Social & Community Awareness
Most work comes with training and orientation to make us best equipped for the job; community service is no different. When we know and understand a community’s physical presence, infrastructure, demographics, history, economy, stakeholders, politics, culture, social structure, and attitudes, we are better equipped to engage in activities that uplift and support that community. Champaign-Urbana is a complex community with simultaneous struggle and celebration, but there is something everyone can do to help it thrive. Civic Life offers the following activities to assist students with learning the Champaign-Urbana area and connecting with like-minded humans who have the community’s best interests in mind.
Change Maker Expo
The expo is a virtual volunteer fair. We’ve complied links to interviews with community organizations that potential volunteers can utilize to learn more about what agencies do, what they need, and how to assist in their work as a volunteer and advocate. Check out the Fall 2020 Organizations and what they have to say about this beloved community.
- Champaign County Forest Preserve District
- Champaign County Community Coalition
- Salt and Light Ministries
Service After Dark | SAD
SAD occurs during fall Welcome Week and brings students together for an evening of service education and completion of small yet meaningful service projects with nonprofit organizations. Check the OCL calendar in early August to learn about SAD.
Point In Time Count | PIT
The Point in Time Count (PIT) enable students involved in Civic Life to work alongside the Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless and staff from the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission. PIT helps ensure that Champaign-Urbana secures state funds to provide services and resources to the most vulnerable population.
For more information about participating in the 2021 PIT, contact Civic Life at civiclife@illinois.edu. Event registration for PIT Count posts mid-January of each year.