CIVIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES ::

On this page you will find links to broad categories of opportunities. We have included a brief summary of each opportunity, but if you find something interesting be sure to follow up with them.

Submit items to the Board by e-mailing the Student Specialist.

 

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteers to Sort Donations for Bastrop Families (natural disaster relief)

The Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX) are looking for volunteers to help sort donations at their warehouse for the Bastrop families. The warehouse, which is located on 9204 Brown Lane Suite 180 Austin TX, is open from 10:00-4:00PM Monday-Saturday.

 

Internship with Georgetown Nonprofit (elderly)

Faith in Action Caregivers provides transportation to seniors 65 and older who no longer drive.  Their volunteer services help them to meet basic needs (such as for grocery shopping and medical care) and to maintain their independence. They are offering an unpaid internship consisting of the following tasks: establishing and maintaining Facebook page; updating existing website; developing and utilizing email lists; assisting with publicity for special events and fundraisers, including the development of promotional materials.

Applicants should have excellent communication and computer skills, as well as experience with social media; marketing skills a plus. Please contact Development Coordinator Annette Pearson at Annette@fiacaregivers.org or at 512-868-9544.

 

Girlstart (for women volunteers only, youth)

Girlstart is seeks program leaders to teach in our after-school clubs in Georgetown and surrounding areas. After-school clubs meet once a week for an hour immediately after the school day. This is a great opportunity to work directly with elementary and middle school girls on hands-on science, engineering, technology, and math activities. Improve your classroom management skills, teaching style, and gain curriculum-writing experience. Join Girlstart’s efforts to educate and empower girls!

 

Wilco Wellness Alliance:  Por Vida/For Life Program (public health)

The Wilco Wellness Alliance has four main priority areas: nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, and chronic disease management.  The Alliance specifically need help with the nutrition initiative: Por Vida/For Life.  This initiative works with local restaurants to market healthy items on their menus and also helps them to develop new menu items.  The Alliance needs skilled students willing to recruit restaurants and analyze their recipes based on specific criteria and students who can design marketing materials, website, etc. for promoting Por Vida/For Life and the other initiatives.

 

A*Med Community Hospice (health care, senior resources)

A*Med Community Hospice is committed to providing a high quality, comprehensive palliative program dedicated to promoting comfort and quality of life for clients and families facing a terminal illness. A key component of providing this care is the hospice volunteer.  Volunteers can assist our patients in a number of ways, such as making crafts for patients, office support and providing companionship.

 

LifeSteps Board of Directors Opportunity (substance abuse prevention)
Efrain Davila, Executive Director of LifeSteps, Williamson County’s substance abuse prevention agency, seeks Southwestern University students or recent graduates living in Williamson County who may be interested in becoming members of LifeSteps’ Board of Directors.  Please share with anyone who might be interested and note that with regard to current SU students, Efrain is looking specifically for students who intend to live in Williamson County after they graduate so that they may continue providing leadership to LifeSteps after graduation. 

 

SU Community Garden (environment, health and food)

The Community Garden provides a unique space for growing fresh produce in a sustainable way, and shares this locally-grown food and hosts educational workshops with the surrounding community. Besides our weekly gardening sessions, this semester the Garden is hosting workshops on exciting topics like container gardening and sustainable food systems.

 

Austin Bat Cave (youth, writing)

Inspired by Dave Eggers and 826 Valencia? Well, Austin Bat Cave is a local project of a similar nature that’s doing amazing things right in our backyard! ABC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides children and teenagers (ages 6-18) with opportunities to develop their creative and expository writing skills. ABC offers opportunities for volunteers in our creative writing workshops, online volunteer opportunities, and monthly/seasonal events. See their website: http://austinbatcave.org/

  

Volunteering at First United Methodist Church – Round Rock (faith, youth)

Work hands on with youth and gain knowledge for working in ministry in a local church with First UMC – Round Rock. Volunteering consists in mentoring a small group of high school and/or middle school students (grades 8-12) in a small group setting. Preferred skills include ability to relate to teens and the willingness to share scripture with them.

 

GISD Volunteer Training (youth, education)

Calling all students to be involved in the community by mentoring a GISD student for 30 minutes a week (or two students for one hour) and making a HUGE difference in the life of a student. Training sessions will be held the first Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:00PM in Olin 111. For more information contact Laura Antoine at 512-943-5175 or mentor@georgetownisd.org.

 

Theatre Action Project (theatre, arts, social work, humanities, youth)

The TAP is a nonprofit organization and a team of professionally trained artists and educators that works in partnership with schools and communities to lead unique and engaging arts programs which allow young people to learn critical life skills, gain tools for creative expression and have successful experiences that build self-esteem and confidence. Currently the Theatre Action Project is seeking volunteers as after school volunteers, art project assistants, crafts prep, office administration volunteers, and volunteers for the Housing Authority of the City of Austin.

 

Riverside Resource Center (youth, education)

Beginning in mid-September we will once again be offering free tutoring to students, PK-12th grade at the Riverside Resource Center. Tutoring will be offered Monday-Thursday from 4:30-6 pm each of the four days. We are looking for individuals that can commit to one afternoon a week during this time assist a variety of academic levels with homework. This opportunity is for anyone that might take an hour and a half of their week to make a difference in the life of a young learner.

 

SU Splash (education, youth)

Do you geek out? Consider participating in SU Splash, a one-day event where college students and faculty teach short “classes” to high school students to “get their feet wet” in subjects they might not get the chance to explore. In the past we have had classes on everything from magic to ice cream and are looking for new ideas! If you don’t want to teach, we’re in need of all types of volunteers that fill a number of jobs including photography, promotion, and general day-of setup.

 

MEEELJ, Inc. – Minorities for Equality in Employment, Education, Liberty and Justice (youth advocacy, social and criminal justice)

MEEELJ serves youth (teens and young adults) in crisis, at-risk of dropping out of school, using drugs, formerly incarcerated persons (FIP), and others needing assistance with pursuing employment and/or education, drug or alcohol abuse or parole/probation problems.  Duties could include: research; grant searching; grant writing; making phone calls/setting up appointments for Project Specialist.

 

Annunciation Maternity Home (women, maternity)

Annunciation Maternity Home’s mission statement is to provide women and teens in crisis pregnancy, and their children, with housing, education, opportunities, and health services to empower them in their journey towards independence. To do the great things we do, the AMH hosts monthly garage sales.

 

Hope Alliance (domestic/family violence, basic needs)

Hope Alliance is Williamson County’s emergency shelter and resource agency for women in crisis (located in Round Rock) and needs family-sized toiletries, including: shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, razors, feminine hygiene products and hand sanitizer.