SKOServe: Change the Way You Help is a series of educational trainings that explore various topics related to volunteering and social and environmental justice. Students can attend any or all of the trainings in the series and will have the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills, examine their connection to community issues, develop new ways to engage, and learn about ways to get involved. No previous experience is necessary.
A variety of topics are offered each semester, in collaboration with guest facilitators. Addtional SKOServe topics are available upon request. Please use the sign up below to attend one or any of our topics offered this semester and review our full list of topics if you would like to learn more.
Fall 2021 SKOServe Topics
No registration required. Students can drop in and join any session!
Homelessness: How to have more effective and empathetic interactions
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Thursday, September 9, 5-6:30 p.m. in UMC 417
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What perceptions shape our interactions with members of our community who are experiencing homelessness? What barriers exist for folks who want to engage and help? Students who attend this training will learn about ways to challenge stereotypes and learn new ways to engage with community members who are experiencing homelessness in their everyday interactions and/or through service.
Feed the Stampede: Combating food insecurity at CU Boulder
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Thursday, October 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in UMC 245
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What is food insecurity? Who does it affect and why is it important to address? How can I help combat food insecurity in my community? In this SKOserve, participants will be able to learn about food insecurity, how it impacts university and college students across the nation, and specifically at CU Boulder. With special guest facilitators from the Buff Pantry, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Culture Shock: How to volunteer effectively in different settings
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Tuesday, November 9, 5-6:30 p.m. in UMC 418
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When we serve communities that are different from our own, or when volunteering exposes us to someone else’s experience that is very different from what we know, we can experience a form of culture shock. Volunteers' reactions to culture shock can sometimes interfere with the impact they want to have and can cause harm and frustration for individuals and communities in need of support. This training offers skills for how to cope with challenges and embrace navigating differences in order to build resilience and volunteer more effectively.
Additional topics available upon request
To request a SKOServe presentation for your student organization or class, please contact us at vrcevents@colorado.edu and we will be happy to arrange a training session. Each training takes about an hour and includes a conversation based exploration of the topic, action items for what we can do differently, and ideas for where to volunteer next. Please feel free to choose from our full list of available topics:
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How to cope with Culture Shock when volunteering in different settings to manage impact
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How to use Ethical Photography and social media intentionally as a volunteer
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Feed the Stampede: an introduction to Food Insecurity and how it impacts college students
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Homelessness: how to have more effective and empathetic interactions with community members
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Voluntourism What are impacts of volunteer tourists and how students be more responsble tourists, travelers and volunteers when engaging in voluntouirsm
Contact us at vrcevents@colorado.edu with questions and requests. SKOServe!