Learn about volunteer opportunities at We Serve U virtual fair

Students, faculty, staff and alumni can learn about opportunities to give back to their community during the annual We Serve U Virtual Volunteer Fair Sept. 9 through Oct. 9.

Like previous fairs, participants can connect with community organizations seeking volunteers. But this year’s event has a twist: it will be held virtually.

Students, staff, faculty and alumni can learn about numerous volunteer opportunities at wright.edu/we-serve-u.

The website features YouTube videos from partner organizations explaining their organizations’ mission and volunteer needs. Volunteers can also connect with the community organizations through the We Serve U website.

“This will give the volunteers choices and opportunities to make a difference in our communities and those we serve,” said Joanie Hendricks, Orientation coordinator and We Serve U co-chair.

Partner organizations include Adaptive Sports Connection, Crayons to Classrooms, Epilepsy Foundation Ohio, Feed the Creek, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, Miami Valley Pet Therapy Association, Owen’s Place, Rebuilding Together Dayton, SISCA, Tri Ohio, United Rehabilitation Services, United Way and YWCA.

Many of the partner organizations serve people with disabilities in different ways, other partners assist those with food insecurities or work with domestic violence victims or provide tornado relief. “The list goes on and on,” Hendricks said.

Volunteer opportunities include those that are in-person and virtual.

“As we all move to remote working and learning, our partners are also learning different and inventive ways to serve their clients,” Hendricks said. “We Serve U is happy to be a part of this changing landscape.”

Given the challenges that many people and community organizations are facing this year, Hendricks said, it was important for We Serve U to offer the Volunteer fair.

“We’re trying to be sure our partners know that Wright State University is still here to serve,” she said.

We Serve U is a group of Wright State employees who encourage students, staff, faculty and alumni to provide their time and skills to engage in community service opportunities.

“Giving our time, talent and service betters the lives of all those involved, provides a sense of unity within our university and helps build relationships with those around us,” Hendricks said.

Last year, Wright State formally implemented We Serve U Day, in which staff and faculty are given the opportunity to volunteer in the community for half a workday without taking leave time. The committee is working on how the next We Serve U day will work, Hendricks said.