Volunteer Opportunities

Take an active role at Oakland University and get involved in the many volunteer opportunities offered through the Leadership and Volunteer Center. Students looking to get involved and give a little back can browse GrizzOrgs or check the Office for Student Involvement event calendar.

Community Agencies

Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

All Hands Volunteers

All Hands Volunteers is a non-profit organization that addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters. All Hands Volunteers aims to demonstrate the power and value of volunteering through tangible work, the hope it brings to suffering communities, and the transformative experiences it provides for volunteers.

Alternatives For Girls

Alternatives For Girls helps homeless, high-risk girls and young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy and exploitation, and helps them to explore and access support resources and opportunities necessary to be safe, grow strong, and to make positive choices.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross offers a flexible way to give back and get involved. Blood drives are held every day of the week at locations throughout your community.

Register Blood Donors
Serve Refreshments to Blood Donors

Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation

Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation's mission is to improve the quality of life in Auburn Hills by providing quality parks and recreation opportunities with a variety of year-round programs, special events, and facilities for people of all ages and abilities.

Special Events
Assist with the Nature Center
Program Assistants
Biology Stewardship

Auburn Hills Police Department

The Auburn Hills Police Department is actively seeking volunteers to work the front desk at the Auburn Hills Police Department. Volunteers are stationed at the front desk Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Volunteers are also utilized for special projects including:

Fingerprinting for Children
Bike rodeos
National Night Out
City sponsored events

Auburn Hills Senior Services

The Auburn Hills Senior Services has numerous volunteer opportunities perfect for those interested in volunteering for day events or even a whole semester.

Meals on Wheels: Help home bound seniors in the community by either packing or delivering meals. Students can volunteer to drop off meals any day of the week or help pack meals throughout the week.
Special Events: Looking to learn more about hosting community events or gain experience event planning? Volunteers can help with the Arts and Craft Fair, Bingo Night and Holiday Parties.
Service Projects: We have many large scale volunteer events that are the perfect fit for any student organization or group of friends looking to get involved. Students are given the opportunity to participate in Rake and Run, Spring Clean Up and so much more.

Autism Society Oakland County

Autism Society Oakland County works to improve lives of all affected by autism. ASOC relies on its volunteers to help with a variety of tasks such as:

Special events
Project coordination
Mass mailings

The Baldwin Center

The Baldwin Center works to feed, clothe, educate and empower men, women and children of Pontiac, Michigan.

Helping to organize clothing
Preparing meals
Office volunteers
Working with youth program (requires background check)

Beaumont Hospital

Beaumont Hospital (Troy) volunteers are exceptional, compassionate individuals who want to give back to their community. They assist in hospitals, ambulatory sites, nursing homes and the community. Volunteers enhance the capacity of services allowing the professional staff to provide the best medical and support help to patients.

Four hour weekly shift
Volunteer in emergency center, information desk, hospice, pharmacy, etc.
Complete online application
Requires two letters of reference
Assist in patient contact and work in a hospital setting

Beyond Basics

Beyond Basics is a non-profit organization that is devoted to guiding and supporting at-risk children to develop fundamental educational skills. Beyond Basics moves these children beyond the basics and prepare them for productive and meaningful lives.

Assemble and edit student generated books
Be a reading buddy
Sort and label donated books

Boys and Girls Club of Troy

The Boys and Girls Club of Troy has provided a safe and positive place for young people in the greater metropolitan Detroit area and southeast Michigan for nearly four decades. The Club strives to give local youth a platform that allows volunteers to develop into self-reliant, responsible and contributing members of the community.

The program runs daily after-school programming for its members from September through June, as well as a 10-week summer program from mid-June to late August.

CARE House of Oakland County

CARE House aims to be a leading resource in the prevention of child abuse and neglect, and the protection of children through advocacy, education, intervention, research and treatment in collaboration with the community. Volunteer opportunities at CARE House include:

Child Assistant
Family Support Group
Family Support Chefs
Front Desk Greeter
Medical Assistant
Stewards of Children
Development and Special Events

Common Ground

Common Ground is a 24-hour resource and crisis helpline that helps people move from crisis to hope by providing access to confidential crisis intervention, emotional support, debriefing, information and referrals by phone, text, and web chat. Volunteers receive extensive training.

