IVCC Volunteers is a new student organization dedicated to everything volunteering. These opportunities are open to volunteering across campus and in the local community.

I created this organization with the help of Madonna Duncan, director of marketing and communications, as an advisor. IVCC Volunteers will also have Jared Olsen, sociology professor, joining us as an advisor with the idea of a campus garden.

We are discussing plans to clean up the Starved Rock area and other similar conservation efforts while getting the garden started over the summer. The goal of the garden is to grow produce for the local food pantries and to allow students of any level to learn gardening skills. Our plans for future on-campus events are joint projects with other organizations and assisting with whatever is requested.

We are bringing these opportunities to students to build community involvement and boost community service hours for students. Often, when you go to transfer through the foundation, you can find scholarships specifically for students who are involved in the community, dedicating time to volunteering. Universities also like to see students who have a strong community relationship when considering admissions.

Our goal is to get the word out about the new organization and build membership. The next meeting for the organization will be Thursday, May 1, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in room E-321.