Citizenship Edge Opportunities | Center for Student Enrichment

For the Citizenship Edge, you will need 100 hours that may include a combination of service-learning, community service, and civic engagement (a minimum of 10 hours must be civic engagement opportunities).

You will need to do three separate volunteer activities. Civic engagement activities include attending political, governmental, ASNMU, non-profit, or board meetings including school board or PTO meetings, attending public hearings or working on a political campaign or project.

Additional opportunities can also be found at Yooper United.

Possible Citizenship Edge Hours

Check this link out for more opportunities.

The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan nonprofit working across the Great Lakes region to protect our most precious resource: the fresh, clean, and natural waters of the Great Lakes. We are active in advocacy, volunteering, education, and research. Each year, through the Adopt-a-Beach program, thousands of volunteers work to keep the Great Lakes shorelines healthy by removing litter from our beaches and collecting important data. Join the Adopt-a-Beach movement today! You can take part in two ways: 1. Find an Adopt-a-Beach cleanup near you and sign up. A Team Leader will meet you at the beach with all the supplies! 2. You can also become a Team Leader and host your own cleanup with friends, family, or community members. This is a great opportunity to keep your community beautiful and engage those around you. We have lots of resources to help you organize a successful cleanup! For more information, contact cramirez@greatlakes.org. We hope to see you on the beach!

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for Alzheimer's Association Community Educators (AACEs) who are volunteer public speakers who help raise awareness, provide education and expand the research of Alzheimer's Association programs in the community. AACEs deliver Alzheimer's Association Core Curriculum using prepared training materials on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as well as information for individuals and families impacted by the disease.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Communicate effectively and deliver Core Curriculum (Common Programs) presentations and information to the community
Adhere to Alzheimer's Association’s established curricula and position statements
Work with Alzheimer’s Association staff partners to identify and coordinate education programs that reach target audiences; coordination includes securing program partner, scheduling, preparing presentations, and managing needed materials.
Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences
Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
Complete necessary paperwork for reporting

QUALIFICATIONS:

Proactive and passionate about the mission of Alzheimer’s Association
Demonstrated success with public speaking, excellent presentation and education skills
Understanding of adult learning principles
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Comfort with computers and familiarity with email and Powerpoint presentations
Ability to network, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners
Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

AACE volunteers commit to a 1-year term delivering a minimum of 12 presentations
Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner
Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (~2 hours)
AACE volunteers must observe 1 community presentation led by a staff or mentor + present 1 Common Program while being observed /evaluated by a staff or mentor prior to deployment in the community
Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process
Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures
Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

Perfect your public speaking ability and technique
Serve your local community and people you care about
Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Build your resume and skill set
Perfect your community engagement technique and help mobilize your community to create a world without Alzheimer’s
Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jack Vander Lugt at jrvanderlugt@alz.org or 906-373-3107.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is looking for volunteers in the Marquette area to participate in their Road to Recovery program. This program links volunteer drivers with patients who are in need of transportation to and from treatments and appointments. Volunteers would be trained through an online teaching series, need to have valid automobile insurance and a current driver's license. Volunteers must also have a good driving record and any availability during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The ACS understands that people have their own activities to attend to and appreciate any time volunteers have to offer even if it's only a couple hours a week. If interested, you can call 1-800-227-2345 to start coordinating your volunteering.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Central Upper Peninsula will need volunteer mentors (Bigs) for the 2024-2025 Site/School-Based Facilitated Program. In this program, Bigs & Littles (Matches) meet at a designated location – like a school, community center, or other site. A BBBS staff member is present at all meetings and observing match interactions. BBBS staff plan activities for matches each week. Bigs will often eat lunch with their Little or hang out in the school’s library, gym, or other chosen location. These programs typically occur weekly for about 30-60 minutes on the same day each week (e.g., every Tuesday from 3-4 pm). The schedule follows the academic school calendars. Link for orientation and application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdl4qPxt792erdCJxYct52Fu8xIIrljn9TvLj-ctO0XpvxmtA/viewform. If you have any questions or want more information, please contact Carli at (906) 251-8047 or carli@bbbsmqt.org.

