The Student Civic Engagement Committee launched a new volunteering hub this semester called Star Corps.
Star Corps connects students with volunteer opportunities that suit their interests and fit in their schedules.
“We’re doing all the ground work for you, and you just have to say, ‘Yeah that fits my schedule, I want to go,’” said Ellie Roth, finance junior and volunteer coordinator of the Student Civic Engagement Committee.
Star Corps aims to help students who are looking for a quick, low-commitment way to participate in community outreach. There is no minimum service hour requirement to join the group. Star Corps welcomes students whether they volunteer once a week or once a year, said Levi Harrel, director of student engagement.
“We want to add your name to our list because we understand that students are busy and are balancing multiple commitments, so we understand that maybe you’re going to volunteer every week, maybe you’re going to volunteer once a semester or once an academic year, that’s okay,” Harrel said.
Star Corps also acts as a connection between OCU and off-campus organizations. Elementary schools, for example, can reach out to Star Corps to gather volunteers for a fall carnival, Roth said.
Before Star Corps, Harrel coordinated volunteer opportunities. Unlike previous civic engagement efforts, Stars Corps is purely student run.
“We determined that it was important to put not only students as the focus of our work, but at the center of our work,” Harrel said.
Roth said students leading Star Corps is unique.
“I think sometimes young people get a bad rep,” Roth said. “These are things we feel led to do, and they’re things we want to do, and I think that having it student-led shows that to the greater campus community, and it shows that we care about these things.”
Roth said Stars Corps is setting up social media pages, but primarily relies on word-of-mouth to find volunteers. Students may follow @ocustudentaffairs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to get Star Corps updates.
Students may also email Ellie Roth at evroth@my.okcu.edu for information about organizations and events related to their personal passions.
Harrel said giving back to Oklahoma City is crucial for student growth and the well-being of citizens off campus.
“By being involved in community and civic engagement opportunities, by volunteering, those students are taking a vested interest in not only in their future, but in the future of our community,” he said.
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