5 Things to Know About the Center for Service and Leadership

What do causes such as outdoor and environmental efforts, housing and food security, community development, animal welfare, and children’s health care have in common? They are powered, in large part, by volunteer energy, and that’s where UA’s Center for Service and Leadership comes in: It connects students with service opportunities.

Here’s what you need to know about the Capstone’s community engagement office.

1. A volunteer hub.

UA’s Center for Service and Leadership is built on the idea that service is transformational for both individuals and communities. In keeping with the University’s efforts to be an engaged institution, CSL functions as a one-stop volunteer hub for students, offering opportunities to get involved — from mentoring children in Al’s Pals to participating in alternative spring break trips with Beyond Bama and more.

2. An online stage for engagement.

Bama Pulse is UA’s online community engagement platform for students. Through the platform, students can search for a wide range of service opportunities, register for events and volunteer hours, and track their impacts, including funds donated, funds raised, goods donated, hours trained and service hours worked. Bama Pulse allows students to build a service resume that demonstrates depth of involvement, sustained engagement and leadership skills.

3. Service writ large.

Five times per year, CSL oversees Big Days of Service, which offer four-hour volunteer blocks for students to serve the broader Tuscaloosa area. For students seeking a more in-depth service experience, CSL also oversees alternative break trips with Beyond Bama. By visiting places such as Selma, Montgomery, Memphis, Gulf Shores and New Orleans, and pitching in on select projects, students learn the fundamentals of grassroots community action.

4. A little adds up to a lot.

Students don’t always have big blocks of time for volunteer work. Not to worry: CSL offers flexible options to meet their schedules. Volunteers can mentor and support elementary school students in after-school programs through Al’s Pals, or through Serving Bama, they can serve two-hour shifts with nonprofit organizations such as West Alabama Food Bank, Wings of Grace and local animal shelters. Students with hands-on skills can also volunteer with the UA chapter of Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for Tuscaloosa neighbors in need.

5. Student-led.

CSL houses two student-led philanthropic organizations. UA Miracle, the largest student-led philanthropic organization at the University, raises money for Children’s of Alabama and culminates each year in a 12-hour dance marathon. Beat Auburn Beat Hunger hosts food drives in both spring and fall, including challenges with rival Auburn University to collect food and financial donations. Since 1994, the two campuses have raised over 10 million pounds of food.