Camp STAR is looking for volunteers, especially male volunteer buddies! This is a 3-night bereavement camp for kids and teens, aged 8-17, that have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. This camp will be held at the beginning of August with lodging and food provided at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, Michigan! On the Thursday prior to the camp, there is a full day of training for volunteers. Kids and teens arrive on the Friday.

Buddies are paired with a child or teen camper for continuous support and guidance throughout the weekend. Buddies and campers are part of a small group of other buddies and campers led by a leader and co-leader. All volunteers are trained and supported by trained professionals and volunteers throughout the weekend.

Volunteer positions available: Camp Buddy, Group Leader, Co-Leader, Activities Assistant, Camp Nurses, and a Photographer. Visit STAR Children's Bereavement Services – No child grieving alone (www.starcbs.org) for more information. Volunteer information and application (www.starcbs.org) Get Involved – STAR Children's Bereavement Services (https://starcbs.org/).

The Marquette Care Clinic, 1213 N. Front St., is looking for young Christian volunteers (office support, cleaning, yard work, and/or special events) who want to be a part of our mission of supporting women with unplanned pregnancies! For more information, check out https://www.careclinicmqt.org or email ggostomski@careclinicmqt.org.

Do you like to play bingo? If so, the Eastwood Nursing Center, 900 Maas Street, Negaunee (9 miles west of Marquette - when you come to the first stoplight in Negaunee, you will turn left and it is the first driveway on the right) is looking for volunteers on Monday-Friday's at 7 p.m. as well as Saturday's and Sunday's at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. to assist residents who are physically challenged with bingo. We are also looking for volunteers to do one-on-one visits with our residents and to assist them with outings (shopping and eating). If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Rose Moffatt, activity director, or Amy Fraley, assistant director, at 906-475-7500 ext. 121. In order to volunteer at Eastwood, you will need to have a TB test (which is provided free of charge) and sign HIPPA and confidentiality policy forms.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes offers year-round opportunities to make a difference in lives of girls and young women through Girl Scouting. You will develop leadership and organizational skills while you enrich the lives of girls from kindergarten through 12th grade. We depend on local volunteers and offer positions in troop leadership, camp staff, and interest group leadership. Most troop activities begin during the fall semester, but troop assistants are requested year round. Let us help you find a connection that fits your schedule. Training may be required for your position. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. For more information, contact Lori Doney at ldoney@gsnwgl.org or check out gsnwgl.org.

The Ishpeming Senior Center is looking for volunteers to work with seniors for in home social work services, dining services, nursing, chore or community programming. Contact Ashley at centerdirector@gicoaseniors.org or 906-485-5527 for more information.

Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice is looking for volunteers to be friendly visitors for hospice patients and support various office tasks such as fundraising, mailings, patient legacy, and more. Please contact Susie Duquette at 906-225-7760 or sduquette@lakesuperiorhospice.org for more information.

Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly, 131 W. Washington St., Ste. C, Marquette, is a non-profit organization in Marquette whose mission is to help relieve social isolation and loneliness among the elders in our community. We do this through two programs. The first being our Friendly Visiting program, where we pair a volunteer and an elder up to help them build a friendship. If you are interested, please e-mail danielle.berg@littlebrothers.org.

The second is through our Holiday Meals. At our Holiday meals, we serve over 200 in our community. Some of them attend and some of them have their meals delivered to their homes. The importance of these meals is to not only provide them with food but with fellowship on a holiday. To carry out these meals we rely on volunteers. Last year we were lucky enough to have a hall volunteer and couple of other Northern students for our Easter meal. Our guests absolutely loved having them there. The connection with the youth of our community is so vital to them. Many of them attended Northern or had children or family that attended or worked at Northern. They love to see NMU students, because you are just starting to live your dreams, that alone is such an exciting memory and thought to them.

To be able to serve this meal to our community it requires that we have the service of approximately 60 volunteers. I would love for half of those volunteers to come from Northern. It would make for a great story along with help promote and recognize Northern students and everything you give to our community. I will also have letters of service which I will be more than happy to sign for all volunteers to help them towards earning scholarships, recognition, or help along the job hunt. I will also be more than happy to write a personal letter of service/reference to any volunteers who help serve. So, if you are interested in joining Little Brothers, let us know. Whether it is a group or individual you will be greatly appreciated. We have several different volunteer opportunities available. If you would like to volunteer, contact Danielle Berg at danielle.berg@littlebrothers.org.

