College may broaden your horizons in ways you never expected. Many students find it gives them the desire to make a difference in the world by giving something back. Volunteering is also a great way to enhance your resume, as it teaches you transferable skills that are useful for many positions and tells potential employers more about your values. Here are several ways you can give back while you’re still at college.
1. Community Murals
If you’re artistic, you may like to consider organizing a community mural project in collaboration with other students and local artists. Ideally, the mural will have an underlying message, such as celebrating diversity or inspiring others in your community to take action for an important cause.
2. Cleanups
Find somewhere in your area that could benefit from a cleanup, such as a park, a riverbank, or even some streets. Organize a team of people to spend a few hours one day removing the trash. You’ll feel good about what you’ve achieved and make a real difference to the environment that everyone in your community will be able to enjoy.
3. Donation Drives
Let other students and your neighbours know that you’ll be collecting items for a donation drive. Choose a particular type of donation, such as clothing, non-perishable food, or school supplies. Once you’ve collected enough, present the items to a local charity, such as one that provides support to low-income families or a food bank.
4. Literacy Support
Gain experience teaching and working with children by starting a literacy support initiative. Talk to someone at one of your local schools or libraries to find out if you could schedule a time once a week to support children with their reading and writing. By helping kids do better at school, you’ll have a lasting impact on their lives.
5. Animal Shelters
If you want to gain experience working with animals, there’s no better option than volunteering at an animal shelter. As well as hands-on tasks like cleaning enclosures, grooming animals, and walking dogs, you could help the shelter with administrative tasks, such as fundraising and adoption events.
6. Mental Health Awareness
Work to end the stigma around mental illness by organizing awareness events. Use what you’ve learned at college or through your own experience to provide support and let people in the community know about the resources available to them.
7. Conservation Projects
Push your community to become greener by setting up a conservation project. Possibilities include planting trees, starting a community garden, or setting up workshops on an environmental issue that matters to you.
It will be easier to get involved in your community if you live in a central location. You’ll find London, Ontario, apartments for students at Foundry First. In addition to being just 49 steps from Fanshawe College, you’ll be able to reach the rest of London by car or public transit with ease. Plus, you’ll be close to London International Airport — which could be useful if you want to volunteer farther afield over your break. Apply for a lease now.
