The Center offers a variety of civic engagement opportunities for students, from service projects to civic learning experiences. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive updates on our programs along with volunteer needs in the community and civic engagement opportunities. The newsletter is sent weekly during the academic year.
Students
Minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility
The Minor in Civic Engagement and Responsibility program involves students working together with community partners to create a more just and equitable world.
Community Service
Volunteer and Community Organizations
Find local community agencies that depend on volunteers and interns.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
A list of current volunteer and service opportunities.
Civic Engagement Programs
Discover the ways Illinois State practices civic engagement and find examples from actual projects.
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Bring it Back to Normal (April)
Provides opportunities for students to give back to the community that is home to Illinois State University.
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Holiday Helper (November-December)
The Holiday Helper program annually provides gifts for hundreds of children in the local community.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service (January)
A National Day of Service to honor Dr. King's commitment and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and social justice.
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September Service Days (September-October)
A series of planned service projects that provide students the opportunity to give back and participate in community service.
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Spring into Service (March-April)
A small series of planned service projects that provide students the opportunity to get out and give back.
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Serving Those Who Served (November)
In recent years, we worked with Habitat for Humanity ReStore and hosted letter-writing sessions for the Serving Those Who Served project.
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SOCKtober (October)
In the month of October, we collect new, in-package socks that are donated to local children sponsored by the Holiday Helper program.
Civic Education
The Center for Civic Engagement hosts a variety of programs, events, and initiatives to help students learn about social issues, dialogue across differences, and become informed voters.
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Deliberative Dialogues
Guided conversations on a political or controversial topic.
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Constitution Day
Day to commemorate September 17, 1787, signing of the United States Constitution.
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Civic Action Resources
Resources for addressing and learning about civic issues.
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Redbird Voter Guide
Civic engagement is a core value at Illinois State University; that includes voting.
Other Ways to Get Engaged
Get to know Civic Engagement at Preview
Discover how you can make a #RedbirdImpact from day one at Illinois State University!