Around 70 Hours of training
Resource and crisis helpline chat and text
Victim assistance program
Legal clinic services
Runaway and homeless youth services
Crisis residential services
Oakland assessment crisis intervention service

Connect to Protect Detroit

Connect to Protect Detroit is a coalition of 20 representatives from a variety of HIV prevention, LGBTQ, youth-serving, and community based organizations. Their goal is to reduce HIV infection in Detroit youth through structural change (policy, practices, or built environment). The coalition also provides a discussion forum for sharing information about Detroit HIV-related issues on a regular basis.

Take minutes for bi-monthly meetings
Pick-up, unwrap, sort, and organize clothing donations for Clothes Closet
Work on a subcommittee to improve LGBTQ resources in a variety of Detroit projects

Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers of Michigan is part of the largest, volunteer-driven crime fighting institution in the world with organizations across the United States and in 22 countries spanning the globe. To continue their mission, Crime Stoppers needs volunteers to assist with a wide range of responsibilities.

Crossroads Pregnancy Center

Crossroads Pregnancy Center is a non-profit Christian organization dedicated to assisting abortion-vulnerable women and men involved in a crisis pregnancy, to choose life for their unborn children. Toward that end, we are committed to encouraging godly sexual attitudes and practices in our community.

Sorting baby clothing
Administrative tasks

The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries is committed to the success, livelihood and sustainability of greater Detroit and the community.

Serve meals any day of the week at various shelter sites (11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.)
Administrative duties
Care for children while parents are at programs

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

The Friends of Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve was officially established in 2009, and are a non-profit organization that supports the nature preserve's programs and operations.

Special events
Newsletter and publicity committee
Summer camp counselors
General garden and office work

Easter Seals Michigan

Easter Seals Michigan serves and supports people with disabilities and other special needs so that they can successfully live, learn, work and play in their communities. Join them and you can make a difference and help people with disabilities achieve their goals.

Special events
Tutoring
Administrative duties
Fall clean-up

FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation

FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation is a nonprofit organization that provides creative arts therapy and recreation services for children and adults with mental, physical and emotional impairments.

Special events
Administrative projects

Freedom Road Transportation

Freedom Road Transportation is a non-profit organization providing transportation options for those that unable to use public transportation due to lack of availability or disability. We are seeking volunteer drivers to drive for our Partners, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, HAVEN, Oakland County Community Mental Health etc. We pay the max federal rate at 53.5 cents per mile. It is not considered income so no 1099's are issued. This is a great way to help our community!

Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic

Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic provides pharmaceuticals, primary medical, and dental services free of charge to neighbors in need. The clinic currently cares for over 1,000 neighbors providing a million dollars worth of medication.

4 hour shift
Convient online application
Requires recommendation letter after six months of work

Gleaners Community Food Bank

Gleaners Community Food Bank fights hunger in southeastern Michigan by providing millions of pounds of donated and purchased food to people in need. Gleaners is committed to distributing high quality food and reducing reliance on the emergency good system through education and advocacy.

Sort and pack food
Variety of programs

Grace Centers of Hope Pontiac

Grace Centers of Hope is a non-profit Christian organization committed to positively changing the lives of the homeless, addicted and unwanted through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, personal accountability, life skills education and work-related programs.

Soup kitchen opportunities
Sort, hang, and organize in one of four thrift stores
Handy work and landscape transitional house

The Greening of Detroit

The Greening of Detroit's mission to guide and inspire others to create a "greener" Detroit through planting, educational programs, environmental leadership, advocacy and building community capacity.

Tree plantings
Cultivating gardens
Working in green houses

Habitat for Humanity - Oakland County

Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit Christian-based organization whose mission is to provide low-income families with decent, affordable housing to raise families.

Office work
Help in the restore
Assist with construction

HAVEN

HAVEN is a non-profit dedicated to eliminating domestic violence and sexual assault across Oakland County and the surrounding communities through treatment and prevention services.

Male mentors
Child watch volunteers
Garden project volunteer
Intern program

Hawk Woods Nature Center

Hawk Woods offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation activities. The facility offers groomed nature trails, a marsh boardwalk, a heated restroom and shower facility open year-round, a covered picnic shelter, and a two-story log cabin lodge with six overnight camping cabins, surround by 80 acres of beautiful woods, meadows and marsh.

