CU in the Community
About CU in the Community
CU in the Community is a series of one-time, student-led volunteer projects offered each semester in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. Projects are based on community needs and include various types of service related to social and environmental justice. All students are invited to participate in any and all volunteer projects to gain understanding of social and environmental issues, engage in direct service, reflect on their impact and learn about continued engagement in communities. This program is a great opportunity for students who are looking to get involved, make new connections, practice their leadership skills or simply to spend a day engaged making a positive impact.
General information for participants
Choose a project and sign up to participate, no experience is necessary. Students who sign up to volunteer for CU in the Community projects will receive a detailed reminder email related to their unique project the week of the event with information about where to check in, what to wear and what to bring. In general, we recommend that volunteers bring plenty of drinking water and any other personal care supplies necessary to be active and engaged. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and layers appropriate for Colorado weather and/or indoor tasks specific to projects.
Food and transportation are provided!
Your involvement is more impactful than you may think! Please be mindful that signing up for a project and not showing up the day of and/or canceling last minute impacts resources used for food and transportation, community organizations who are counting on volunteers to help them meet their goals, and other students who want to participate. If you must cancel, please do so as far in advance as possible so that other students have the opportunity to participate and to help ensure that there are enough volunteers committed to meet the goals of the project. If you sign up for a project, please plan to attend and participate.
Contact vrcevents@colorado.edu with questions and requests for accommodations.
Spring 2025 CU in the Community projects
Project lead opportunities
The VRC is recruiting students to serve as project leads for its CU in the Community projects. Project leads will be responsible for coordinating and directing volunteers during a one-time service opportunity with a local nonprofit. Students interested will be required to attend two one-hour trainings prior to their project but all project details, transportation, food and logistics will be coordinated by the Volunteer Resource Center. We’d love to CU in the Community!
Non-profit collaborations
Past CU in the Community Projects
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
The Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides compassionate care to orphaned, injured and sick wildlife. Volunteers worked to beautify the center’s grounds and help maintain a safe space for the wild patients in their care. Volunteers play a crucial part in supporting efforts to protect local wildlife at Colorado’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center. The project included cleaning animal condos, setting-up enrichment and completing other yard work.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
For MLK Day, Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) and the VRC teamed up to offer an opportunity in honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a nationally recognized day of service. Fellow CU Boulder students spent the day “on” (instead of spending the day off) by connecting and participating in community celebrations in Denver. Participants participated in the march and parade community celebration hosted by the City of Denver.
Lockwood Foundation
The Lockwood Foundation is a community organization that creates opportunities for those with limited mobility to access to the trails and mountains in a way only community can. They currently use a combination of community and technology to create access to trails and adventures that are typically inaccessible or even considered impossible. Volunteers supported those with limited mobility in a “trail trial” up short trails at NCAR in Boulder, led by Lockwood Foundation trail leaders. Volunteers assisted adaptive athletes in small groups on a 20-30 minute outing, with time to rest between outings.
Boulder Creek Cleanup
Volunteers helped to clean up parts of Boulder Creek by picking up and bagging trash along the creek.
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit that cares for abused and neglected farmed animals. Their rescued residents include cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, horses, goats, donkeys, sheep and ducks. Volunteers assisted with cleaning resident living areas, replenishing water and food, and giving the animals some love and attention.
A Precious Child
A Precious Child provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. Volunteers made no-sew fleece blankets to donate.