The University of Findlay

Definition of Volunteerism at UF

Volunteerism 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.

Volunteering at UF

If you are a faculty, staff, student, or alumni interested in volunteering in Hancock County, please complete the "Volunteer Interest Form for Individuals" or the "Volunteer Interest Form for Student Groups" on the left hand side of this page. After completing the form, You may also set up an appointment with the Campus Compact Center's staff to discuss your service interests and help you to find a community placement.

There are many ways to learn about volunteer opportunities at UF! Two ways that are available to any faculty, staff, or student include:

1) Campus Compact Listserv - a weekly email sent that outlines one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities, announcements, and community partner events.
*Note: UF personnel should contact the Campus Compact Center to be added to this!

2) Campus Compact Blackboard site - located under the "Community" tab on Blackboard, this site has many volunteer opportunities and lists our on-campus volunteer opportunities as well.
*Note: UF personnel should contact the Campus Compact Center to be added to this!

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!

Benefits of Volunteerism

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

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