Each April, people nationwide observer National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to honoring individuals who give their time and service to others and encourage new volunteers to get involved. The UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center embraced the spirit of this month through a wide range of service opportunities, campus outreach efforts and community partnerships aimed at making a lasting difference.
“During this month, individuals, groups, and organizations are encouraged to get involved, try volunteering for the first time, or take on new service projects,” said Connie D. Komnick, assistant director of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center.
While the recognition aspect is important, Komnick said that the deeper value of National Volunteer Month, especially in a college setting, lies in its ability to connect students to meaningful, real-world experiences.
“Students are able to build valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication, which are essential not only academically but also professionally,” Komnick said.
Throughout April, UIS hosted a variety of events and initiatives that reflected these goals. One of the most accessible opportunities for students was participating in hands-on service projects. Among them was an initiative where students prepared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for individuals experiencing homelessness in Springfield. These simple but impactful efforts highlight how even small acts of service can address pressing community needs.
Beyond skill-building, volunteering also plays a significant role in shaping campus culture. According to Komnick, service helps foster stronger relationships among students, faculty, and staff, ultimately creating a greater sense of belonging at UIS.
“It builds meaningful partnerships between the college and the surrounding community. Just as importantly, it encourages lifelong habits of service while recognizing those who are already making a difference,” said Komnick.
Another major highlight of the month is UIS’s participation in the United Way Day of Action, an annual event that brings together volunteers from across central Illinois to support local organizations. During this event, UIS students collaborate with community partners on projects ranging from food distribution to facility improvements, reinforcing the university’s connection to Springfield and its surrounding areas.
In addition to formal events, the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center hosted a tabling event to raise awareness about National Volunteer Month and connect directly with students. Events like these provide a more informal way for students to learn about service opportunities, ask questions, and sign up for projects on the spot. They also help build visibility for the Center’s ongoing work and encourage greater participation across campus.
As National Volunteer Month comes to an end, UIS students are reminded that volunteering is not limited to a single event or timeframe. Instead, it represents an ongoing commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. Whether through large-scale initiatives like the Day of Action or smaller, individual acts of kindness, students have countless opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
National Volunteer Month serves as both a celebration of past contributions and an invitation to future action. At UIS, that invitation is clear: get involved, stay engaged, and recognize that even the smallest efforts can contribute to lasting change.
Komnick encourages those who are interested in volunteering but feel uncertain about where to begin to take advantage of campus resources, such as UIS Connection, CORQ or the morning campus announcements. Students can also visit the Volunteer Center in Student Union Room 103 to speak with staff and learn more about available opportunities or reach out directly to the Center by emailing [email protected].
