CU in the Community

91制片厂 CU in the Community

CU in the Community is a series of one-time, student-led volunteer projects offered each semester in collaboration with local nonprofit organizations. Projects are based on community needs and include various types of service related to social and environmental justice. All students are invited to participate in any and all volunteer projects to gain understanding of social and environmental issues, engage in direct service, reflect on their impact and learn about continued engagement in communities. This program is a great opportunity for students who are looking to get involved, make new connections, practice their leadership skills or simply to spend a day engaged making a positive impact.

General information for participants 

stylized text: CU in the Community

Choose a project and sign up to participate, no experience is necessary. Students who sign up to volunteer for CU in the Community projects will receive a detailed reminder email related to their unique project the week of the event with information about where to check in, what to wear and what to bring. In general, we recommend that volunteers bring plenty of drinking water and any other personal care supplies necessary to be active and engaged. Volunteers are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes and layers appropriate for Colorado weather and/or indoor tasks specific to projects.

Food and transportation are provided!

Your involvement is more impactful than you may think! Please be mindful that signing up for a project and not showing up the day of and/or canceling last minute impacts resources used for food and transportation, community organizations who are counting on volunteers to help them meet their goals, and other students who want to participate. If you must cancel, please do so as far in advance as possible so that other students have the opportunity to participate and to help ensure that there are enough volunteers committed to meet the goals of the project. If you sign up for a project, please plan to attend and participate.

Contact vrcevents@colorado.edu with questions and requests for accommodations.

Spring 2025 CU in the Community projects

  • Jan. 25: All Aboard Animal Rescue
  • Feb. 1: Sister Carmen 
  • Feb. 8: Corner Boxing Gym
  • Feb. 22: Judi's House
  • March 8: Project CURE
  • April 5: The Place
  • April 12: Habitat for Humanity
  • April 13: Boulder Library
  • April 16: Butterfly Pavilion
  • April 17: Community Food Share
  • April 19: Boulder Library

Project lead opportunities

The VRC is recruiting students to serve as project leads for its CU in the Community projects. Project leads will be responsible for coordinating and directing volunteers during a one-time service opportunity with a local nonprofit. Students interested will be required to attend two one-hour trainings prior to their project but all project details, transportation, food and logistics will be coordinated by the Volunteer Resource Center. We鈥檇 love to CU in the Community!

Non-profit collaborations

If you are a nonprofit organization interested in hosting a volunteer site, please tell us more about your project ideas and volunteer needs by filling out a project proposal.

Past CU in the Community Projects

Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

The Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides compassionate care to orphaned, injured and sick wildlife. Volunteers worked to beautify the center鈥檚 grounds and help maintain a safe space for the wild patients in their care. Volunteers play a crucial part in supporting efforts to protect local wildlife at Colorado鈥檚 largest wildlife rehabilitation center. The project included cleaning animal condos, setting-up enrichment and completing other yard work.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

For MLK Day, Center for African and African American Studies (CAAAS) and the VRC teamed up to offer an opportunity in honor of the , a nationally recognized day of service. Fellow CU Boulder students spent the day 鈥渙n鈥 (instead of spending the day off) by connecting and participating in community celebrations in Denver. Participants participated in hosted by the City of Denver.

Lockwood Foundation

is a community organization that creates opportunities for those with limited mobility to access to the trails and mountains in a way only community can. They currently use a combination of community and technology to create access to trails and adventures that are typically inaccessible or even considered impossible. Volunteers supported those with limited mobility in a 鈥渢rail trial鈥 up short trails at NCAR in Boulder, led by Lockwood Foundation trail leaders. Volunteers assisted adaptive athletes in small groups on a 20-30 minute outing, with  time to rest between outings.

Boulder Creek Cleanup

Volunteers helped to clean up parts of Boulder Creek by picking up and bagging trash along the creek.

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit that cares for abused and neglected farmed animals. Their rescued residents include cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, horses, goats, donkeys, sheep and ducks. Volunteers assisted with cleaning resident living areas, replenishing water and food, and giving the animals some love and attention.

A Precious Child

A Precious Child provides children in need with opportunities and resources to empower them to achieve their full potential. Volunteers made no-sew fleece blankets to donate.