Student Volunteer Programs

Weekly Volunteer Programs

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• America Reads

  This nationally renowned, weekly after-school tutoring program helps Avalon Elementary second-graders with reading skills. Student volunteers are trained by an Avalon Elementary School staff member to learn effective methods of literacy education. Volunteers help the second-grade students with vocabulary, grammar, and reading fluency. At the end of each quarter, there is a celebration to recognize the students' and volunteers' accomplishments. For more information or to volunteer, contact Lauren Shanks or Hannah Bisig.

• Association of Fundraising Professionals

  AFP, the Association of Fundraising Professionals is a newly formed student organization that introduces students to all aspects of nonprofit organizations while encouraging them to explore skill sets relating to fundraising, volunteerism and philanthropy. It also provides training and networking with non-profit professionals in the Columbus area. For morning information, contact the CCE.

• The Beat (Bringing Education & Advocacy Together) For Music

  This service organization is for students who understand the importance of music in the everyday lives of children and want to promote the future of music in our schools. Through service, the BEAT will promote awareness of the funding decline for music in the public schools and will ensure that every child has the opportunity to play an instrument. Instrument petting zoos, musical games, and Otterbein student performances are all different activities that the music the BEAT will utilize to promote its cause in the community. For more information, contact CardinalCorps Leader Brooke Weisenburger.

• Campus Girl Scouts

  Campus Girl Scouts is an active chapter of the Girl Scouts organization that welcomes new members. Members act as facilitators and mentors in Sister2Sister, a monthly program designed for teenage girls at Westerville South High School. Through various badge earning activities, the Sister2Sister program strives to help the girls cultivate their full potential and prepare them to become confident, courageous, and compassionate young women.

• Club Whittier

  Volunteers give after-school homework help to fourth- and fifth-grade students at Whittier Elementary School. Volunteers and students also participate in fun activities and games designed to develop academic curiosity, leadership skills, community awareness, creativity, and teamwork. For more information or to volunteer, contact CardinalCorps Leaders Miranda Fabian or Luke Hassenpflug.
  
  

• Grandma’s House

  This program brings students and senior citizens together at the Friendship Village to foster inter-generational understanding through recreational activities, themed parties, and bingo games. To learn more or to volunteer, contact Leslie Cavin.

• Habitat For Humanity

  The campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity International enables and encourages students to combat poverty housing issues. The three main functions of the organization include building, fund-raising, and education the community. For more information or to volunteer, contact Chaplain Monty Bradley.

• Otterbein Animal Coalition (OAC)

  This program partners with local humane shelters, including Citizens for Humane Action and the Franklin County Dog Shelter, to visit, socialize, and care for pets without parents. For more information, contact CardinalCorps Leader Hilary Rowland.

• Plan-It Earth

  This program takes an activist approach to addressing environmental issues, with a focus on fostering environmentally friendly practices and awareness on campus and in the community. Plan-It Earth plans activities that encourage and challenge Otterbein students to make steps to reduce, re-use, and recycle. This group also plans activities to give back to our earth, such as picking up litter, planning recycling projects and initiatives, and volunteering at Otterbein Lake.
  
  For more information or to volunteer, contact Plan-It Earth Leader Kristen Giesting.

• Raise Your Voice

  Raise Your Voice is a national program to encourage civic participation among both students and community members. This organization sponsors "coffee talks" on current issues and is involved in several events that highlight the importance of being a responsible citizen. Check out the "Vote Naked" initiative and get involved! To learn more or to volunteer, contact the CardinalCorps Leaders Theresa Hubbell.

• SEEDS

  Help make the Otterbein Community Garden a beautiful space for all involved! To get more information or to volunteer, contact Andy Hufford. 

• Sports Pals

  Volunteers work with Avalon Elementary students after school to promote good sportsmanship and character through fun and games. For more information or to volunteer, contact the CardinalCorps Leaders Audra Kohler.

• Ubuntu

  This mentoring program uses an African concept of community to teach students that preparation for college and commitment to others through mentoring greatly contributes to their community as a whole. Volunteers meet with students to reflect and discuss topics such as goals, obstacles, purpose, and relationships. Volunteers work one-on-one with the students from surrounding high schools and middle schools to expose them to a college environment and promote positive behavior and a positive view of their futures. In the program, diary entries from students and volunteers come together in the Ubuntu Diary, which is distributed to participants. For more information or to volunteer, contact John Kengla.