Animal care
School and classroom visits
Trail inspections
Visitor greeter

Heart-to-Heart Hospice

Heart-to-Heart Hospice is a team of local healthcare professionals that provide at-home service catered to the whole persons body, mind, and spirit. Volunteer opportunities include:

Office assistance
Companionship for clients
No medical skills required (training provided)
Flexible hours and locations assigned based on you location and schedule

Henry Ford Health System

At the Henry Ford Health System volunteers are valuable members of the team. As a member of the volunteer team you will have an opportunity to use your talents and donate your time to help care for patients and visitors.

Comfort care volunteer
Emergency room volunteer
Hospital greeter and information desk
Patient transporter
Surgical services volunteer
Pre-Med experience (6 month/100 hour commitment)

Hospice of Michigan

As the largest hospice in Michigan, they offer comfort and peace for patients and their loved ones. Hospice of Michigan volunteers give their time to provide quality of life support for patients, caregivers and staff. Frequency and duration of assignments is based on volunteer availability includes:

Offering companionship
Assistance with recording life events
Photography
Pet visits
Assistance with special events and community outreach
Card making and baking

Hispanic Outreach

Hispanic Outreach- La Casa Amiga is a tutoring program that tutors elementary school children from Pontiac schools. Hispanic Outreach is seeking volunteers to assist in their tutoring program.

Twice per week, 1.5 hours each
Child care
Life coach

Hospice Compassus

The Colleagues of Hospice Compassus are committed to keeping the hospice promise by delivering the highest quality of care, serving the needs of patients and families and spreading the stories of hospice to those with whom they come into contact.

Administrative duties
Bereavement group support - help with group session and data entry
Direct patient visitors - make friendly visits to patients
Internships available

HUDA Clinic

HUDA Clinic first opened its doors in May 2004 to serve the uninsured population of the Detroit area. While HUDA clinic originally provided solely free medical services, they now have expanded to include a full range of dental services. Currently, HUDA Clinic offers services in Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, dentistry and mental health.

Must be 18 or older
Have a valid TB shot and proof of test
Attend an orientation
Fill out online application

Huron Valley Council for the Arts

Huron Valley Council for the Arts is looking for talented volunteers to assist in the following areas.

Computer and office guru to serve as an intern and assistant to our Executive Director. Must be capable of taking direction, as well as working independently to aid in social media, marketing, development and operations initiatives and perform various office tasks as needed.
An enthusiastic, well-organized educational committee chairperson to take on the challenge of retooling their educational programs with a fresh, new and exciting approach.
KIDS Club coordinator; the successful candidate will be creative and artistic, have experience working with children on art projects and be a capable leader willing to take on this new role.
A co-chairperson for the marketing committee; should be marketing and PR experience, good with computers and ready to engage in PR proofing and distribution to various media markets.
Additional members to serve in a major leadership role, taking part as a member of HVCA's Board of Directors.
Enthusiastic new committee members to bring fresh ideas and leadership to the education, development, marketing, program education, KIDS Club and exhibition (gallery) committees.
High school or college student volunteers to aid executive assistant, executive director and office manager in various tasks.
Various arts-related events, including gallery openings, concerts and special one- or two-day events, such as Huron Valley Arts Festival, the author's luncheon and Arts and Greens.

iMatter for Kids

iMatter for Kids vision is to become a recognized global brand, organization, and community that promotes simple tools and practices that extend to young kids, teenagers, and young adults emphasizing responsibility, creativity, and accountability.

It is their goal to have a positive effect on school cultures by promoting core ethical values as the basis of good character; involving parents and other community members in our character education initiative; infuse character education in all aspects of school life; train the school staff and involve them so they can be models of good character; foster a sense of caring; and, provide opportunities for students to practice moral action.

Kadima

Kadima young adult services meet the needs of young adults ages 18-35 in need of mental health support.

Individual therapy
Group therapy
Peaceful mind group
Substance abuse support group
Art group
Social and game night
Yoga
Healthy living series

Lighthouse of Oakland County

Lighthouse of Oakland County exists to provide the support and resources that empower individuals and families to move from crisis to self-sufficiency. There are three program subsidiaries: Lighthouse Emergency Services, Lighthouse PATH and Lighthouse Community Development.

Special events
Food pantry
Neighborhood clean-up

Lutheran Social Services

Lutheran Social Services's volunteers provide invaluable help to the staff and consumers: everything from running the ACTION Thrift Store in Saginaw to playing Bingo with seniors and mentoring teens in foster care. Some volunteer work on a regular schedule, others on a one-time basis. Every year, volunteers donate thousands of hours of their time.

