Community Engagement

Nearly all UMR students engage in the Rochester community. Many students engage through volunteer opportunities.

Ways to Support COVID-19 Efforts

Rochester Based Locations
Catholic Charities
The Sheridan Story
Lutheran Social Services
United Way of Olmsted County
Channel One
Family Service Rochester

Non-Rochester Based Location
Interfaith Outreach - Plymouth, MN
The Open Door - Eagan, Apple Valley
PRISM - Golden Valley
House of Charity - Minneapolis
Open Arms - Minneapolis

There are many agencies looking for assistance, find one that aligns with your passion!

Resources to Help Connect You to Your Community

Attend the UMR Involvement Fair during the first week of classes in the fall.
The United Way of Olmsted County offers a volunteer search feature that can help connect you to local needs.
You can also search using Volunteer Match.
Watch for opportunities in the Raptor Report student e-newsletter.
Consider joining a Club. UMR student clubs often participate in volunteer and service opportunities in Rochester.
Take Community Collaboratory - CLI 2522, This course extends the student learning experience into the Rochester community, partnering with local organizations to analyze and approach community needs.
Activate your GoldPASS powered by Handshake Account. GoldPASS powered by Handshake is the University of Minnesota's professional job, internship, and volunteer database connecting students and alumni with employment opportunities throughout the world. GoldPASS powered by Handshake is available to students and alumni from all 5 campuses (Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester and Twin CIties).
The Mayor's Youth Commission advocates for youth leadership and civic engagement in the Rochester community. Youth Commissions have gone on to serve in their communities locally and around the world in education, healthcare, business, and government service. There is no limit to the number of UMR students who can participate on the Youth Commission. Interested students are encouraged to visit the Youth Commissions website (https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/youth-commission) or reach out to Michon Rogers at mrogers@rochestermn.gov

Examples of Past UMR Student Experiences

Organization	Role
Seasons Hospice	Direct, Indirect, and Bereavement Care
Family Service Rochester	Family Access Center Volunteer
Minnesota Teen Challenge	Administrative Support Volunteer
Boys and Girls Club	Mentor
Women's Shelter	Childcare Volunteer
Paws and Claws Humane Society	Volunteer
St. Mary's Hospital*	Volunteer
Mayo Clinic*	Pediatric Volunteer, Hospice Center, Gift Shop,
Office for Diversity in Mayo Medical School*	Observer
Brighter Tomorrows	BLAST Staff
Gift of Life Transplant House*	Volunteer
Ronald McDonald House*	Housewarmer
Hawthorne Education Center	Volunteer
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)	Mental Health Volunteer
Good Samaritan Dental Clinic and Pharmacy*	Volunteer
Rochester Center for Autism	Activity Planner
The Homestead at Rochester	Volunteer with an Occupational Therapist
Diversity Council	Volunteer
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of Rochester*	Volunteer
Channel One Food Bank	Volunteer
Greater Twin Cities United Way	Volunteer

* Indicates it is within walking distance of UMR