MSU Cares, Volunteer Pilot Program
The Executive Vice President for Administration’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is pleased to launch the Community Engagement Volunteer Pilot Program, named MSU CARES!
We are inviting you to participate in this one-year volunteer pilot program. In alignment with university strategic planning efforts – to support proactive engagement with underrepresented and underserved communities, expand volunteer opportunities, and increase and improve outreach and engagement activities – and in partnership with the United Way of South-Central Michigan. MSU CARES consists of a centralized repository, available via a mobile-friendly volunteer portal, of more than 100 approved community partners, and more than 16 causes and interests, to offer individual and team volunteer opportunities for employees.
The program aims to further personal and professional development, cultural competence through exposure to differences and commonalities, social responsibility, community and employee engagement, collaboration, and foster an inclusive work climate by providing:
- Meaningful volunteer opportunities for employees
- Services and opportunities to underserved audiences in the larger external community
- Nonprofit (board) leadership opportunities and placement
You will receive a welcome email from the volunteer portal within the coming days. It is strongly recommended that you review the volunteer portal training videos and complete the volunteer preparation training prior to registering for a volunteer opportunity. Answers to frequently asked questions have been incorporated into the training videos, which will cover key aspects of participation and portal navigation. All participants are to ensure compliance with university, unit, and departmental policies and obtain leader approval prior to registering as well. Once registered for a volunteer opportunity, be sure to obtain a volunteer shirt from your unit HR department.
More information about this pilot program can be found on the EVPA Office of DEI webpage. If you ever have questions or need assistance, please email evpa.dei@msu.edu, EVPA Office of DEI. At the completion of the one-year pilot, we will review all feedback, measure and report on intended outcomes and employee experience, and make a data-informed decision on how a large-scale program for MSU might work in practice.
We're excited for your participation in MSU CARES and hope to see you soon!