Bucky’s Big Event is a campus-wide day of service on Wednesday, April 12, where students, faculty, and staff can sign up to volunteer with local community organizations. It’s part of UW’s week-long celebration of Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin’s investiture. Students will have the opportunity to commit their time all over the Madison community to make an impact. While volunteering should not be limited to a one-time or one-day opportunity, Bucky’s Big Event gives you an opportunity to explore your volunteering interests and develop a passion for giving back to the community.
So what’s next? Why should I, as a busy student take time to volunteer for Bucky’s Big Event? Well, here are FIVE reasons why you should!
1. It’s fun!
Volunteering? Fun? It is! Amid the stress of school and day-to-day routines on campus, breaking out of your stressful routine to give back to the community for a few hours can provide a much-needed break. Many of the opportunities at Bucky’s Big Event involve outdoor work, meaning this is a chance to get some fresh air and de-stress with some vitamin D.
2. Allows you to connect with organizations and community members
Bucky’s Big Event partners with local organizations around Madison. As a volunteer, you will have the option to sign up with the organization and volunteer opportunity that sounds the most interesting to you. This allows you to find organizations in the community that align with your interests or passions, and meet like-minded people that you otherwise may not know!
3. Community service benefits you and others
Giving back to the community gives you a sense of purpose and community involvement. Finding a sense of place and purpose within the community that supports your education and fosters your growth can allow you to flourish personally and academically. Community members are encouraged by seeing college students take an active role in the community outside of campus. The more good vibes that go around, the better everyone feels.
4. Strengthens your skills outside of the classroom
Communication, teamwork, and leadership are all important skills to develop professionally and personally. For college students, we often have the ability to foster these skills in the classroom, but not often challenged in real-life environments. Building and reinforcing these skills outside of the classroom or in settings that vary from your professional experience are the best ways to make these attributes second nature and develop strong skills for the rest of your academic and professional career.
5. It’s a resume builder
As a college student, you might not have loads of extra time to give to an activity that doesn’t help you get an A or gain professional experience. You knew this was coming — volunteering looks GREAT on a resume! While one singular day of service may not be enough to land you your dream job, continuing to volunteer and even participating in long-term opportunities with community partners shows your commitment to giving back and bettering your community. It provides opportunities to become a well-rounded and thoughtful individual.
Convinced? Sign up to volunteer. Bucky is looking forward to having you join!
If UW–Madison students are interested in continued service throughout the summer, check out summer Badger Volunteers.
Bucky’s Big Event is supported by the Chancellor’s Office, the Morgridge Center for Public Service, and the Office of Sustainability.