Your youth group, church, family or group of friends can organize a service project. Hold a bake sale and donate the proceeds to senior adults. Organize a toiletry drive or clothing drive to help incoming refugees.
Write to public officials to advocate for issues you believe in.
Donate clothing, toiletries, furniture, time or money to help the people we serve. Check their database of volunteer projects or contact the center nearest you to find out their current needs.

March of Dimes

March of Dimes helps mother's have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.

Office help
Volunteer coordination and recruitment
Marketing and communications
Social media
Fundraising
Event support

Mathis Community Center

The Mathis Community Center provides IT majors the opportunity to help educate members of the community and become computer literate. Help teach one of the basic computer skills classes.

McLaren Hospice

McLaren Hospice specializes in the care and knowledge for those nearing the end of their health care journey, focusing on the individual patient while supporting caregivers, family and friends. Volunteers help families by performing important tasks and services.

Reading or writing letters
Light meal preparation
Office and clerical assistance
Music appreciation
Pet therapy

Meals on Wheels - Livingston and Western Oakland County

The Meals on Wheels program needs volunteers. We would love the opportunity for you to be part of our team of volunteers. This is a commitment of 1-2 hours of your time as little or as often as you would like. Once a month, once a week, temporary or on a constant basis. We deliver to Walled Lake, White Lake, Wixom, Milford, Novi, Highland and Holly in Western Oakland County. We also deliver to all of Livingston County.

For more information please call Lucy McKinnon at 810-632-2155 or email [email protected].

Mentors Plus

Mentors Plus matches caring adults with young people who need a positive adult figure in their lives. Volunteers can choose to work with an at-risk youngster, or they may want to become involved in delinquency prevention or intervention.

Michigan Humane Society

The Michigan Humane Society, founded in 1877, is the oldest and largest nonprofit animal welfare organization in the state. Our mission is to improve and save lives through compassionate care, community engagement and advocacy for animals. MHS operates three shelters and veterinary centers in Rochester Hills, Westland and Detroit - as well as two offsite adoption centers in Sterling Heights and Roseville. MHS volunteers can donate their time in a variety of roles - ranging from in-shelter roles working with our cats and dogs, to helping at special events like the Mega March or even fostering animals who need a temporary home while they recover from an injury or illness. MHS will appreciate your skills - whether you're great at public speaking or working with kids and want to help with our Humane Education Program, or if technology is your strong suit and you want to help with administrative tasks in our office.

The Mission: Prevention Education

Volunteers wanted by The Mission: Prevention Education to maintain their website updated as needed.

Keep current events and services updated
Be able to use search engines effectively
Graphic design skills preferred

MSU Extension 4-H Youth Mentor Program (Macomb County)

The MSUE 4-H Youth Mentor Program has provided mentor services to Macomb County youth since 1991. They match qualified adult volunteers with Macomb County youth in need of guidance, encouragement and direction. The goal is to prevent youth from becoming more deeply involved with the court system.

North Oakland YMCA

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit, values-based human development organization serving southeastern Michigan. A part of the worldwide YMCA movement, the YMCA of Metro Detroit is committed to strengthening and enriching the development of kids, families and the community.

Child care and child watch
Girls on the run coach
Youth sports coach
STRIDE coach
GOTR and STRIDE 5K event

Oakland County

Oakland County's many successful recreation and environmental programs depends on the volunteer efforts of the members of our community. If you are looking for a way to make a difference, meet new people or expand a hobby, there are many different ways you can participate to match your skills or areas of interest.

Special events
Annual clean up days
Assist with camp ground recreation

Oakland County Pet Adoption Center

The Oakland County Pet Adoption Center has been aiding animals by providing shelter and care while trying to find the new, loving homes since 1980. The Oakland Pet Adoption Center is striving everyday to achieve a "no-kill" status for the shelter.

Dog walkers
Caring for cats
Visitor greeter
Foster carel

Oakland Literacy Council

Oakland Literacy Council has been helping adults in Oakland County learn to read since 1984. They match volunteer tutors with students throughout the county, including Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills. Tutors and students meet weekly for about 2 hours, usually at the local library (or any public place that will let the pair sit undisturbed for two hours). It is also possible to meet at the campus library, assuming a student is willing/able to do so.

