Looking for new amazing clubs and internships to put on his or her resume? One of easiest and most rewarding resume-boosters is volunteering. UF is overflowing with tons of different philanthropic organizations and mentorship programs to get involved in. No matter what your interests are, there is always an amazing way to give back to the community. Here are my top five:
1. Dance MarathonIt’s hard to go anywhere on campus without seeing a DM T-shirt or hearing a spirited participant in the middle of Turlington Plaza. Dance Marathon is a nationwide fundraising event on college campuses. The students involved work year-round to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. At the end of each year, DM is concluded by a big event during which students must stand on their feet and dance non-stop for 26.2 hours to raise money before the big reveal. Last year, DM at UF raised more than $1.5 million!
2. Best BuddiesThis organization gives UF students the unique opportunity to interact and become friends with people in the Gainesville community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The commitment entails contacting and socializing with your buddy each month. Founded in 1989, Best Buddies has grown to almost 1,700 middle school, high school and college chapters worldwide. The organization aims to provide disabled people with job opportunities, leadership skills and friendships that will last a lifetime.
3. Relay For LifeThis nationwide fundraising organization is a staple among high school and college campuses, including UF. Students and volunteers join together on different teams to work together throughout the year at various fundraising events. They aim to raise money for the American Cancer Society and are founded on the three principles of celebrating survivors, remembering lives lost to cancer and fighting back.
4. MentorUFThis after-school organization is dedicated to improving the lives of local elementary, middle and high school students. College students are partnered with a student of any age of their choice and meet up weekly to work on homework or just to hang out. This allows a mentorship of not only schoolwork but also life skills.
5. Gators March for BabiesThis organization is a spin-off of the national March of Dimes. The organization promotes and supports the effort to help all babies have a healthy, full-term gestation. The organization has raised $600,000 since its establishment 11 years ago.
These are only a few of the many service organizations to get involved in at UF. We are so privileged to go to such an awesome school, so I encourage you to give back if you have some spare time. Get up and go, my philanthropic collegiettes!
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