Volunteer Service
The Center for Community-Based Learning, Leadership, and Research provides the UWM campus with different opportunities to volunteer throughout the city and beyond. Each week of the year there are opportunities to make a real difference in Milwaukee and beyond by working to improve the environment, mentoring local kids, stocking shelves at a food pantry, serving breakfast to Milwaukee’s homeless community, engaging in an alternative spring break, and helping older adults. Below are some specific programs coordinated by the Center, but we are also a drop-in Center if you simply want a referral to a local non-profit agency so that you can coordinate a volunteer position on your own.
Student Service Record Program
This program is designed to help you keep a detailed record of your community engagement activities throughout your college career. The certificate will be issued after completing at least 75 hours of approved service in the community. If you are interested in signing up for the SSR Program, email leader1@uwm.edu. Current SSR students, click here to log hours.
Food Pantry Program
Help alleviate the negative impact of food insecurity in a local Milwaukee neighborhood by helping us at the Hope House Food Pantry any Tuesday or Thursday afternoon from noon-3:00pm. Transportation is provided, and spots fill quickly, so sign-up for a shift now by emailing the specific date(s) you would like to volunteer to vista@uwm.edu.
College Bigs & Youth Mentors Program
Each year 200+ UWM students, faculty, and staff volunteer less than two hours per week by serving as a Mentor and Tutor to a local kid at a MPS school or local community center. Our College Bigs & Youth Mentors make a real difference in the lives of kids through this work. Join the ranks of these heroes – for more information contact Rachel at rachels9@uwm.edu.
The Gathering Meal Program
Every Friday Morning, UWM volunteers serve breakfast to Milwaukee’s homeless community at The Gathering. Transportation is provided for this event which occurs from 7:00-10:30am. To sign up for one or more Fridays, email the date(s) you would like to volunteer to vista@uwm.edu.
Older Adult Programs
Work in the community through various programs. Participate in the Adopt a Grandparent Program: be a friend to a local older adult who lives alone. Take part in the Sno-Patrol program: shovel an older adult’s home after snowfalls over 2 inches. Join the TimeSlips Program: work with older adults experiencing various stages of memory loss to help them craft creative stories. Email vista@uwm.edu to make a difference!
Alternative Spring Break
Participants engage in service at various non-profit agencies while enhancing their leadership skills. This year’s trip will travel to Asheville, NC, where UWM students will engage in service while learning about the Appalachian region.
Bonner Leaders Scholarship Program
The Bonner Leaders Program awards 25 first- or second-year students a $1,100 scholarship after they complete 260 hours of paid or unpaid community service and complete a 3-credit leadership development course. For more information and to apply for the 2013 cohort, visit the Bonner Leaders Application page.
