Volunteering

In addition to funded community engagement opportunities like Service Leadership Work-Study (SLWS) and the Grinnell Listening Project, the Civic Education & Innovation (CEI) staff in the CLS facilitate a range of volunteer and civic learning opportunities.  These opportunities focus on learning from the community and supporting sustained volunteer engagement in and around Grinnell. In doing so, we work to highlight the immediate needs of local organizations as they arise, much of which is advertised on our social media account. We also partner with specific student groups, as well as interested individuals, to develop volunteer programming with community partners. See Ryan Solomon’s contact information below for more information about volunteer programming, resources, and support.

While the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) is not a placement service, we can offer resources and guidance to help you explore potential volunteer opportunities that align with your personal, professional, or academic aspirations.

How CLS Career & CEI Advis0rs May Help You:

  • Exploring Your Interests: We’ll work with you to clarify your interests, helping you identify the kinds of volunteer opportunities that might align with your goals.
  • Navigating Databases: We offer guidance on using platforms like our Community Partner Database to find relevant opportunities.
  • Outreach Support: We can coach you on how to approach potential sites—whether it’s crafting a cold email, making a phone call, or presenting yourself effectively.
  • Interview Preparation: CLS advisors offer mock interviews to help you build confidence and practice your responses for volunteer interviews.
  • Preparing Application Materials: Get feedback on your resume, cover letter, or personal statement/essay to help make a strong impression with potential sites.
  • Guiding Reflection: CLS advisors can help you reflect upon your volunteer experiences and identify how they may impact your personal, professional or civic aspirations. This list of reflection questions might help shape your reflection conversation.

What CLS Career & CEI Advisors Cannot Do:

Guarantee Requirements are Met: It is your responsibility to ensure that the experience meets the specific academic, professional, or personal criteria you are working toward. CLS advisors can guide you, but we cannot guarantee that an experience will fulfill these requirements.

Make Direct Introductions: We do not make personal introductions to specific organizations or sites. However, we can advise you on how to reach out and network effectively.

Vet Organizations or Experiences: CLS does not formally vet or endorse specific volunteer sites. It’s up to you to research and evaluate the suitability of an organization for your needs.

Place You in Opportunities: While we offer resources and guidance, we do not place students in volunteer positions. (In the case of Service Leadership Work-Study students interview with our community partners for their positions.)

Guarantee Placement: We cannot guarantee that you will secure a volunteer position. Securing a placement depends on factors like availability, qualifications, and site-specific criteria. The Community Partner Database can help you identify what different sites might require.

For additional information about co-curricular civic programs and resources please contact Ryan Solomon or make an appointment him via Calendly.