Volunteering: Community Engagement at Clark

The Community Engagement and Volunteering (CEV) Center is the first stop for students, faculty and staff looking to get involved and "Make A Difference" in the Worcester community. By engaging in meaningful community service, students can have a positive impact in the lives of others, gain leadership skills, learn the value of civic responsibility and experience the richness and diversity of Worcester. Clark students have a strong history of being active in the Worcester community, particularly in the Main South area. Over 800 students volunteered approximately 30,000 in the 2007-2008 academic year.

"Clark students have a strong history of being active in the Worcester community, particularly in the Main South area."

The CEV Center uses the Clark Recruiter, an online database of community organizations, so whether you are interested in volunteering at the Main South Community Development Corporation, the Boys & Girls Club or teaching ESL classes, the CEV Center can help you find an appropriate placement. Start browsing opportunities online from your dorm room and then come to the CEV Center to review your options with a helpful staff member.

Throughout the year the CEV Center organizes many community oriented events and forums at Clark including the Community Engagement & Internship Fair, the Food for Thought Dialogue series and Just Do It Day.The staff also works closely with faculty members to develop and implement community based learning & research courses. Additionally, the CEV Center also advises several student groups that are active in the Worcester community, including the Fiat Lux Honor Society, the Making A Difference Scholars and the CARE (Community Action Reform Education) Initiative.

Community engagement is more than volunteering your time, though. Community engagement means being an active part of your local community. An informed and engaged citizen can speak about local political issues and explores the many entertainment/recreation opportunities available. You can spend an evening supporting the sports teams such as the Worcester Sharks Ice Hockey Team or the Worcester Tornadoes baseball. If you're interested in nature, there are tons of hiking trails to explore in the larger Worcester area. Make the most of your four years in Worcester! Use the Discover Worcester webpage (link is on the right-hand side) to help you find out what Worcester has to offer.

To get involved, visit the CEV Center located on the 1st floor of Corner House. Drop-in hours are Monday-Friday 2-4pm and other times by appointment. You can contact Micki Davis, CEV Program Coordinator, at (508) 421-3785 or email cev@clarku.edu to schedule an appointment.