Take Care of Yourself (and Others)—Become a Volunteer
Are you digging into a New Year’s resolution to take better care of your health? Consider volunteering. Research has proven it is good for your heart, brain, and the rest of your body. There are many opportunities at Northwestern IT, around the University, and in the broader community to get involved in ways that fit varying interests, abilities, and schedules. We rounded up some options that may appeal to you.
Help Create a Northwestern IT Day of Service
Later this year, Northwestern IT plans to coordinate a day of service and a food drive for Purple Pantry to help support students facing food insecurity. Contact Kate Leech, coordinator of special events, if you’d like to get involved in planning the Purple Pantry service project.
Get Involved with Your Northwestern IT Colleagues
Throughout the year, Northwestern IT leaders and staff come together to plan events that keep us informed and engaged. Reach out to your manager to find out how you can help at the team level and connect with colleagues working to strengthen our community across the department if you’d like to pitch in to help.
- Northwestern IT Staff Affinity Groups
- Northwestern IT’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee fosters a sense of belonging for all staff and welcomes new members.
- The Event Planning Committee creates stellar experiences for us all at our annual Summer Picnic and Winter Luncheon. Contact Kate Leech to learn more.
- Two Northwestern IT staff members are Well-being Champions, supporting multiple wellness dimensions for University employees.
Review More Northwestern Service and Volunteering Opportunities
- The Office of the Provost website shares information about a variety of campus, local, and national opportunities where you can find a right-sized volunteer prospect, including, among others:
- The City of Evanston
- The Buffet Institute’s Community Council for International Students
- Multiple Chicago and Northshore municipal senior services programs
- The All for Good volunteerism website
- All Wildcats are encouraged to participate in service programs through Northwestern’s Alumni Association.
- Gift Northwestern Giving a single or annual support contribution by becoming a #CatsGiveBack Ambassador.
- Volunteer at Northwestern Medicine.
- Support a special event, coordinate a study group, join an advisory council, or more at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
- The Graduate School has compiled a list of ways to get involved with volunteerism and community outreach.
- Student Affairs Leadership Development and Community Engagement recommends ways to get involved throughout the academic year and weekly opportunities.
- The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences Program in Global Health Studies promotes community and connection through involvement with many health-focused organizations.
- Members of the Association of Northwestern University Women (ANUW) are encouraging reciprocal staff support through their mentorship program.
- University-wide Staff Affinity groups offer avenues for members to give back.
Volunteering Provides Other Significant Benefits Beyond Improving Mental and Physical Health:
- You feel connected to others—both your co-volunteers and those your efforts serve
- Improves your social and relationship skills
- Creates opportunities to learn and develop new skills
- It’s FUN!
Whatever you do, take good care of yourselves and others, too. Cheers to your good health and happiness!