A new semester means new opportunities for students in Badger Volunteers (BV) to make positive contributions to the Madison community. Registration officially opened for all students January 26.
Badger Volunteers supports reciprocal relationships between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and community partner organizations that engage students in semester-long volunteer opportunities. It is the Morgridge Center for Public Service’s largest co-curricular program.
“I liked BV because of the convenience of already having the places to volunteer at,” said junior and BV member Rizza Pineda.
Members self-select weekly volunteer opportunities from a database featuring over 80 community organizations and non-profits. Opportunities focus on education, sustainability and public health. Badger Volunteers has opportunities for students of all majors and interest areas.
“There are so many unique opportunities for students to take part in which is the great part of BV,” said junior and BV Leader Zarah Obias.
Some students spend their eleven-week volunteer term learning about food access for low-income families while assisting at a local pantry. Others sing along to the classics during karaoke nights with Options for Community Living.
Students have the opportunity to do something beneficial during their collegiate experience while having fun. Members work on teams and develop meaningful relationships with their volunteer site while wearing the classic “BV Shirt.”
“It provides an opportunity for students to go beyond just life on campus and expand it so students can make an impact in Madison,” Obias said.
In Spring 2018, Badger Volunteers is excited about strengthening partnerships with organizations newer to the program including Capitol Lakes, Centro Hispano of Dane County, Habitat ReStore, Literacy Network, West Middleton Elementary School, and Gio’s Garden.