We all know Hofstra’s motto is “Pride & Purpose” – but what have you done lately to contribute to that ideal? If you want to get involved in doing some good for our school and the surrounding community, you have plenty of options to choose from!
Here are just a few of them:
1. Center for Civic Engagement
A lot of students on campus don’t even realize that this place exists. CCE is all about active citizenship – getting out there in the community and getting a grasp on local, national and international issues. They offer internships at a number of partner institutions including the Hempstead High School Initiative, the Greater Uniondale Area Action Coalition (GUAAC), Health Leads, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and the Long Island Alliance for Peaceful Alternatives.
2. Volunteers Around the World
Are you a pre-med or dental major? VAW provides students with a two-week long medical or dental internship experience during the winter or summer break. Student volunteers will pay to provide medical supplies and medications for patients in host country and will shadow medical or dental professions as they help to facilitate mobile medical or dental clinics, manage a pharmacy (distribute medications), take basic vitals, teach health education to the youth and more.
3. MUSE (Museum Uniting Students Experiences)
So maybe you’re into the arts– MUSE is here to turn that interest into service! MUSE is a volunteer student run group that acts as a bridge between the student body and the Hofstra University Museum. As a volunteer, you’d have a say in Museum activities and outreach to the University and beyond!
4. Hofstra’s Habitat for Humanity
There is no denying that there is a housing problem in this community. Habitat does more than build houses, they build homes. Not to mention they raise awareness about the need for affordable housing in the community. So pick up a hard hat and a hammer and get to work collegiettes!
5. Newman Club
Hofstra is home to many wonderful faith-based societies including the Newman Club! The catholic organization hosts two mission trips – one abroad and one domestic – and two retreats per year. Recent mission trips have included doing work in nearby Long Beach after Hurricane Sandy, doing home improvements in Appalachian Kentucky, and exploring faith communities in the Dominican Republic. Traveling while doing some good? Can’t get much better than that!