works to connect students with volunteer opportunities ranging from one-time events to ongoing service.

All opportunities are now available right here on our blog!

To check out one-time service opportunities, click here.

To browse through ongoing service opportunities for this semester, click here.

All of these listings will always be available and updated here.

Please feel free to stop by with any questions about any of these opportunities, or to talk about community service in general!