Community Volunteering | Leadership Development | Off-Campus Housing | Traditions | Student Life Home
Get Involved Make the Choice to be Like Your Peers!
See what two students did to make a difference during their summer break.
Brianda Freistat – San Luis Talpa, El Salvador
“I learned so much through this trip. I learned the value of sweat dripping, heart pumping, hard work. While we did build a house and help rectify a better looking community, our actions of labor inspired the community on a deeper level.”
Read Brianda's full story about the trip.
Rob Richardson - Frakes, Kentucky
“Giving up a week of summer laziness is nothing compared to the amazing people I’ve met and memories I’ve made.”
Read Rob's full story about the trip
Take the time during the school year to make a difference and next time we will be spotlighting you!
Community Volunteering and the Office of Student Life
The Office of Student Life provides students with opportunities to become involved in the community, to learn about themselves and others, and to experience firsthand a variety of issues affecting both our community and society as a whole.
What does the Office of Student Life provide?
Resources for and assists in the coordinating of community volunteering opportunities in our community. We work directly with local agencies to provide opportunities to make a difference in our community for students. We also assist or directly advise the student groups that are directly involved in service.
Contact: Tracy Reed, Assistant Director of Student Life
211 Lares Bldg, 215-881-7508
Ways in which we can help you-
• guidance on volunteer opportunities, service projects and events.
• resources on service-related events and relevant service issues.
• opportunities for campus organizations to collaborate on service projects.
Traditions
Penn State Abington has a long tradition of giving back to our surrounding community. Some of our traditions include Alternative Spring Break, Volunteer Week (fall and spring), Abington Cares Day (COW), THON Dance Marathon (THON), AIDS walk (FLAGSA), and Special Athletes (Lion Ambassadors).
Get involved with a club.
These clubs direct mission is service to others and their community-
- Alternative Spring Break Club - interested in helping start this club, contact Tracy Reed. This club will put in process the ASB trip that is taken at Spring Break that will spend a week immersed in giving back.
- A Place to Talk (APTT) - this is a club that provides peer counseling for all students who need an ear to listen to them and their problems. Contact Emily Bruner for more information.
Community Outreach Workers (COW)
Community Outreach Workers exists to provide students with the opportunity to serve the community and campus through hands on volunteering service. We also raise money to benefit some charities that we feel the students of Penn State Students will gain awareness from and understanding. COW sponsors a monthly ABC Day, Abington Cares Days, where students are given the opportunity for direct hands on service in the greater Philadelphia area free of charge. Join us today and make an impact on someone's life! Contact Brianda Freistat for more information.
THON
THON is the largest run student philanthropy in the world. Each year, THON raises millions of dollars for the Four Diamonds Fund, which helps fight Pediatric Cancer. The Abington THON committee sponsors numerous events throughout the year to raise money for the Penn State Dance marathon that occurs every February at University Park. Contact Catarina Moreira for more information
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)
SIFE is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. Contact Amanda Tralies for more information.
Why Volunteer
Volunteering is a mutually beneficial in that involves both giving and receiving. It provides you with an opportunity to make a difference in your community and lend a hand to those less fortunate. While doing volunteer work, you will grow and develop as a person, discovering your unique abilities and learning valuable life lessons along the way. In addition to helping others, you will help yourself by making lasting connections and networking with career professionals.
Becoming a Volunteer
Follow these steps to start doing community service in your neighborhood-
- Determine your interests - What do you like doing? Would you like to work with children, the elderly, or other specific communities?
- Determine your time commitment- How much time can you donate each week or month? Be realistic!
- Look for an opportunity - Check out our local agencies or stop by the office for more information.
- Choose an opportunity and contact the agency to become involved in the program.
- Find out the dates, times, and locations, and get ready to make a difference!
Good thoughts
Things to think about when you’re considering volunteering..here are some famous quotes to keep in mind-
- “Life’s persistent and most urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- “Each person must live their life as a model for others” Rosa Parks
- “Power is only important as an instrument for service to the powerless.” Lech Walesa
- “We can do no great things; only small things with great love” Mother Theresa
