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 

CU in the CommunityChoose 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 2024 CU in the Community projects

We have canceled our travel to Denver for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade due to inclement weather.

This MLK Day, Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) and the VRC are teaming up to offer an opportunity in honor of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a nationally recognized day of service. Join fellow CU Boulder students to spend the day “on” (instead of spending the day off) by connecting and participating in community celebrations in Denver. Meet on the UMC south terrace for introductions and breakfast, then travel as a group to downtown Denver to attend and participate in the march and parade community celebration hosted by the City of Denver. Food and transportation will be provided for those who sign up to participate. For CU Boulder community members who live in Denver, please feel free to join by meeting us at City Park.

Sign up for MLK Day on CUServes

AmeriCorps Seniors presents a heartwarming opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our isolated senior community members. Join us as we shop for groceries and bring essential supplies to those who may be facing the challenges of solitude. This initiative is all about connecting generations, spreading joy and lending a helping hand. Together, we can brighten the day of our beloved seniors and ensure they have the support they need.

Sign up for AmeriCorps on CUServes

Join the Wesley Fellowship to provide nourishing meals and conversation to those living outdoors in our community. Volunteers will prepare and deliver meals along Boulder Creek to our unhoused neighbors while making connections and sharing stories.

Sign up for Peanut Butter n’ Luvin’ on CUServes

Homelessness is not just a lack of shelter. It’s the absence of a home — a place where someone feels safe, comfortable, secure and valued. Volunteers will support the work of TGTHR to help end youth homelessness through providing a place to live, employment, access to education, wellness and a supportive community.

Sign up for TGTHR on CUServes

Thorne Nature Experience is a non-profit organization that is committed to building Earth stewardship by connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences. Founded in Boulder in 1954, Thorne has a rich history and has reached more than 300,000 children and adults through its programs. Volunteer will help getting youth outside and connecting to the wild landscapes of Colorado.

Sign up for Thorne Nature Experience on CUServes

A Precious Child provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. A Precious Child envisions every child growing up to be a secure, self-reliant, contributing member of their community. They provide basic essentials to children and families in Colorado that are poverty-stricken, homeless, abused, at-risk or facing a huge life challenge and without access to basic needs.

Volunteers will be working in one of two volunteer roles:

  • Donation center volunteer: Help process incoming community donations and prepare them for distribution to families via the resource center, which is set up like a retail store for clothing items and basic essentials, all provided at no charge.
  • Store volunteer: Create a welcoming atmosphere by providing a dignified and respectful shopping experience. Assist clients during their shopping visit, replenish and organize areas throughout the store and check out clients.

Sign up for A Precious Child on CUServes

Project lead opportunities

The VRC is recruiting students to serve as project leads for its CU in the Community projects throughout the spring. 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!

Project Lead Interest Form

Non-profit collaborations

If you are a nonprofit organization interested in hosting a volunteer site, please tell us more about your project ideas and volunteer needs by filling out a project proposal.

Nonprofit Project Proposal

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.