The Marquette Area Mom Community (MomCo) is seeking volunteers to assist with childcare during their monthly meetings held on the first Thursday of the month, from September to May, from 5:15-7:15 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 305 W. Magnetic St., (conveniently located within walking distance from NMU). Volunteers will supervise children ranging in age from infant through lower elementary in a designated play space. During this time, mothers will meet upstairs while volunteers oversee the children downstairs. Volunteers must be over 18 years old and will be required to undergo a background check before their first volunteer date. Interested individuals are encouraged to email Renee Jewett, coordinator of the MomCo, at rkivioja@nmu.edu to request a disclosure form or to inform about their status as a returning volunteer. Volunteers are not obligated to commit to every monthly meeting.

Marquette County Cares (MC2) is our community coalition working to improve resiliency and decrease risk factors. It is a coalition of community members, businesses, and service organizations working together to assess issues in the community and improve services. Volunteers can join work groups in the areas of data collection, public relations, funding, community board maintenance, community resource evaluation, and youth involvement. Volunteers can also offer time for specific events including youth activities, fundraising events, and community awareness activities. Please contact Ashley Gleason at agleason@mqtco.org.

The Marquette County Health Department (MCHD) Emergency Preparedness program, 184 US Hwy 41 East, Negaunee, is looking for volunteers to call upon in the event of an emergency. To volunteer, contact hharriman@mqtco.org. For more information, check out mqtheatlh.org.

The Marquette County Historical Museum, 145 W. Spring St., is a full-scale history museum and research library featuring the central Upper Peninsula region. We offer galleries and programming year round for the community. Our volunteers help us work towards our mission of preserving history and sharing it; opportunities for volunteers include helping lead school visitors through museum field trips, historical character reenactment, program activities, gift shop front desk attendants, library research, and artifact and exhibit work. For more information, check out mrhc@marquettehistory.org, marquettehistory.org, or call 906-226-3571.

The Marquette County Medical Care Facility, located at 200 Saginaw St. in Ishpeming, is looking for volunteers to work one-on-one with the geriatric population. Interested applicants are subject to a background check, a two-step TB test along with an interview and reference check prior to placement. This is a great way to share any special skills you have with the elderly. If you are interested, please contact Nick Kangas at 906-204-1021.

The Marquette Regional History Center is a full-scale history museum and research library featuring the central Upper Peninsula region. We offer galleries and programming year round for the community. Our volunteers help us work towards our mission of preserving history and sharing it; opportunities for volunteers include helping lead school visitors through museum field trips, historical character reenactment, program activities, gift shop front desk attendants, library research, and artifact and exhibit work. For more information or to volunteer, check out our www.marquettehistory or email mrhc@marquettehistory.org.

The Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC), the state’s lead agency on volunteerism and service, can offer students meaningful service opportunities, internships, or career development in the nonprofit sector.

AmeriCorps

If you have not heard of AmeriCorps, many people refer to it as the domestic version of Peace Corps. AmeriCorps seeks to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

We offer opportunities with different time commitments and requirements, so that individuals can serve in whatever capacity works for their goals and lifestyle. AmeriCorps operates within six key areas: education, disaster response, economic opportunity, veterans and military families, environmental stewardship, and healthy futures. Individuals who serve with AmeriCorps build new skillsets that they can take with them wherever they go, while older Americans can apply their hard-earned knowledge to make an impact in a new environment. AmeriCorps provides several benefits for its volunteers and members such as education awards, supplemental health insurance, loan deferment, and childcare. Benefits vary by program.

Your institution can be a conduit to these opportunities, is able to host members to serve a need at your college, or your institution can start its own program.

Volunteering

MCSC is connecting volunteers to needs by working with state level networks and associations. We can help you and your students develop new skills and support your community.

Career Pathways

The MCSC is developing opportunities to help individuals develop skills through service to aid them in finding long-term employment. Students participating in service will be offered professional development training and finding a career pathway that’s best for them.

