UNH Today

One of the things that UNH students are most passionate about is getting involved, especially with community service projects. It’s why UNH offers almost 100 different student organizations dedicated to making a difference. There’s something for everyone, whether your passion is working with children or bettering the world.

It’s never too early or too late to start volunteering. These organizations are always happy to have you! Dedicate however much time you have — not only are you making the community and world a better place, you’ll also make new friends and expand your worldview. Isn’t that what college is all about?

For those who want to make a tangible difference in the community…

SHARPP: SHARPP (Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program) volunteers dedicate time in two areas, either peer advocacy or community education. Through advocating for victims, engaging in educational dialogue, participating in the annual Anti-Violence Rally and Walk and more, SHARPP volunteers help spread the important message of ending sexual violence.

Wildcat Friends: Wildcat Friends pairs up developmentally disabled adults from the community with UNH students to meet once a week. Students take part in various activities around campus with the friends, helping introduce them to the spirit of the university.

Waysmeet Center and Cornucopia Food Pantry: UNH’s Waysmeet Center is a community for students and non-students alike. Students can volunteer their time at the Cornucopia Food Pantry, which offers food to those in need on a weekly basis.

Hall Council: Every residence hall has a council — made up of students, RAs and the hall director — that convenes to plan events for residents. Many of these events are community service-oriented, so joining Hall Council or just participating in their volunteer events is a great way to spend your time.

Best Buddies UNH: Best Buddies provides friendship and leadership opportunities for community members who have intellectual and developmental disabilities by including them in UNH student-run activities and events.

Circle K: Circle K is an all-encompassing volunteer organization. The student branch at UNH is dedicated to a variety of service projects in the local, regional and international communities.

Woods Cleanup Crew: For those who crave hands-on work and want to be in nature, the Woods Cleanup Crew is the student organization for you. The crew has weekly trail cleanups around the area, giving participants a chance to enjoy the fresh air while making a positive impact in our community’s environment.

American Red Cross UNH Club (ARCC): This student-run branch of the American Red Cross aims to connect volunteers with community service projects in the area. Being involved with the Red Cross provides valuable networking and skill-building opportunities.

For those who want to make a difference in kids’ lives…

Aspiring Hands: Students who volunteer with Aspiring Hands go to the Somersworth Early Learning Center once a week to provide emotional support and companionship to kids of various ages who attend the center.

Dance Marathon: Members of UNH Dance Marathon spend the year hosting events to fundraise for the Children’s Miracle Network, meeting child patients and their parents and planning for the year-end dance marathon. The multi-hour marathon entails participants staying on their feet as long as they can to celebrate the total amount of funds raised that year.

Friends of Jaclyn: Friends of Jaclyn matches UNH athletic teams with children living with pediatric cancer, aiming to create lasting bonds and friendships and give the children and their families a source of joy and support.

Project Sunshine: Project Sunshine volunteers visit local hospitals to spend time with children. The group meets weekly to plan hospital trips, make arts and crafts for local hospitals and organize fundraisers.

Students for St. Jude: This student organization aims to raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which provides no-cost care to children with cancer.

For those who want to change the world…

Students Without Borders: This group of student engineers and non-engineers take part in creating engineering solutions for disadvantaged communities around the world and in the region. SWB implements environmentally and economically sustainable technical projects in local and international communities, while developing globally responsible and knowledgeable students.

Oxfam UNH: Oxfam UNH has a multifaceted goal to educate the campus and community about the issues of hunger, poverty, homelessness, inequality and discrimination, health and education, women’s rights, conflict and disasters, aid and development, citizens’ rights and climate change.

Relay for Life: The Relay for Life organization raises funds for and awareness about the Relay for Life event, an 18-hour relay that benefits the American Cancer Society and recognizes and celebrates cancer survivors.

Fraternity and Sorority Life: Fraternities and sororities have specific philanthropic causes that they fundraise and campaign for throughout the year, from autism to heart disease. In addition to traditional fraternities and sororities, UNH offers a coed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, specifically dedicated to community service.

Gift of Life: Students in Gift of Life work towards finding a match for every blood cancer patient in need of a life-saving bone marrow transplant by holding and organizing donor drives on campus.

Alternative Break Challenge: Want to spend your spring break dedicating time to a meaningful cause? The Alternative Break Challenge is perfect for you. A variety of service trips are offered, from nature cleanup to volunteering at an inner-city kids’ program.

Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA): Volunteering with Animal Welfare Alliance would be a perfect fit if you’re passionate about educating the public about animal welfare movements and working to make change. The group distributes petitions, holds fundraisers and volunteers as part of their campaign for the better treatment of animals.

The Freedom Café: Some students choose to volunteer at The Freedom Café, a local coffeehouse in Durham that serves beverages and baked goods in addition to hosting popular open mic nights. But it’s not just a regular café — the Freedom Café aims to end human trafficking in the world by providing a space for discussion, education and fundraising.

Found something of interest? Learn more about getting involved here.