The Madison College Volunteer Center has many events planned for students and staff to get involved with the community this year. Volunteers are needed to take advantage of these opportunities to impact the lives of others while learning more about ourselves and our world. The mission of the Volunteer Center is to develop, implement and promote service opportunities that will impact the community and enhance student learning. The events the Volunteer Center have planned range from one time, ongoing and even week long Alternative Break trips to national and regional locations.
One of the larger events of the semester is the 9/11 First Responders and Veterans Appreciation event which will be held at Unity Park on Wednesday September 11 from 11am to 1pm. The 9/11 event is a collaborative event between the Volunteer Center and the Madison College Veterans Club to recognize the sacrifices First Responders and Veterans make every day.
The Volunteer Center is having monthly meetings where community nonprofit organizations will come in to discuss their organization and opportunities to get involved. The meetings are the first Tuesday of every month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. check the Link for location. The first Volunteer Center meeting is Tuesday September 1. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County and the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County will be the featured community organizations at this meeting.
The Madison College 2014 Alternative Break trips are currently being planned and destinations include Indianapolis, Indiana, Kanab, Utah, New Orleans, Louisiana and the fourth destination is yet to be determined. Contact the Volunteer Center Board if you are interested in participating in an Alternative Break experience. In the past cost has prevented some students from participating in alternative breaks so, this year students can volunteer at UW-Madison Football home games to earn money towards their Alternative Break trip. Anyone is welcome to volunteer at the concessions during the UW Madison Football games all the proceeds will benefit the 2014 Alternative Break trips. Sign up on the Link to volunteer at the Badger football games space is limited to eleven people per game.
The Volunteer Center Board also has several open positions and is currently looking to fill them. Being involved with the Volunteer Center board allows students opportunities to gain leadership experience, practical work experiences, connections with community leaders as well as paying a stipend each semester and being able to participate in an Alternative Break trip at a discounted rate. To learn more about joining the Volunteer Center Board check us out on the Link.