These are the principles of a Jesuit education. They require that you be fully present, willing to question your preconceptions
and thoughtful in what you do with the insights you’ve gained.
If you want to become engaged with the community, help make a difference and live
out our Jesuit mission, there are countless ways to get involved near and around SLU.
Service Opportunities
SLU’s Center for Social Action connects students, faculty, staff and alumni to volunteer
opportunities near and far, in person or remotely. Complete a Service Interest Form and a member of our team will assist you in finding an opportunity that best fits
your situation. Or, explore our Community Partners Database. (Agencies marked with a * indicate that remote service opportunities are available.)
SLU’s Center for Social Action promotes community-based scholarship by supporting
campus-wide service-learning efforts and fostering university-community research partnerships.
We believe that here at Saint Louis University, your service experiences should allow
you to explore the following questions:
What did you do as part of your service?
What impact did it have on you?
Are you inspired to take greater action surrounding the issue or population served?
We recognize that there are various ways to give back to your community. It can be
through philanthropy, one-time volunteerism or a commitment to ongoing service. Not
everyone will choose the same route, but all play a vital role in helping to shape
a better society.
Our mission is to help guide you on your journey of service, no matter where you might
begin.
Serving Responsibly During COVID-19
When serving in the community, all Billikens are encouraged to followthese guidelinesto help ensure the safety of themselves and others, especially the most vulnerable:
Screen Yourself for COVID-19. Take your temperature. Are you feeling well? The best way to ensure you and others
are safe when volunteering is to test for COVID-19 before arriving.
Use a face mask whenever you are in public. This helps to reduce the virus spread. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Avoid close contact with others and limit your group size. Remember that even people without symptoms can spread the virus.
Wash your hands often. Using soap, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a
public space.
Follow the advice of public health officials. These are very confusing times, but feel confident trusting the advice of public
health organizations like the CDC and WHO and check their websites for updates and
health tips.
Before arriving at service, check with the organization that the need is still there
and ask about safety precautions. This communication is critical (never show up unannounced) and can help you not
only be prepared for your service but also reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Bring everything you need for your service shift (including water, face covering,
and hand sanitizer). The fewer contact points you make, the fewer opportunities for spread you create.
Be sure the organization you are volunteering with has your phone number. You may
need to be contacted for contact tracing if someone at the site contracts COVID-19. It is a also good
idea to keep accurate logs of the days and times you were at the site.
For many of you, a day of service is just the first step in a larger journey. The
Center for Social Action works to encourage personal and social responsibility by
transforming volunteers into effective servant leaders and advocates of social justice.
If you are ready to take your service efforts to the next level, there are a variety
of ways to engage in more meaningful and substantial ways.
