The Power of Volunteering
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Volunteering within your community not only enriches your college experience, but it also helps to build a stronger, more compassionate community both on and off-campus. It’s a great way to meet new people, gain skills and make a lasting impact on the world around you.
At OSU, we have countless opportunities to get involved and give back. Whether you’re looking to gain valuable experience for your resume or simply want to help those in need, volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding part of your college journey.
Why Volunteering Matters
Volunteering isn’t just about donating your time. It’s about making meaningful connections, building life skills and giving back to your community. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Personal Growth: Volunteering exposes you to new experiences, challenges and people, allowing you to grow as a person and develop important skills like leadership, problem-solving and communication.
- Social Connections: Volunteering helps you meet like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions, allowing you to build a strong network both socially and professionally.
- Improved Well-Being: Helping others has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health and boost overall happiness. It gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that can make your college experience even more meaningful.
- Resumé Building: Employers love to see candidates who are well-rounded and community-oriented. Volunteering demonstrates initiative, dedication and the ability to work with all groups of people.
Volunteering Opportunities at OSU
At OSU, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference. Here are a few great places to volunteer, both on campus and around Stillwater:
1. Into the Streets
One of the most popular volunteer events at OSU is Into the Streets — a day of meaningful service held once each semester, where students come together
in a fun and exciting group environment to give back to the Stillwater community.
The mission of Into the Streets is to unite OSU students, promote service and foster
leadership, while the vision aims to expand the community impact by empowering students
and faculty to become changemakers. Through values of service, community and leadership,
the event provides a powerful opportunity for students to contribute to something
larger than themselves. The next Into the Streets is on Sunday, April 6 from 1-5 p.m.
There is still time to register before the deadline of Friday, March 28 at 5 p.m.
To register, click here.
2. Student Volunteer Center (SVC)
The Student Volunteer Center is an amazing resource for students who are looking to volunteer. The SVC connects
students with local community service projects, helping to match interests and skills
with meaningful volunteer opportunities. Whether you're interested in working with
children, animals, the environment or people in need, the SVC can help you find the
right fit. They also offer resources for group volunteering, so you can get your friends,
clubs or organizations involved too. Keep an eye on their events and opportunities
to stay up-to-date with ongoing volunteer needs in the area.
3. Pete’s Pantry
The OSU Pete’s Pantry provides essential food resources to students facing food insecurity. Volunteering
at the pantry is a great way to help fellow students in need by sorting donations,
packing food bags and assisting with distributions. This hands-on experience allows
you to contribute directly to the well-being of your peers while making a positive
impact on campus. You’ll also gain valuable insight into how food insecurity affects
communities and how you can help address the issue.
Volunteering in Stillwater
Beyond OSU, there are many volunteer opportunities throughout Stillwater. Some local organizations that often need volunteers include:
- StillWonder: Creates opportunities for children and families to engage in science, art and play.
- Stillwater Humane Society: Help take care of animals or assist with adoption events.
- The United Way of Payne County: Participate in events and initiatives that serve the local community.
How to Get Involved
Getting involved in volunteering is simple! Here are a few steps to help you get started:
- Visit the Student Volunteer Center: Check out the SVC website or stop by their office, 211Q Student Union, to explore opportunities. They’re a great resource for finding local volunteer needs.
- Sign Up for Events: Explore and sign-up for upcoming volunteer events by utilizing GivePulse. Through GivePulse you can explore opportunities in Stillwater as well as nationwide through the "explore" tab. To begin exploring opportunities, click here. Use your okey credentials to sign-in.
- Reach Out: If there’s a specific cause or organization that interests you, don’t hesitate to contact them directly to learn more about how you can help.
- Track Your Hours: The SVC offers the C.O.R.D. Program to recognize your commitment to service. Keep track of your service so you can reflect on your impact in GivePulse and earn an orange cord for graduation.
Volunteering is a powerful way to make a difference, both in your community and in your own life. By dedicating a small portion of your time, you can gain invaluable experiences, form new friendships and contribute to making Stillwater and OSU a better place for everyone. Whether you're volunteering on campus or around the community, your efforts are appreciated and can create a lasting positive change!