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The purpose of the Volunteer Center at Brenau University is to act as a resource bank for students who wish to serve the community through various organizations.  The fundamental belief of the volunteer center is that volunteering not only enhances the community, but also the inner self of the volunteer.  The VC is a place where organizations are able to call or send information that is then passed on to the student body.

Events

• Fall Volunteer Fair (September)---The purpose of the fall volunteer fair is to make students aware of the volunteer possibilities in the area.  Scheduling the fair early in the year gives students the opportunity to establish the habit of volunteerism soon after the start of the academic year.  Brenau University has a strong commitment to learning through community service and encourages all students to become involved in the lives of others in a meaningful way.
• Spring Volunteer Fair (January)---The intent of the spring fair is to provide organizations with a chance to share their philanthropic activities with the Brenau community, as well as encourage students to volunteer.  Sororities and other organizations are encouraged to share their volunteering efforts with others.  The theme for the 1998 fair was "Volunteerism at Brenau."  Eight outside agencies and eight sororities participated in this event.  The list of off-campus participants included American Red Cross, Campfire Boys and Girls, Challenged Child, Enota Elementary, GAIN, March of Dimes, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Rape Response, and United Way. 

• AmeriCorps is a national service program that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to earn help paying for education in exchange for a year of service. www.americorps.org

• Cool Works: Volunteer Opportunities links to organizations that offer volunteer opportunities for those in search of adventure.  www.coolworks.com/showme/vlnteer.htm
• Gainesville-Hall County Volunteer Resource Center assists area organizations with the planning of programs and recruiting of volunteers.  The resource center works with numerous community organizations where students can donate their time.
• Global Volunteer Network is a non profit organisation placing volunteers in community projects in China, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Thailand, and Uganda. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational, environmental and community aid programs. Examples of the exciting and rewarding activities available to volunteers include teaching English, environmental work, AIDS education, and assisting in an orphanage.   www.volunteer.org.nz
• Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. www.habitat.org
• Habitat for Humanity: The Collegiate Challenge is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for students to spend their spring break working at Habitat affiliates across the country in order to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness.  Spring Break 2000 the Brenau Women traveled to Miami to help build a new home for someone in need.  This years location has not yet been decided, but plans are in the making.  We challenge you to spend your spring break with us.

• International Healthcare Volunteer Opportunities are available for healthcare professionals and students who are interested in volunteer work, employment, or studying with under-served communities at home or abroad.  www.library.unmed.edu/ihoc/

• Northeast Georgia Medical Center adjoins the campus of Brenau University and is a wonderful place for service as a volunteer, especially for students who don't have  transportation off campus.
• Peace Corps promotes peace and offers trained volunteers to assist developing and underdeveloped countries.  www.peacecorps.gov
• Partner in Education---Brenau University is a partner in education with Enota Elementary School in Gainesville.  Brenau students serve as teacher's aides and help students with academic subjects, especially reading.  www.gainesville-city.k12.ga.us or email to enota@gainesville-city.k12.ga.us
• United Way is a national system of volunteers, contributors, and local charities built on the proven effectiveness of local organizations helping people in their own communities. www.unitedway.org
• World Teach is a private, non-profit organization based at Harvard University which sends volunteer overseas to teach in developing countries.  www.worldteach.org

It is the desire of the Volunteer Center to have student, faculty, and staff input in the day-to-day operations of the center.  We are searching for a diverse group of individuals that will be able to represent the student body as a whole and who are committed to change.  This will help us in fulfilling the needs inside and outside the Brenau community.
While members of the council will be required to attend a monthly meeting, all are encouraged to attend and to become involved.  

For more information call (770) 534-6108.  On behalf of all those in need we thank you for your interest and support in the Mertz Center for Volunteerism.