The Community Involvement & Volunteerism Center

The mission of the Community Involvement and Volunteerism Center (CIViC) is to develop engaged citizens and global leaders through civic engagement.

Aligned with the metropolitan vision of the University, the CIViC serves as a resource to all students who seek to learn, help and ultimately make a difference in their community.  Going beyond providing volunteer opportunities, the CIViC hopes to provide a framework for students to move along a continuum that begins with direct service and develops into issue specific awareness, education and ultimately advocacy. 

Direct Service

At UM-Dearborn students, faculty and staff are actively engaged in service!  The CIViC hosts a variety of signature volunteer programs, in collaborations with many community partners, including: The A-OK Day of Service, Make a Difference Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, and our First Saturdays Program.

Additionally, the CIViC is happy to student organizations, or others wishing to engage in service, to set up projects and opportunities to make an impact in the community!  With a partner list over over 150+ community agencies, the CIViC has connections across the Southeastern Michigan region and beyond!

Through the 2012-2013 school year, UM-Dearborn deployed well over 1,000 volunteers in service to their communities!

Alternative Breaks

Each year, students dedicate their time to serving communities across the state, country and even globe.  Teams of students are deployed annually to exciting locations where they work on projects related to key social issues such as: homelessness, hunger, early childhood education, and environmental justice.  

Check back soon for updated AB trip info for 2013-2014!

Voter Engagement & Advocacy

Being a part of a community includes being active in voting, and advocating for policy change.  At UM-Dearborn, we take citizenship very seriously, and as a result have created opportunities for student to engage in this important role.  Through voter registration and engagement program, the CIViC works to make sure every student has the opportunity to have their voice heard at the local, regional and national level!

Student Food Pantry

The University of Michigan-Dearborn Student Food Pantry, created in 2013, is intended to provide temporary food assistance for students and their families in need.  As a Gleaner's Community Food Bank Partner Pantry, the Student Food Pantry strives to ensure that all students have access to good quality food.  The pantry is open during business hours and welcomes all in need. Additionally, the pantry welcomes both cash and food donations at any time.

Philanthropy & Donations

The CIViC helps students, student organizations, or other UM-Dearborn groups interested in doing a collection of food or money for local agencies.  The CIViC is eager to assist any group in their projects, and can be a great partner on new projects!

Programming

The CIViC offers a vareity of programs intended to engage thought and leadership in solving real world problems.  Programs like Poverty Simulations, films on controversial social issues, and invited speakers all create an environment where ideas and action can be created!

RESOURCES:

CIViC Mailing List registration