If you may benefit from any of these experiences, please contact Eilis Gambill at gambille@michigan.gov or (734) 255-0577 to set up a meeting.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is looking for volunteers to assist with supervising parenting time visits with youth who are in foster care. The visits are with the foster youth and their parents/families. These visits must be supervised via court orders. The volunteer must be willing to transport and attend the visits, a State of Michigan vehicle will be provided. The visits are often conducted between 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. and are approximately 1-2 hours in length. This is a great opportunity to learn more about children services; the volunteer will be working alongside foster care workers and supervisors of MDHSS. A background check is required for this position. Please contact Jim Gray at 906-458-2714 or grayj13@michigan.gov.

Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti (MVHDJJ), 425 Fisher St., is a long-term care facility in Marquette and home to 100+ veterans. Use your skills and interests to find (or create) a volunteer opportunity that benefits our local veterans and is rewarding for you. Like playing cribbage? Want to help with bingo? Love cooking? Game nights? Play an instrument? Enjoy sports? Care to sit and share a friendly visit? There is truly something for everyone. Most organized activities run from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with additional times available too.

Volunteering in a health care setting like MVHDJJ provides opportunities and challenges not found in other environments. In this setting, volunteers must be flexible to change, adaptable, compassionate, and respectful with a high level of integrity and a commitment to safety. We guarantee you will be well-supported – and that you will find volunteering with our veteran members rewarding. Serving the veterans who call MVHDJJ home is simply the best!

To inquire about volunteer opportunities, please contact Sarah Johnson at 906-226-3576 x2520396 or by e-mail at johnsons93@michigan.gov or check us out at https://www.facebook.com/MiVeteranHomesDJJ/. Interested applicants must be fully vaccinated and are subject to a background check, a two-step TB test along with a thorough orientation prior to placement.

Additionally, one-time volunteer opportunities are available for your group, club, or organization (e.g., game night, bingo, karaoke, cooking, crafting, Vegas Days, carnival, etc.). We would love to work with you. Please reach out and let’s make some fun for our nation’s heroes!

MooseWood Nature Center is a non-profit nature center located at Presque Isle Park in Marquette and provides opportunities hosting the center during open hours, helping care and feed its live animals, and providing environmental education and natural history programming. For more information, call 906-228-6250 or email moosewoodnc@gmail.com.

NMU Wildpups is looking for volunteers to help set up, be a student coordinator, and tear down NMU Wildpups events. Volunteers are mainly needed for greeting students/participants, encouraging them to participate in research, and funneling students through the event. We need help setting up, moving furniture, and tearing down after. Volunteers are more than welcome to visit the dogs as well! Volunteers are needed 1.5 hours before the event starts and 30 minutes after. For more information or to volunteer, please email animaltherapy@nmu.edu.

The Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) is always looking for volunteers to help with trail maintenance: including trail building, trail repair, volunteer for events at aid stations, start/finish lines, and more. For more information, check out www.noquetrails.org, getoutside@noquetrails.org, or call Jeni at 906-235-6861.

Norlite Nursing Center is a licensed skilled nursing home. We believe our first responsibility is to our residents. We are dedicated to providing the highest professional care in a home-like and loving environment. We believe we are responsible to the communities we serve. We accept our role in enhancing the quality of life by supporting civic pride, economic development, better health and education, and protection of the environment. Duties for volunteers include helping with bingo, art projects, games, movie nights, socializing, community outings, men's group, parties, entertainment, or your own idea! Volunteers are needed seven days a week at numerous times. Residents enjoy being entertained; Norlite is always looking for individuals or groups that enjoy doing music performances, fine art performances, and/or educational lectures that involve participation from residents. Please contact Vanessa Miazga at 906-228-9252 or norlite@gmail.com for more information.

Did you know that the North Country National Scenic Trail extends over 4800 miles from South Dakota to Vermont? And we are lucky to have an incredible section right at our doorsteps. The Marquette Area Chapter of the North Country Trail is responsible for over 110 miles of trail spanning Alger, Marquette and Baraga counties. We are always looking for help with trail maintenance and trail building for upcoming reroutes. We love to encourage students to explore the trail by joining us on hikes or at special events. We have been fortunate to have some excellent student representation on our board, and look forward to continuing that relationship. If you would like to volunteer, email mac@northcountrytrail.org or check out our website https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/michigan/mac/.