Steps for becoming a tutor:

Register online and take an online training course (usually takes around 45 minutes)
Attend an on-site training session (on-site training materials cost $20)
Schedule and work with an assigned literacy student once a week for a 2 hour, one-on-one session

Oakland University Center for Autism (OUCARES)

OU Center for Autism Outreach Services OUCARES is a non-profit organization within the University. OUCARES mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families and the community by offering comprehensive and quality programs. OUCARES is always looking for responsible and committed volunteers throughout the year.

Volunteer opportunities available throughout the year (6-8 week programs or 1-time events)
Special Events: Holiday Party, Family Fun Day
Recreational Sports Programs: Basketball, Bowling, Soccer, Volleyball, Judo, SNAG Golf, etc.
Employable Skills Programs: Video Editing, Photoshop
Social Skills Programs: Monthly Adult Social, Basic Social Skills, Teen & Adult Social Clubs, etc.
Internships and practicum placements available.

Oakland University in Macomb County

Oakland University's locations in Macomb County are engaged with the community through a variety of sponsorship opportunities and events. Volunteers are consistently needed for events taking place in Macomb County throughout the year. For more information about upcoming events, click here.

Older Persons' Commission

OPC provides high quality programs and services that stimulate and advance active and healthy living for all ages of older persons.

Meals on wheels
Special events
Sports and pool reception desk
Meal packaging

Open Hands Food Pantry

Open Hands Food Pantry provides emergency food and toiletries to residents of Oakland County. Completely staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers, the pantry is open on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings. Volunteer roles include:

Filing
Sorting donations
Stocking the grocery room
Checking in clients
Interviewing clients
Helping clients choose groceries
Helping clients carry groceries

Paint Creek Center for the Arts

Since 1982, Paint Creek Center for the Arts has been dedicated to promoting the arts and artistic excellence through a full range of cultural programs including exhibitions, studio art classes, outreach programs, community involvement projects, and the Art and Apples Festival.

Administrative volunteers manage day-to-day operations of the organization
Events and marketing interns
Weekend kids activities
Event committee members
The Rochester Art and Apples Festival

Paint a Miracle

The mission of Paint a Miracle is to create places, programs and possibilities for those of us with disabilities and other challenges to explore the arts in an atmosphere of hope, growth and encouragement. Paint a Miracle is an art studio for people with disabilities or other serious life challenges. The studio instructors and volunteers enable the student artists to overcome physical and mental challenges to create.

Studio assistant
Special events
Administrative assistance
Marketing
Curatorial

Play-Place for Autistic Children

The goal of Play-Place for Autistic Children is to provide comprehensive services, educational opportunities, numerous therapies, coaching and feedback, life and work experiences that work with individual strengths to maximize their potential for growth, development, independence, self-esteem and improve their quality of life. Some volunteer duties would include:

Painting
Organizing art supplies
Making phone calls
Working open houses

Project Healthy Community

Project Healthy Community is a non-profit organization working in Northwest Detroit to help create a more healthy and vital community through educational, and food and nutrition programs. We are looking for volunteers for our after-school program, monthly mobile food distribution, urban garden, and nutrition education program. We are based out of the Northwest Activities Center at 18100 Meyers Rd, Detroit, MI 48235 and many of our programs take place in or nearby the center.

Distribute food to the over 400 families that attend our mobile food distribution each month
Help facilitate enrichment activities and tutor students (K-2) at our after school program at Schulze Academy.
Volunteer in our urban garden which serves as a tool to educate community members, specifically local youth, about the benefits of gardening and healthy eating.
To sign up to volunteer with PHC or get more information about any of our programs, contact Aryeh Perlman at [email protected].

Racquet Up Detroit

Join the Racquet Up youth development program as an Academic Tutor. Help students in grades 5 through 10 complete homework successfully while modeling good study habits. They are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who are able to tutor at least once a week for 2 1/2 hours, and willing to build positive relationships with Detroit youth. Ideally, volunteers will have availability from September to June.

Sandcastles

SandCastles Grief Support Program offers grief support for children ages 3-18 and their families. SandCastles has 8 program sites across Metro Detroit offering bi-weekly evening support groups, as well as an annual weekend Camp Erin - Detroit. Volunteers are encouraged to fill out a volunteer application on their website and can expect to give their heart and time in a variety of ways:

Group Facilitators at program and/or camp (comprehensive training provided)
Program Aides
Camp Helpers
Fundraising Committee
Community education Speakers Bureau
Office assistance

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital

At St. Joseph Mercy Oakland volunteers will get to explore health care careers while assisting in a variety of areas such as the emergency room, urgent care, nurses stations, therapy department, radiology, pediatrics, and children's learning center.

