Happy Volunteer Recognition Week! (April 20-24)

THANK YOU!! Gracias! Xie xie! Dankie! Wa'-do! Danke schön! Shukran! Domo arigato! Kamsahamnida! Spasibo! Grazie! Merci beaucoup!

During the week of April 20th, IUPUI’s Office of Community Service (OCS) is celebrating “Volunteer Recognition Week.”

This academic year, over 1,532 volunteers have provided over 13,070 hours of community service! According to the value of your service, you provided about $264,702.94 worth of important work!

If YOU have been a part of any service activities on or off campus this school year, stop by the OCS (CE 375) THIS WEEK to pick up a FREE GIFT! Come see us anytime between 8am-5pm; we're located in Campus and Community Life in the Campus Center CE 370. Also, be sure to check out a commemorative video that will be posted to this Blog before the close of this semester!

So, from IUPUI, to all students and staff who have given their time to volunteer and support the community... “THANK YOU!”

Thanks again for all you have done! You are APPRECIATED!

Yours in service and gratitude,
The Office of Community Service

Here’s a snapshot of the amazing things IUPUI Volunteers have accomplished in 2008-2009:

181 IUPUI volunteers participated in community service through their learning communities.

1037 IUPUI volunteers participated in at least one large scale service event such as the IUPUI Day of Caring, The Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service, Senator Bayh Leadership Summit, Service and the City, Global Youth Service Day, Color Your City, and the Cesar Chavez Day of Service.

50 IUPUI volunteers participated in our Alternative Breaks experiences to places such as Cincinnati, OH; Atlanta, GA; Soddy-Daisy, TN; Kansas City, MO; and Eustis, FL, and served in causes related to children, poverty, the environment, hunger, homelessness, and disability awareness.

159 IUPUI volunteers participated in Jaguars in the Streets, volunteering their time with local agencies dedicated to Indiana’s senior citizens, environment, youth, poverty, and other important issues.

Looking to Serve?

Are you looking for some meaningful service opportunities before the end of the semester? Look no further!

You are on the Office of Community Service Blog, and we are here to help you volunteer for causes that are important to you, in a way that fits your schedule. Here's a few opportunities you may not have heard about...

Did you know WFYI was recently voted the No. 1 place to volunteer in Indianapolis by the readers of NUVO? Find out why by supporting this local station with your time. Whether you are looking for a one-time opportunity, or a bigger commitment, WFYI offers fun, exciting ways to get involved in a worthy cause! http://www.wfyi.org/volunteer.asp


In 2007, the 500 Festival Volunteer Program received a Gold Pinnancle Award from the International Festival and Events Association for Best Volunteer Program. Get in on the excitement of this opportunity and you're promised a great time, some cool benefits, and a chance to serve your community during Indy's most famous event! Act SOON if you wish to participate! http://www.500festival.com/volunteers/

The 2009 Build Season has arrived! Some new building shifts are available from April 15th-May 29TH, but of course there are always weekly opportunities in the environmentally conscious ReStore or in the Habitat for Humanity office. Whether you want to volunteer one afternoon, gain a valuable internship in the office, or even become a "Construction Assistant", look into giving some time to this great non-profit! They offer many fun, convenient ways for the busy student to get involved! For more info, get in touch with Jessica Walters, 921.2121 x114, jcwalters@indyhabitat.org


Volunteer with IUPUI's own Jags in the Streets! You can help make an IMPACT alongside fellow Jags at:

Habitat for Humanity: April 15th, 12:30pm – 4:30pm
IUPUI Tree Planting Event: April 24th, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: April 26th, 1pm – 4pm

Get informed and involved at http://www.iupui.edu/jaguarsinthestreets/


La Plaza is a groundbreaking effort to be the trusted liaison between Latinos and the larger community. But did you know that the amount of services they have provided to Latino families have increased by 300% in the last year?

Consider giving your time to this worthy organization through a one-time opportunity or a volunteer internship relevant to your skills and area of study. Also, there is an increasing demand for items for their food pantry and they would like your help. Please consider bringing items to donate in the lobby of the Campus Center from Monday April 6, 2009 to Wednesday April 15, 2009. A list of most needed items will be located on the boxes. http://www.laplaza-indy.org/volunteer/index.php

Also, remember to sign up for our weekly newsletter with the latest opportunities, fill out an interest form to receive custom volunteer info about volunteering that fits your interests and your calendar, or stop by and let us help you in person! Have a great day!