Partridge Creek Farm, 112 S. Main St., Ishpeming

Farm and Garden Internship: Plant and maintain 5 PCF garden sites and the Intergenerational Farm site. Activities include but not limited to transplant production, planting, watering, weeding, soil amending. Participate in the harvesting, washing, packing, and delivery of produce through CSAs (Community-Supported Agriculture) distribution, wholesale accounts, and community donations. Ensure all food safety, planting and harvesting records are created and maintained.

Media & Marketing Internship: Will spend the growing season creating a bank of edited and organized content that can be utilized by the PCF staff throughout the off-season. This person will be responsible for taking pictures and videos throughout the growing season and will work closely with our Communications and Marketing Vista to create fun and informative tik toks, reels, and social media content for our audience.

Education Internship: Works with the Education Coordinator and Director of Programs and Partnerships to carry out weekly Farm to School lessons in the Spring (garden), Summer (summer camp), and Fall (garden/indoor learning). This position will also help with modifying the curriculum for the Farm to School program and will help with community programs. The goal of this position is to strengthen the connection between the youth and community in Ishpeming and PCF and provide access to food education through hands-on learning.

Weekly Volunteer Days: Weekly Volunteer Days will take place again during the 2025 (June-Nov.) growing season. These occur on a weekly basis at a set time (TBD for 2025). Volunteers are welcome to join as few or as many volunteer days as possible to help with various farm and garden activities! 2024 volunteers helped weed the sites, planted native plants and produce, and helped remove invasive species from native wildflower areas at the Farm and Gardens.

More info can be found at PartridgeCreekFarm.org/volunteer.

Room at the Inn, 447 W. Washington St., is a certified 501 C (3) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission has been to provide short-term shelter and services (i.e., food, career development assistance, and accessibility to resources) for any individuals unhoused. It is because of the help of community volunteers and support that we've been able to sustain services for more than 14 years. During our time, we have served 1,200+ unique individuals, served 350,000+ meals, and utilized 230,000+ volunteer hours. Volunteers and donors, such as yourself, contribute to the sustainability of our operations by serving meals for our guests, engaging in conversation, and ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness don't have to experience it alone.

How to sign up: Room at the Inn coordinates volunteers through United Way's "Yoopers United" online portal https://uwmqt.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=11525.

If it is your first time using Yoopers United, you will need to create a sign in, which only takes just a minute.
Under the date that you would like to volunteer, you can choose to either “Respond Individually” if you are looking to assist as an individual, or “Respond as Team” if you and 1+ other person(s) are looking to help

Your time, compassion, and service provided is what helps to Room at the Inn open to serve any unhoused person(s) in Marquette. Thank you so much for your contributions!

The Salvation Army of Marquette County is looking for college students who are passionate about making a difference in their community. We are seeking dedicated individuals to assist with leading activities and to provide mentorship for students in need of support. Both programs are located in Ishpeming and are present fantastic opportunities for you to gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact on young lives. For more information, contact Eli Engebretson, Youth Program Specialist, The Salvation Army of Marquette County, 222 E Division St., Ishpeming at Eli.Engebretson@usc.salvationarmy.org or (712)-541-1928.

Special Olympics volunteer opportunities can range from showing NMU support at events/practices to becoming a 1-day Class C volunteer or becoming a certified Class A volunteer. There are also opportunities to become a coach or assistant coach in most sports offered. Opportunities working with Area 36 Special Olympics is of no cost to volunteers/coaches. Contact area36@somi.org for more information or sign up at https://www.somi.org/volunteer to list your interest areas.

St. Vincent de Paul in Marquette, 2119 Presque Isle, provides critical services for "Neighbors in Need." Volunteers in the Financial Aid Office determine financial qualifications and in the past fiscal year interviewed 768 Friends-in-need and responded to 771 telephone inquiries. As a result, $40,479 in general financial assistance (e.g., water, electricity, heat, etc.) was distributed and an additional $34, 143 for rent (eviction prevention) was distributed.

