40+ ways to make a difference — and gain valuable skills
If you want to get more involved in your community, complement your CV and support a cause near and dear to you, the Concordia Volunteer Fair is a good place to start looking for opportunities.
Taking place on Thursday, October 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Building) Atrium — the event gives students the chance to meet with representatives from more than 40 community organizations that offer chances to get involved at Concordia, in Montreal and abroad.
“I have spoken with many organizations who are eager to participate in our fair,” says Katie Broad, coordinator at Concordia’s LIVE Centre, the campus-community liaison service that puts on the fair.
“They know that we always have a great turnout from students, staff and faculty, and many have had excellent experiences with Concordia volunteers in the past.”
From Make-a-Wish Quebec to Share the Warmth, Montreal Citizen Advocacy to CU Volunteer Crew in the Dean of Students Office, there are many worthy groups to choose from. See the complete list of participating organizations.
Mandy Pham (BComm 16) attended the fair as an undergraduate student in commerce. It led to volunteering stints with Literacy Unlimited, among other organizations.
"Volunteering helped me develop a lot of skills, such as communication, networking, relationship building,” she says.
“It just made university so much more memorable and much more valuable.”
‘Volunteer for a cause that interests you’
The fair is open to everyone — students, staff and the general public. Visitors are encouraged to talk with recruiters from organizations that interest them in order to find the right match in terms of interests, goals and schedule.
Broad says she and her colleagues at the Live Centre hear time and time again how volunteering positively impacts Concordia students. Beyond propelling a cause you care about, it’s also a great way to develop valuable communication and work ethic skills.
“Students engaging in community-based learning experiences gain skills that help them academically and that translate extremely well to the job market,” she says. “It is also a great opportunity to meet new friends and grow their network.”
Can’t make it to the fair? Drop in to LIVE’s Volunteer Resource Centre. Ambassadors will help you find an experience to develop your skills, connect with new people and make a difference.
“Volunteer for a cause that interests you,” recommends Ankitha Merugu (MEng 17), a former volunteer at the Concordia University Student Parents Centre (CUSP). “It will keep you motivated and add a lot to your personal development.”
Check out the full list of organizations attending this year's Concordia Volunteer Fair on Thursday, October 4, from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. in the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Building) Atrium.
