Definition of Community Service at UF

Community service is service volunteered by individuals or an organization to benefit a community or its institutions or is willingly entering into service for and/or to others.  

1-800-volunteer--Local, State, and National
Volunteer Opportunities

1-800-Volunteer.org connects you to volunteer opportunities in your community, helps you track your volunteer service, and sends you automatic e-mail notifications enabling you to respond when you're needed most. This free service is your direct link to local opportunities selected by the Volunteer Center, United Way of Hancock County and Campus Compact, and brought to you by the Points of Light Foundation and the Volunteer Center National Network.

To find service opportunities in Hancock County:

1) Go to www.1-800-volunteer.org

2) In the "Find a Volunteer Opportunity" box, type in Findlay's zip code (45840) and press "Search"

3) You can look at one-time, ongoing, and long-term service opportunities, including service learning options which are designated by the apple icon.

You can also register (create an account) which will enable you to sign-up for e-mails about recent postings, track your service hours, and see contact information for certain volunteer opportunities. This tool was launched in April, 2005 and we hope it is useful for you as you search for ways to get involved in the Hancock County community!

Getting Involved in Community Service at UF

If you are a faculty, staff, student, or alumni interested in getting involved in community service in Hancock County, another way to become engaged is to complete the UF Individual Volunteer Community Service Interest Form and return it to the Campus Compact Office.  Our staff will set up an appointment with you to discuss your service interests and help you to find a community placement.

Benefits of Community Service

The following lists show just a few of the immense benefits of Community Service.

Personal Benefits:

• Increased self-esteem and confidence
• Increased personal responsibility
• Increased sense of personal efficacy
• Increased ability to handle complex situations
• Increased persistence to graduation
• Increased interpersonal skills
• Increased tolerance of and support for diversity
• Increased engagement in other volunteer activities
• Increased indication of future community participation

Academic Benefits:

• Results in a more satisfying learning experience
• Creates a richer context for learning through community experience
• Increases critical thinking and problem-solving ability
• Deepens understanding of individual and collective roles in social action

Career Benefits:

• Allows active exploration of career interests
• Gives an understanding of the world of work
• Develops specific job skills
• Gives a hiring advantage over others
• Provides greater confidence in career choice

Adapted from:
Service learning tip sheets: A faculty resource guide, Hatcher, J.A., Ed. (1998) Cairn & Kielsmeier, 1991; Kraft & Swadener, 1994

Community Service Work Study Positions For Students and Community Agencies

Students may earn money through the federal work study program by serving in the local community at non-profit agencies. For information about community service work study positions, please contact: 

Patricia A. Beck
Director of Student Employment
pbeck@findlay.edu
Office Location: UF Village
419-434-5338