During the same fiscal year:

723 pieces of medical equipment free of charge was shared with 635 people
275 people were provided vouchers to shop in the Thrift Store for free clothing or furniture valued at $5,276
2,957 families and 6,550 individuals received food and other supplies from the St. Vincent de Paul Pantries
322 families received Christmas food baskets
326 children received toys and clothing that made Christmas special for them

We have 200+ volunteers and can always use more! Volunteer opportunities include:

working in the Financial Aid Office
working in the Thrift Store (sorting, pricing, and placing donated items in the store, assisting customers, etc.)
working in the Pantry (unloading and storing foodstuffs, preparing and distributing food baskets, etc.)
working with the Christmas Program (assisting with set-up and tear-down, loading/ unloading toys, assisting shoppers, preparing and distributing Christmas baskets, etc.)
assisting with promotion (website updating, arranging for medial coverage, assisting with publications, etc.

Volunteers can work a few hours a week, a few or several hours a month or more if desirable. Very flexible schedules can be provided. Join us and NMU students who are already joining us as a "Neighbor Helping Neighbors!" To volunteer, email svdp@svdpup.org. For more information, check out svdpmqtdistrict.org.

Interested in volunteering for the UP 200 Dog Sled Race which will be held February 13-17? For more information or to volunteer, click here.

The U.P. Equestrian Center (located 10 miles south of Marquette) has volunteer opportunities over the summer. Opportunities include assisting with stable management, horse feeding, cleaning, grooming, exercise, riding lessons, and facility operations. Weekday and weekend hours available. You can visit our website at www.UPEquestrianCenter.com or call or text Victoria at 906-235-4780.

The U.P. Luge, 230 E County Road in Negaunee, is always in need of volunteers to help shovel snow from the track prior to public trial sliding which is Friday evenings and Saturday from 11 am - 3 pm. We welcome spotters along the luge track during team practice and races. Any volunteers are always welcome! For more information, check out Upluge.org or contact Laura at Uplugeclub@upluge.org or 906-362-5234.

WNMU-TV (PBS) is looking for student volunteers to assist in our weekly “Ask the Expert” television series. Shows air live most Thursday evenings from 8-9 p.m. Volunteers would need to come to WNMU’s studios, located in the basement of Harden Hall, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. on the night(s) they are scheduled to work. We need volunteers to answer viewer calls, write down viewer questions and submit them to our panel of experts for an on-air response. Volunteers will receive a short training immediately before their first show. Students interested in volunteering for one or more Thursday evenings should contact Mike Settles with the date(s) they’re available to work. Mike can be reached at (906) 227-1310 or msettles@nmu.edu. Mike will respond with a confirmation phone call or email. More information on the WNMU-TV’s “Ask the Expert” series is available at: https://wnmutv.nmu.edu/programs/ask-the/.

The Women’s Center in Marquette is looking for volunteers in three areas: Harbor House Shelter Coverage, Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Domestic Violence Advocacy Team (DVAT), and Court Support. All volunteers should possess active listening skills, empathy skills, and be willing to advocate for victim rights. For more information, please call the Women's Center 906-225-1346 or e-mail contact@wcmqt.org.

The Women’s Center’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is actively seeking new members. SART volunteers provide crisis intervention and support services to survivors of sexual assault. SART volunteers are “on call” during non-business hours and provide direct support at the hospital for victims of sexual assault. They are looking for volunteers with active listening skills, the ability to be non-judgmental and empathetic, and be willing to advocate for victims’ rights. Volunteers will complete extensive training and must be willing to make a long term commitment to the team. Interested volunteers can contact Amy Bilodeau at 906-225-1346 or by email at akordus@miuplink.com.

Yellow Dog Water Preserve (YDWP) offers three volunteer programs: stream monitoring in the Yellow Dog and Salmon Trout watersheds, land monitoring on YDWP properties, and lake monitoring on Lake Independence in Big Bay. Volunteers are needed primarily from May-June and September-October. A love of the outdoors is helpful. By participating in YDWP programs, you will acquaint yourself with new and often remote corners of Marquette County, meet like-minded people, and gain experience in field ecology. For more information, contact Brian Noell at 906-345-9223 or ydwp@yellowdogwatershed.org. Additional information can be found at www.yellowdogwatershed.org.