Interview with the volunteer manager
Fill-out online application
Volunteer 2-4 hours a week, for a minimum of 40 Hours

The Arc

The Arc of Oakland County advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities. They work directly with this population and their families. They have an array of volunteer opportunities.

The Children's Hospital of Michigan

The Children's Hospital of Michigan is a proud member of the Detroit Medical Center that provides the highest quality of care to children and adolescents, and engages in groundbreaking research. Volunteers can make profound influences on children's lives and are highly valued. Volunteer work includes:

Rocking or feeding a baby
Reading to children in the various clinics and units in the hospital
Visiting children with your certified pet therapy dog
Acting as a tour guide
Art cart activities

The Friendship Circle

The Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization that specializes in providing extracurricular, social and some vocational programming for kids, teens and adults with Special Needs. For college aged volunteers we have a number of opportunities available:

Work as a one on one "buddy" to a program participant in one of our 25+ after school or Sunday programs.
Serve as a group leader in one of the following programs: Life Skills, Sunday Circle, Teen Trips or Pathfinders
Help facilitate art projects, snack activities and group play in our Social Circle program.

(Positions 2 and 3 require some prior experience working with children - please e-mail [email protected] to inquire about either of these roles.)

The PLEA Foundation

The PLEA Foundation is a 100% volunteer based 501c3 non-profit organization based in Troy, Michigan. PLEA Foundation is dedicated to providing financial and physical resources to law enforcement professionals, including K9 officers. This is a great opportunity to get involved with the community, support law enforcement, and have fun doing it! Your term as a committee member will provide you with non-profit experience, resume-boosting leadership and volunteer experience, and rewarding work.

Requirements:

Be an active participant to at least one committee (Events, Sponsorship/Donations, Marketing/Advertising, Volunteer, or Publicity Committee
Attend monthly committee meetings
Volunteer at a minimum of 2 fun-filled fundraising events
Spread awareness of our cause in person, email, and on social media
Volunteer at 1 community fundraiser representing PLEA Foundation

If interested, please contact Ashley McMahon at [email protected] or at (248)554-3335.

The Rainbow Connection

The Rainbow Connection's goal is to raise money for kids wishes and support their families. Volunteers lend their expertise and feel the magic of making dreams come true for Michigan children diagnosed with life threatening illnesses.

Complete online application
Gardening
Maintenance and repairs in office
Mailings and office work
Special events

VIP Mentoring

VIP Mentoring is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Metro Detroit Community since 1980. Their mission is to create sustainable, meaningful mentoring relationships for children in the tri-county area whose difficult circumstances may seriously compromise their opportunity to succeed. Each mentor volunteers to pick up a child (mentee) at home as scheduled by mentor, mentee and caregiver. You meet with your mentee two hours a week for a one year commitment.

Seasons of Service

Want to get involved in service every month? Come to Seasons of Service events! All events and registrations for the programs can be found on GrizzOrgs.

September - Volunteer Fair in The Habitat

The Volunteer Fair is a great opportunity to find a nonprofit you are passionate about! Network with over 20 agencies to find the one that is right for you!

October - Make a Difference Day

October 14, 2023
Service Opportunities

Be a part of the largest national day of service, and volunteer for a nonprofit. Join the OU community as we venture into the surrounding community to help a nonprofit in need. Sign up will be located in GrizzOrgs.

November - OU Day of Service

November 15th, 2023
In-Person - 9am-9pm

If you are looking for community service projects to complete on campus or at home, OU Day of Service is the event for you! Volunteer on your own time! There will be projects from Rainbow Connection, Arts & Scraps, and many more! If your student organization would like to sponsor this event, contact Katie Zvonek at [email protected].

December - Acts of Kindness Tree

December 1 - 17, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Office for Student Involvement
TBD

January - MLK Day of Service

January 17th, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Oakland Center Gold Rooms

Serve the community on behalf of MLK by volunteering and completing various service projects on campus that will be delivered to local non profits.

February - Kindness Week

February 12th - 16th, 2024

Participate in the OSI's Kindness Week. This is a week dedicated to acts of kindness toward yourself, your community, and your environment.

