O'Connor Center for Community Service
Reaching Out to Delhi and Beyond...
Upcoming Events

MEET THE NEW COORDINATOR!

Lindsay R. Cich (pronounced "sss-itch") has become the Coordinator of the O'Connor Center now that Martha Vink has left to pursue some new and exciting opportunities of her own. Lindsay is originally from a suburb called West Seneca, just outside of Buffalo NY. She has an M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College and a B.A. in English with a minor in African American Studies from SUNY Fredonia. You may recognize her from last year when she worked in the Student Activities Office doing "green sheets" and purchase orders or when she helped out at Counseling and Health Services. She looks forward to meeting you and working with all of you in her new role! Ask questions or just say "hi" on AOL Instant Messenger, her username is: lindsaycich

What is the O'Connor Center for Community Service?

The O'Connor Center for Community Service matches individual students, clubs, classes, faculty and staff volunteers with service opportunities in local non-profit agencies and organizations. The Center provides a clearinghouse for community organizations seeking assistance. Center staff also facilitate community service by arranging for transportation and giving feedback on completed service projects. Recent research has indicated that over 72% of SUNY Delhi students participate in volunteer service. In the same survey, students rated opportunities for community service at SUNY Delhi and opportunities for personal involvement in campus activities very highly.

Why participate in community service?

• To test your strengths.
• To "try-out" a possible major or career choice.
• To gain experience or references for future job.
• To expand your understanding - compare theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
• To fulfill an academic requirement.
• To enhance your co-curricular transcript or résumé.
• To help others.

What type of community service work might I do?

• You may volunteer by yourself or with a student club, greek organization, class, or just a group of friends.
• You may volunteer for a one-time event or an ongoing commitment (i.e. once per week or once per month).
• You could do physical labor such as yard clean-up, painting or moving; host an activity for kids at a day care or scout group; organize and run a fund-raising event for the charitable organization of your choice; assist with recreation programs for people with disabilities; visit nursing home residents, and so much more!!!

How does it work?

Think about what type of work you'd like to be doing, on your own or with an organization.

• Check your schedule and figure out when you're available to volunteer.
• Contact the Center by phone, send an email, write a note or stop by. We'll ask you about your preferences, availability, and whether or not you have transportation.
• If we have a suitable volunteer opportunity already, we can put you in touch with a volunteer site right away. You may have to wait a week or more until we can find a service opportunity that matches your needs.
• If you are doing community service for a class or other requirement, the O'Connor Center can provide verification for you - contact us for details.

What is Community Service Day?

Community Service Day is a once-per-year event that involves students, faculty and staff of SUNY Delhi volunteering side-by-side to accomplish a wide variety of tasks to benefit the larger community. The first Campus & Community Service Day was held on May 1, 1999, and had over 200 participants. Volunteers are organized into teams and assigned to sites on- and off-campus. Some sites are run in cooperation with community organizations such as the ARC, Big Buddy Program or the Delhi Beautification Committee. Volunteer teams have the opportunity to plan a project of their choosing with the support of the OCCS staff. Community Service Day is a town/gown collaboration that gives students and area residents an opportunity to work together, developing mutual respect and understanding. It is also a lot of fun!

Graduation Awards

Since graduation in May 2006 through our new tradition of granting Community Service Leader Awards, many students have been honored. To find out how to be eligible for an award when you graduate, please click here.

You can make a difference!