The YMCA of Marquette County, 1420 Pine Street, has many volunteer opportunities: health and wellness, youth, childcare, sports, and aquatics. For more information, check out www.ymcamqt.org or Jenna at jzdunek@ymcamqt.org or 906-227-9622.

Possible Citizenship Edge Hours - Civic Engagement

As Michigan takes center stage on the political landscape for the upcoming elections, students in Michigan have an opportunity to make their voices heard and take leadership on their campuses. For Michigan provides a platform for students to be civic leaders in their community through voter registration, education, and turnout by building a scrappy and innovative operation to protect and expand democracy. Help create the future you want to see by getting involved with For Michigan! Volunteers receive training and education from campus organizers to learn about community organizing and connect with nonprofit and campaign professionals.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Talk to students: Engage with students through door-knocking, high-traffic canvassing, relational outreach, and more.
Build relationships: Collaborate with a coalition of administrators, student leaders, and student organizations on campus.
Use social media: Engage with students and organize on campus through social media platforms.
Work Tabling Shifts/Events: Man the For Michigan table at big events and during daily canvassing and providing students with information about voting and encouraging them to make a pledge to vote.

To apply, fill out a short form here.

Please contact our campus organizer, Amelia Henderson, at 703-870-8093 or amelia@4mich.org with any questions or visit our website (www.4mich.org) for additional information.

The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan, and our mission is to educate voters about candidates and the issues on all side of political debates. In addition we do voter registration work. Become a member (dues may be waived or subsidized for students) and help register students (high school and college) and participate in lots of fun community events. For more information, contact lwvmqtco@gmail.com, call 906-228-8650, or check out https://lwvmqt.org.

Find more Civic Engagement Opportunities.

Possible Citizenship or Diversity Edge Hours - International

Interested in volunteering abroad?

Check back for our 2025-26 international service projects.

Possible Citizenship or Diversity Edge Hours - Domestic

The Alzheimer's Association is looking for Alzheimer's Association Community Educators (AACEs) who are volunteer public speakers who help raise awareness, provide education and expand the research of Alzheimer's Association programs in the community. AACEs deliver Alzheimer's Association Core Curriculum using prepared training materials on topics related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias as well as information for individuals and families impacted by the disease.

KEY ACTIVITIES:

Communicate effectively and deliver Core Curriculum (Common Programs) presentations and information to the community
Adhere to Alzheimer's Association’s established curricula and position statements
Work with Alzheimer’s Association staff partners to identify and coordinate education programs that reach target audiences; coordination includes securing program partner, scheduling, preparing presentations, and managing needed materials
Serve as presenter for chapter-scheduled education programs and conferences
Connect members of the community with additional Association services by proactively making referrals to Alzheimer's Association programs & free 24/7 Helpline
Complete necessary paperwork for reporting

QUALIFICATIONS:

Proactive and passionate about the mission of Alzheimer’s Association
Demonstrated success with public speaking, excellent presentation and education skills
Understanding of adult learning principles
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Comfort with computers and familiarity with email and PowerPoint presentations
Ability to network, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners
Experience with dementia as a family member or health care professional preferred

COMMITMENT EXPECTED:

AACE volunteers commit to a 1-year term delivering a minimum of 12 presentations
Terms are renewable upon successful completion of annual goal-setting conversation with your staff partner
Orientation includes: online program volunteer welcome and orientation (1 hour) + self-study or in-person role training with staff partner (2 hours)
AACE volunteers must observe 1 community presentation led by a staff or mentor + present 1 Common Program while being observed /evaluated by a staff or mentor prior to deployment in the community
Background checks are required as part of the volunteer selection process
Comply with Alzheimer’s Association volunteer policies and procedures
Participate in initial training and ongoing education about Alzheimer’s, dementia and the Alzheimer's Association

BENEFITS TO THE VOLUNTEER:

Perfect your public speaking ability and technique
Serve your local community and people you care about
Increase your knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
Be recognized in your community as a leader and resource for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Build your resume and skill set
Perfect your community engagement technique and help mobilize your community to create a world without Alzheimer’s
Join a network of other volunteers, Alzheimer's Association staff and professionals and caregivers in the aging field

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Jack Vander Lugt at jvanderlug@alz.org or 906-373-3107.