Student Action Center



"Be the change that you want to see in the world."
-Gandhi

Everybody wants to see improvements in the world around them.  Often times, the hardest part is just getting started.  The Student Action Center has opportunities specifically designed to help you and other students advance the common good.  If you have an idea for a project, but need help getting started, contact Edwin Goutier at egoutier@unitedwayncfl.org


5 Great Ways to Get Involved:

Student United Way

Founders wanted

The United Way of North Central Florida is looking for motivated students to start a new student organization on your campus. Student United Way will serve as our on campus chapter, helping us reach more people than ever before. LIVE UNITED on campus by promoting volunteer events, helping to create a student fund raising campaign, lobbying student government, and more. Becoming a founding member is the biggest way to make an impact on campus and in the community.  The official kick-off for Student United Way at UF is Spring 2010.  If you're interested in being a founding member please e-mail your resume to Edwin Goutier at egoutier@unitedwayncfl.org .  Benefits to membership include:

  • Unequaled access to the non-profit sector
  • United Way support in the creation and execution of projects that advance the common good
  • Networking with local community leaders and industry power players
  • Membership in a national network of students who care about their communities
  • Measurable accomplishments in the areas of education, income and health

GIVE

Invest in your community today!

When you donate to the United Way you can be sure your dollars are being invested wisely.  That's because United Way funding for local health and human service programs is decided by community volunteers.  They work hard to make sure your donation is sent to where it is needed most.  So get involved in your community by making a donation to the United Way.  When your donation is combined with the donations of the other 17,000 United Way donors, even the smallest gift goes a long way. 

Easy ways to GIVE to United Way

  • Donate through Facebook Cause Students LIVE UNITED .  All donors are recognized in the Cause's Hall of Fame.
  • Make a credit card donation by clicking Donate Now to the left of this page.
  • Create a fundraiser where proceeds go to the United Way.
  • Donate your unused canned food items at the end of the semester

ADVOCATE

Champion the Cause

Whether you’re speaking out to improve education, income and health, reaching out to members of Congress, or wearing the LIVE UNITED shirt to show your support, you can help inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. So go ahead and advocate in a LIVE UNITED world. Do it in public. Be visible. Be loud.  Advocate by

  • Wearing your LIVE UNITED shirt on campus
  • Staying informed on issues with the United Way Legislative Action Center
  • Joining our Facebook Cause Students LIVE UNITED to receive direct communication on what's happening on campus and in the community
  • Inviting others to join our Facebook Cause and encourage them to post items
  • Creating a letter writing campaign to state legislators to increase funding for our schools
  • Painting the 34th Street Wall to promote the LIVE UNITED message
  • Making a presentation in your class about local community issues and offer ways for fellow students to get involved
  • Creating a LIVE UNITED flash mob on campus and posting footage and pictures

VOLUNTEER

Lend Your Muscle

You can browse through many service opportunities here in North Central Florida by checking out Volunteer Solutions. Below you'll find some special projects perfect for students on campus.  If you're interested in taking on one of these projects please e-mail Edwin Goutier at egoutier@unitedwayncfl.org. 

  • Year End Food Drive:  At the end of the semester many of your peers will be moving out of their dorms for the summer.  Often, leftover canned food is thrown away or left in the dorm.  We need a few students to coordinate the collection and delivery of canned food items at the end of the semester to help stock the shelves of our local community food banks.  Student coordinators will talk to dorms and Greek houses to raise awareness.  Food will be brought to the Post Office for their annual Postal Workers Food Drive and then delivered to community agencies.  This opportunity is perfect for a fraternities, sororities, groups and organizations and it doesn't take too much to make a huge impact.
  • United We Play:  On April 20th, the United Way will be co-hosting an event to raise money and awareness of what some organizations are doing to better the lives of children in our community.  The event is going to be a lot of fun with food, music, and entertainment.  We are looking for as many volunteers as possible to set up the day before and help ensure the show runs smoothly.  Great for groups or individuals.
  • Homework Help:  One of our local middle schools is in need of young adult mentors to help at-risk students with their homework.  As a volunteer you would need to tutor a student one to two days a week for an hour at a time, just making sure all of his or her assignments are completed.  The sessions would take place during school hours, preferably in the morning.  Get involved and potentially change the life path of a child in Gainesville.
  • FCAT Prep:  Daytime tutors are needed to help students achieve their potential and pass the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT).  Passing the FCAT is a requirement of promotion.  Without volunteers, many students in need of tutoring will be held back.  Volunteers would lead small groups through FCAT practice tests during regular school hours and serve as a role model for students.
  • Extreme Makeover - Agency Addition:  Get a group of friends together and help a local non-profit or child care provider spruce up their facility.  Volunteers might be asked to paint, clean, do yardwork, and even repair old toys.  Perfect for a one time service project for a small organization.
  • Kids Day in the Park - Hosted by the Early Learning Coalition, this event combines community service with public policy advocacy.  Volunteers will be able to interact with children, promoting fitness in the "Childrens .05K Run" and early literacy by reading to children.  Everything that takes place will be chronicled and sent to the state legislature to bring attention to children's issues in Florida.  Lots of volunteers will be needed for various tasks, so get involved as a group or individual!

 

Internships

Learn About the United Way from the Inside

Internship opportunities for the summer and fall semesters will be posted here.