Hunter College Community Builders Program
About
The Hunter College Community Builders Program welcomes applications from students interested in supporting their local communities, engage in civic service and support our community partners projects. Volunteering is not only a learning opportunity but also meant to empower you in making a positive impact by addressing important issues in the realm of the arts, education enrichment, and social services. This program provides the opportunity for students to:
- Gain valuable experience
- Interact with community stakeholders
- Perform rewarding and meaningful work
Students interested in applying to a volunteer opportunity should submit an application, and we will help you identify a volunteer site that matches your preferences.
Are you interested in volunteering? Please complete the below form and we will contact you regarding your request.
Volunteers Code of Conduct
- DO treat everyone fairly, without prejudice or discrimination, and be respectful of ethnic, and cultural differences
- DO ensure language is appropriate and not offensive or discriminatory
- DO believe in people's capacities regardless of age, gender, mobility, health, education, and cultural background
- DO treat others as you wish to be treated - with respect, courtesy, and dignity
- DO report to your site supervisor if you need any support or guidance to comply with required tasks
- DO practice role modeling: Behave appropriately, in accordance to volunteer site’s guidelines
- DO recognize and report any behavior in others that might be a cause for concern to your site supervisor or contact us at student.activities@hunter.cuny.edu
- DO maintain a positive and energetic attitude, and practice empathy
- DON’T break confidentiality: Volunteers should maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality by not taking pictures of children under their supervision, and by asking permission before taking photos of community members using services
- DON’T be late or unreliable: Volunteers should be committed to the schedule they were assigned
Expectations for Community Partners
Hunter College is excited to collaborate with our community partners to create meaningful volunteer opportunities for our students. Our goal is to ensure the safety, growth, and success of our student volunteers while fostering mutually beneficial relationships with our partners. To achieve this, we have outlined the following expectations for community partners participating in our volunteer program:
- Establish a Structured Volunteer Program
Community partners should have a defined volunteer program or a clear outline of tasks, roles, and responsibilities for student volunteers. This structure ensures that volunteers understand their contributions and how they support the organization’s mission.
- Align Volunteer Opportunities with Student Goals
Volunteer opportunities should align with the academic, professional, or personal development goals of the students. Partners are encouraged to design roles that allow students to gain relevant skills and experiences while contributing meaningfully to the organization.
- Maintain Transparency
Partners must communicate transparently about their expectations for both Hunter College and the student volunteers. This includes outlining:
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- Volunteer schedules and time commitments
- Required skills or qualifications
- Any training or orientation processes
- Encourage Open Communication
Partners should feel comfortable reaching out to Hunter College staff with any questions, concerns, or feedback about the program. Likewise, they should foster an open-door policy for student volunteers to express concerns or seek guidance.
- Foster an Atmosphere of Respect and Community
Community partners are expected to create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for student volunteers. This includes:
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- Promoting mutual respect among staff, volunteers, and students
- Ensuring a safe and supportive workplace or program site
- Recognizing and valuing the contributions of student volunteers
By adhering to these expectations, community partners can help us achieve the shared goal of making a positive impact on our community while enriching the educational experiences of Hunter College students.
We look forward to building a successful and rewarding partnership with your organization!