Organizations and departments are encouraged to participate in Kindness Week by hosting events that are kindness centered. Past events have included projects that focused on self-care, philanthropic work, preserving the environment and social awareness. These events have been large scale (such as full blown events located in reserved rooms), or small scale (such as posting kind notes around campus, or tabling in the Oakland Center). If your student organization would like to sponsor this event, contact Katie Zvonek at [email protected].

February - OU Day of Kindness

February 14th, 2024
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

If you are looking for community service projects to complete on campus, OU Day of Service is the event for you! Stop by for as little or as much time as you have! There will be projects from Ruth Ellis Center, Rainbow Connection, Arts & Scraps and many more! If your student organization would like to sponsor this event, contact Katie Zvonek at [email protected].

February - Alternative Spring Break

February 22nd - February 29th, 2024, Trips all over the USA.

Spend your spring break meeting new people and volunteering your time at nonprofits across the country! For more information, contact Katie Zvonek at [email protected].

May - Clinton River Watershed

Date: TBD

Approximately 1,500 Oakland County elementary school students and their teachers participating in this full-day, educational experience to learn about the central role water and the Clinton River plays within their region.

The Clinton River Water Festival is looking for volunteers. Contact Jean Ann if interested at [email protected]. Volunteers receive a free Water Festival T-shirt, breakfast, and lunch. Your responsibility is to serve as a campus guide to a class of elementary school children. The children are a lot of fun and very inquisitive, and it's even an educational experience for you!

Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break is a non-profit student led organization that works on various community service projects around the country during spring break. Through the program, student's volunteer and have the opportunity to travel throughout the United States to service communities through rescue operations, construction projects, relief efforts and volunteer efforts. Check out the ASB GrizzOrgs for more information. Please check back for future announcements regarding future trips.

Past Alternative Spring Break Trips include:

American Hiking Society - Wildlife Preservation - Trail maintenance in the National Park, wildlife rehabilitation, and environmental rehabilitation.

Appalachia Service Project - Low Income Housing - Restoring/rebuilding houses for low-income families. Work will be assigned based on our group's skill level. We will be making the largest impact we can in the single week we have to make a difference building homes.

BARCS Animal Rescue - Animal Rights and Protection - Help maintain the health and wellness of local dogs and cats in need. Volunteers will walk, take care of, advocate for, and others duties needed to support the animals of BARCS.

Biscayne National Park - Ocean and Beach Preservation - Work in the Biscayne National Park to protect fossilized coral reefs, vast aquatic ecosystems, mangrove forests, and the home of sea turtle nesting sites. Work consists of beach and ocean clean-up!

Catalina Island Conservancy - Environmental Conservation - Clearing trails, invasive and native plant management, repairing/ building fences, and much more!

Give Kids the World - Children with Terminal Illnesses - Helping with meals, operating rides, and even dancing in a holiday parade; participants can expect to interact with children and families on a daily basis.

Medici Project - Community and Urban Immersion - Trip will be educational based, through service opportunities, students are able to learn about and serve in the following issues: framework of poverty, grace driven justice, Urban Youth, social entrepreneurship, homelessness, refugees, health, environment, race, juvenile justice and human trafficking.

Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary - Animal Welfare - Work closely with animals in the sanctuary. Perform maintenance on the grounds including clearing trails, building shelters, repairing fences and barns, and other work as needed.

University of Puerto Rico - Hurricane Relief - See the results that a hurricane has on a community and understand how volunteer work makes an impact to that community. Work in different concentration areas such as children and education, sea life rehabilitation, environmental cleanup, and more

Victory Living - Persons with Intellectual Disabilities - Help provide individualized services and opportunities to persons with disabilities so that they may experience life to its fullest and reach their highest level of independence.

Blood Drive

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood, so please donate today to help with the critical shortage. To donate go to the American Red Cross Blood Donation. To make an appointment at Oakland University, go to OU Blood Drive. The Sponsor Code for Oakland University is OUblood. OU will also be partnering with Versiti Blood in order to double the impact and number of donors for the community.

Versiti Blood
October 18, 2023 (Oakland Center)
February 13, 2024 (Oakland Center)

Office for Student Involvement

Oakland Center, Room 49
312 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4454
(location map)
(248) 370-2400

OSI Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

OSI Service Window Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.