Special Events
In addit
ion to the hundreds of volunteer opportunities available through our community partners and other programs run through the Volunteer Center, the Volunteer Center holds special events to help build awareness and connect students to different issues facing society. These events include:
- 9/11 Ribbons for Remembrance
- Adopt-A-Family
- Issue Day
- Cardboard City- Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
- MLK Day of Service
- Valentines for Veterans
- Be My Neighbor Day
Special Events Committee
Each year there is a cohort of dedicated volunteers that form the Special Events Committee. These individuals spend the year helping to plan all of the Special Events put on through the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center. If you are interested in being a part of this group, look for more information at the beginning of the Fall semester.
9/11 Ribbons for Remembrance
Every year for 9/11 a Ribbons for Remembrance Campaign is put on to honor and remember the events of September 11th.
In 2011, there was a 10 year anniversary event with volunteer opportunities and ways to remember all week long, ending in a Candle Light Vigil to remember those lost.
Adopt-A-Family
Teaming up with the United Way, the Volunteer Center serves as a sign up location for the Central Michigan campus and local community. RSOs, Residence Halls or other groups can adopt families of various sizes, with varying wish lists to make the winter season brighter. For the 2013 holiday season, 36 families were adopted through the CMU Volunteer Center!
Issue Day
Issue Day is a one-day advocacy conference that’s designed to educate and empower students to take action on a variety of social justice issues. Throughout the day, participants will attend three breakout presentations of their choosing. There is a wide range of topics to choose from, ranging from Tom’s Shoes to Habitat for Humanity. This is the only conference of it's kind in the state of Michigan. Registration is free for all CMU students, faculty and staff and is a great professional development opportunity and resume builder.
The next Issue Day is tentatively planned for November 10, 2012. Registration will be available on OrgSync closer to the event. This day long awareness conference is free to all CMU students and faculty. Others are welcome to attend as well for a small fee.
Cardboard City- Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Every November the Public Service Residential Community hosts Cardboard City for Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Students sleep outside to advocate and raise awareness of homelessness. The following day the cardboard remains to increase awareness to the CMU population as volunteers provide information to those passing by.
MLK Day of Service
Valentines for Veterans
In 2009 the Central Michigan University Volunteer Center was honored by the Department of Veteran Affairs for the efforts.
Be My Neighbor Day
CMU students and alumni take a day to give back to the community they live in during Be My Neighbor Day in April, traditionally at the end of National Volunteer Week. Individuals and groups on campus have been coming together to give back since the formation of the Volunteer Center in 1992.
Students have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Restore, Laurels Assisted Living Community, the Isabella County Parks and Rec, Hope Well Ranch, Goodwill and many other community organizations.
