How to Plan a Service Event - Office of Student Involvement

1. Be Intentional:

Determine what would be the most meaningful project and choose a focus area - Is this going to be a one-time service event, ongoing service, advocacy, or philanthropic event? How much time is your organization willing to commit? Are there other organizations on campus or in the community you could partner with?

2. Contact Agencies:

Check out our Agencies tab for some partners that cater to your service focus area.

3. Planning the Event:

Date and length of the event - One-time or ongoing?

Number of volunteers - Is there a minimum or maximum amount of volunteers the agency can accommodate at one time?

Tasks - What type of work will you be doing during the event? What materials need to be obtained BEFORE the day of the event?

Transportation and parking - How will volunteers get to the site? Is there adequate parking?

Additional requirements at agency - Is there any type of training needed prior to the service event? Are background checks needed? Complete necessary waivers and release forms.

Rain out date - If there is inclement weather, is there another day and time that the event can take place?

Promote your event - Are you going to send emails, post flyers, host information booths, post on social media?
Register your event on Bearcat Link

4. Engage in Service Event:

The day has finally come! This is the time to put all of your preparation into action. Take plenty of pictures and recordings/testimonies of your work (when/if appropriate).

5. Implement Reflection Plan:

Before the event, reflect on expectations you and your group might have in anticipation to your service. Following the event, reflect on your experiences with your attendees.

6. Share your Service Story:

Create a video, slideshow of pictures, blog, event on the Northwest website, and share on social media and with the Northwest Media Center.