Service can be doing something small like opening the door for someone or as large as arranging campus-wide service projects for other OSU students. Everyone participates in acts of service every day through the little and big things we do for each other and our global community. Use the resources below to get connected to an existing service initiative or contact a staff member to find a service project about which you are passionate!
Alternative Summer Break Trip Applications Available!
The SERV (Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) Team and the Ohio Union work together each year to plan between 20 and 32 BUCK-I-SERV (alternative break) trips to different cities across the nation and the world. Each year our goal is to add to the number of participants and trips in order to ensure every student who would like to have this experience has the chance to participate.
Trip Basics Include
oA week-long, substance free, service project outside of the Columbus area during Winter, Spring and Summer break
oGroups of students work alongside one agency to learn more about the needs and capacities of that organization and its social issue in that community and how it connects to their home community of Columbus, Ohio
oThrough service projects, group teambuilding experiences and reflection activities students participate in a broad service-learning experience
oOpportunities to participate in local tourist attractions and activities
SERV Team
The SERV Team (Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteering) is a cohort program involving 21 students who work closely with Center for Student Leadership and Service in the Ohio Union to plan and implement a series of service-related events and programs throughout the year.
SERV Team sponsored programs include single-day volunteer projects (Community Commitment and MLK Day of Service), Alternative Break trips, issue awareness-raising events, and ongoing volunteer referrals for students.
Applications for the 2009-2010 SERV Team have already been collected. SERVTeam applications become avialable in January. The term of commitment is spring quarter through the following winter quarter. Email Rosie Holmes, SERV Team Advisor, for more information. Contact information for the 2008-2009 SERVTeam is listed above and each event's contact can be found in the SERV team document available on this page. For other questions, please call 292-SERV (7378). Upcoming event information can also be found by clicking here!
MLK Day of Service is held annually and was held this year on January 19, 2009. Volunteer to "Make It A Day ON, Not A Day OFF." Students participate in a morning of service projects at agencies around Columbus in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This annual event brings together hundreds of students and community members for a morning of service in honor of Dr. King. Participants receive breakfast, lunch, transportation, and a commemorative t-shirt.
There is no pre-registration. Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Groups are encouraged to attend, but make sure to register together. We may not be able to accommodate groups larger than 5 people based on the needs of the service sites. Please be prepared to separate into smaller groups if needed. If we are able to accommodate groups, the entire group must be present at the time of registration. We are unable to “save” spots at service sites throughout the registration process.
ColumbusReads
ColumbusReads is an Ohio State University Tutoring Program for Kindergarten students. ColumbusReads was started in 1998 by Les Wexner, chairman and CEO of The Limited Inc., at the request of Columbus Public Schools Superintendent Rosa Smith. Wexner recruited 400 employees to tutor 225 kindergartners attending three elementary schools during the 1998-99 academic year. Currently, Ohio State helps recruit, train, and place tutors at two elementary schools – Hubbard Elementary and East Linden Elementary.
Each tutor provides two kindergarten students with a half-hour of tutoring and mentoring on a weekly basis. Tutors are asked to participate at least eight of the 11 weeks per quarter. Tutors can register to participate for the entire school year (October 2, 2007 to May 8, 2008) or can register to tutor for just one quarter. The dates and times vary by school and are available on the registration form. The sessions will involve a two-hour commitment, including one hour in the classroom and one hour for travel time.
All forms of service including direct, indirect, service-learning, and philanthropy are important; do you know the difference? Matching up your interests with the various types of service and the needs of the community can create the perfect balance.
Reflection provides a structured opportunity for you and/or your group to consider the impact of the service you provided and better understand your role in the larger community.
To get connected to a service opportunity, email osuvolunteer@gmail.com and the SERV team will help you get connected to a volunteer opportunity of your choice! You can also check out our blog at http://osuservteam.blogspot.com/ to learn more about our upcoming events and programs!
