黑料视频

Volunteerism

鈥Volunteering helps to open your eyes to the world and give you a sense of purpose. I like being a person that others can go to for help.鈥 - Viviana Pimental, Biology major

The Center for Community Engagement's Volunteer Program provides our campus community with a range of co-curricular opportunities to invest their time, talent, and skills into the community. Whether you want to participate in one of our established programs like Serve It Up! or find a specific opportunity related to your field of study or interest, we can help you get started.

With over 150 vetted community partners, countless volunteer opportunities exist to advance the common good. Volunteers can find opportunities that match their career path or personal interests, broaden their perspective, and become engaged in the work happening on the ground to create positive social change.

The Center for Community Engagement provides one-on-one consultations to the campus community seeking assistance planning a student, club/organization or department volunteer event. We maintain a database of local volunteer projects and provide several leadership development opportunities.

If you are a 黑料视频CI student, faculty, or staff and would like the Center for Community Engagement to help coordinate a volunteer opportunity for your individual, club/organization or department volunteer event, please complete the .

Meet the 2025-26 Volunteer Engagement Ambassadors

  • aidan

    Aidan Vann

    Aidan Vann is a senior, majoring in Health Science. As a first-generation college student, Aidan chose CI for its location, affordability, strong academic programs, and welcoming environment far from where she grew up. She currently serves as a Volunteer Engagement Ambassador, where she works on community outreach, building partnerships, and organizing volunteer events. This hands-on experience has strengthened her connection between academic learning and real-world application, particularly in supporting and caring for others鈥攁 value central to both her studies and future career goals.

    After graduation, Aidan plans to attend nursing school and eventually pursue a career as a traveling nurse. Her motivation is deeply rooted in resilience and determination, shaped by overcoming challenges in her upbringing and drawing inspiration from positive influences who believed in her potential.

    Aidan believes that community involvement offers lessons and rewards that go beyond textbooks鈥攑roviding opportunities to see real-world outcomes, make tangible impacts, and grow through meaningful action. As the first in her family to complete a college degree, she hopes to set an example for others by showing that perseverance and compassion can create lasting change.

  • mckai

    McKai Bacon

    McKai Bacon is a junior majoring in Sociology. Drawn to CI for its beautiful location, she has found both inspiration and purpose in the university鈥檚 close connection to the surrounding environment and community. As a Volunteer Engagement Ambassador, McKai helps connect CI students with meaningful community service opportunities, encouraging them to explore how service can foster both personal growth and social impact. This position closely aligns with her career aspirations in community engagement and non-profit management, allowing her to gain hands-on experience in leadership and collaboration.

    After graduation, McKai plans to turn her passion for the Channel Islands National Parks into a career by working in a role that engages local communities and deepens public appreciation for the islands. She hopes to eventually pursue graduate studies in environmental sociology or non-profit management.

    Through volunteer work with organizations like the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, McKai has learned that true understanding comes from active participation and connection. She believes that education and service go hand in hand鈥攅ach strengthening the other to create lasting change for both people and the planet.

  • sophia

    Sophia Gallo

    Sophia Gallo is a junior, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Global Studies. She chose CI for its close-knit community, supportive faculty, and passionate student body鈥攁ll qualities that resonated deeply with her values and academic goals.

    As a Volunteer Engagement Ambassador, Sophia works to promote and coordinate opportunities for students to participate in meaningful community service. She was drawn to this position because of her belief that volunteerism and community engagement not only strengthen society but also enrich individual growth. Guided by the idea that we are all interconnected, Sophia views community service as a way to care for ourselves and others simultaneously.

    Deeply passionate about activism and social justice, Sophia believes that true community service goes beyond meeting immediate needs鈥攊t also requires addressing and challenging the systems that perpetuate inequality. For her, serving the community and standing up for it are inseparable acts of compassion and courage.

  • thomas

    Thomas Ray

    Thomas Ray is a junior, majoring in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a minor in Business Management. As a first-generation college student, Thomas chose CI for its excellent ESRM program and proximity to home鈥攁n ideal setting to deepen his passion for the environment and community engagement.

    Thomas serves as a Volunteer Engagement Ambassador, where he helps connect students with meaningful service opportunities. He was drawn to this role because of his belief in the transformative power of volunteering鈥攏ot only for the community but also for personal growth. Through service, he sees opportunities for professional development, skill-building, leadership, and, most importantly, creating genuine human connections.

    After graduation, Thomas plans to pursue a graduate degree in marine ecology, exploring the many pathways within environmental research and conservation before committing to a specific route. His goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological systems that sustain our planet and use that knowledge to promote environmental stewardship and sustainability.

SERVE IT UP!

 The Center for Community Engagement offers SERVE IT UP! a year-long student-led program that provides one-day volunteer service opportunities in Ventura County. Participants are provided with bus transportation, lunch, and an opportunity to participate in several days of service. These volunteer service days are open to the campus community.

  • 9/11 National Day of Service
  • Veterans Day of Service
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
  • Cesar Chavez Day of Service and Learning

What Students Say about Participating in Serve It Up! Events

"I really didn't want to wake up that early and go. When I got here my whole mood changed. I was glad I came and it made me feel so good about myself." 

"Something that I learned  about this experience is how peaceful and therapeutic it is to be outside and to do something for your community. I also learned a little more about my classmates."

"I learned more about my classmates. They're full of energy and aren't afraid to do heavy work. I also learned more about the kinds of animals we have on campus."

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Many 黑料视频CI Clubs & Organizations have a service and social justice mission.
  • Get involved with ! For more information, email SGASI@csuci.edu and be sure to follow us on Instagram for updates on initiatives and advocacy.
  • Find meaningful volunteer opportunities to meet real local community needs and promote volunteerism and civic engagement.
  • - Explore national virtual volunteer activities.
  • helps students interested in making a positive impact in the community find a volunteer opportunity. Volunteer today using the easy-to-search online database provided by United Way of Ventura County.
  • is a national database where organizations post their volunteer needs, both in-person and remotely. Search for volunteer opportunities that enhance the quality of life of your community!
  • Become part of a community of like-minded students interested in international service and the betterment of all peoples by joining and earning a Peace Corps (PC) Prep certificate from the United States Peace Corps. Learn more about the Peace Corps Prep program or contact Dr. Andrea Grove at andrea.grove@csuci.edu

Nonprofit Careers

  • connects millions of idealists 鈥 people who want to do good 鈥 with job, internship and volunteer opportunities for action and collaboration all over the world.
  • The takes a different approach to making a difference. If you are inspired by impact that is hands-on, grassroots-driven, and lasting, learn more about their mission .

Volunteer Resources

Seed Grants

are available to student clubs or organizations working to 鈥済row鈥 a social action project or program that would benefit or create change on campus or in the community. SEED grants are available up to $500. For more information visit the application page.

Contact

To learn more about how you can get involved in the community, contact, Jennifer Raymond, DrPH at jennifer.raymond@csuci.edu

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