Join the MiraCosta College Community and Discover the Power of Service!
"Let's come together to create a wave or generosity, citizen engagement, action from business and philanthropy, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world." - GivingTuesday Website
Download a digital volunteer booklet to record your hours of service. Students are encouraged to submit their volunteer hours to servicelearning@miracosta.edu so they can be entered into the database. By entering their hours into the volunteer database, students can be provided with a Service History Report that can be used for applying to scholarships, transfer applications, etc. To request a Service History Report, email servicelearning@miracosta.edu and include your name and SURF ID.
One-Time Volunteer Opportunities
**MiraCosta College Service Learning has aired on the side of caution and thus has temporarily suspended all face-to-face service opportunities. We anticipate resuming once the District gives the approval. (No driving is approved during COVID restrictions) All service learning must be done at pre-approved organizations. All persons participating in the service learning and volunteer site shall be deemed to have waived all claims against the District or the State of California for injury, accident, illness, death or other virtual liabilities occurring during participation. Any on-site service I participate in will be done at my own discretion. I agree that any accidents or infractions (moving violations) incurred while driving my own vehicle are the sole responsibility of myself. I will not hold MiraCosta College District, its employees and agents responsible for any such damage, injury or liabilities. Further, injuries and or illnesses occurring during or as the result of my participation in the service learning class should be covered in accordance with the premiums of the student insurance program as the secondary health insurance carrier.**
On-going Volunteer Opportunities
Brother Benno's Foundation welcomes students to volunteer with their thrift shop located at 3955 Mission Avenue in Oceanside. Volunteers are needed to assist with multiple projects at the shop, including sorting donations, receiving donations, assisting customers, and cashiering. They also need assistance gathering donations and conducting fundraisers for necessary items. Please contact servicelearning@miracosta.edu for support on conducting a fundraiser or contact Helen Pasons at parsonsdavidt@outlook.com learn about other ways you can support Brother Benno's.
Community HousingWorks is offering virtual volunteer opportunities (shifts are generally Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday). Volunteers are needed between the hours of 3 pm-6 pm, with the average session lasting 1 hour. Study Stars is an Expanded Learning Program, serving Community HousingWorks resident youth in K-5th grade. Study Stars focuses on working collaboratively with adult volunteers, resident teen leaders, and community partners in providing academic support, community building, enrichment opportunities, and building school connections for our young residents. Within the Study Stars program, volunteers lead virtual activities like reading/games, storytelling, homework tutoring, and community-building activities. Volunteers can work one-on-one or with small groups of students to ensure the kids remain on task and prioritize effectively. Volunteers also have resources at hand to help youth look up information and problem solve various difficulties. This opportunity is 100% virtual. The following information is required in order to begin volunteering at CHW: Complete Volunteer Application online, Background Check & Sign Volunteer Forms, and the cost to get the basic live scan is $17-$25 (but once it is cleared, CHW will reimburse the cost you are able to submit for reimbursement once you begin your service). Connect with staff and schedule Virtual Training! To learn more email volunteer@chworks.org and to sign-up, go to https://chworks.org/volunteer
EcoLIFE Conservation is looking for volunteers to help plant and harvest produce for people in need at their solar powered ECO-Ranch every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm. For more information, contact Chris Goering at cgoering@ecolifeconservation.org.
Fallbrook Food Pantry welcomes volunteers on Monday - Fridays from 8:30-12:30pm & 10:00-1:00pm, and Saturdays from 9:00-12:00pm to help sort and distribute. The last Wednesday of each month, FFP offers a special off-site produce distribution in the community. Volunteers are needed to assist at the distribution from 8:00-10:00am & 10:30-12:30pm at the pantry. FFP also needs volunteers during Senior Distribution days, the first is held the Wednesday of the third full week each month from 1:00-3:00pm and the fourth Monday of each month from 1:00-2:00pm. For more information, contact Jennifer Vetch at info@fallbrookfoodpantry.org or call (760) 728-7608.
Lived Experiences is seeking on-site volunteers each Monday of the month from 8am-10am/4pm-7pm to help. We need help picking fruit to helping us unload and distribute food. For more information, contact Oscar Ortega at oscarin@livedexperiences.org or 619-368-3790.
*NEW* North County Lifeline is looking for a remote volunteer to support their marketing and graphic design efforts! The volunteer position available is for a Marketing & Graphic Design Volunteer. The Community Engagement Marketing & Graphic Design Volunteer will assist staff in the Community Engagement Department with design work for implementation of communications, marketing, and Public Relations across the agency. The key responsibilities include Social Media Management (designing & posting 3-5x per week across platforms –Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter), utilizing HootSuite for social media scheduling/posting and analytics, assisting with graphic design needs across agency including flyers, website graphics, etc., and assisting with monthly e-newsletter & website blog posts. This is a flexible remote position that includes 6-10 hours of volunteering a week. Students in the process of obtaining a degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Public Relations (PR) or like field is preferred. Graphic design skills are required (knowledge on Adobe, Publisher, Canva preferred), along with proficiency using social media management (Facebook LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram). This position requires strong written communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and ability to work as part of a team by interacting, communicating, and presenting ideas. Volunteers must complete a TB test, drug screening, and background check. The benefits of this opportunity include professional development, building graphic design content for your portfolio, and networking opportunities & training. For more information, contact Emily Jones at Volunteer@nclifeline.org or 760-310-9924. To apply for this opportunity, go to https://www.nclifeline.org/Marketing%20&%20Graphic%20Design%20Volunteer
Operation HOPE-North County is currently seeking volunteers to assist with their children's programming. OHNC is a shelter for families with children and single women experiencing homelessness. Volunteers can help kids with homework, play games, lead arts & crafts, help manage the Front Desk, assist with facility maintenance, landscaping, provide a meal for the 40-60 residents, read a story with the little ones, sort clothing, or just sit, listen and be kind to our residents. Weekday shifts are primarily from 3pm–6pm and 6pm–9pm. Weekend shifts are 8am-12pm, 12pm-4pm, and 4pm-9pm. These are just some of our set opportunities, but we offer several flexible volunteer opportunities that cater to your availability, and you can even schedule your own shifts! Sign Up Here.
Pride by the Beach is looking for volunteers to manage and develop media content to align with our vision of ending LGBTQ stigma. Contribute ideas and resources for the Pride 2022 event. We are especially looking for volunteers on Wednesday from 12pm - 7pm (any hours in between). Pride by the Beach is an annual family-friendly event. We will be meeting and phone banking in fall 2021. We have some virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities are available. To learn more or sign-up to volunteer, contact Lisa Nava at Lisa@pridebythebeach.org or 760-213-1267.
Solutions for Change is welcoming in-person volunteers! The following are two in-person volunteer opportunities being offered: Kid Zone Helpers (Ages 14+) Do you like to work with kids? On the first and third Thursday evening of every month, volunteers provide childcare for our residents’ children so that they can participate in mandatory programming meetings or recovery meetings. Volunteers must be 18 or older, or 14 and older if accompanied by a parent or adult advisor. Volunteers 16 years of age or older are not required to have a parent or adult advisor present with them during Kid Zone. *Background check required. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes early on your first day to receive a brief tour and review the Kid Zone rules. All Service Learning students are required to complete an application and short orientation. Solutions Farm (Ages 14+) Are you looking for an opportunity to transform lives while improving the environment? We have an exciting opportunity at the Farm to get your hands dirty, literally. Solutions Farms is creating a volunteer auxiliary and we want to add you. Help us help families through volunteering at Solutions Farms while learning about aquaponics, supporting our workforce, and hanging out with some amazing people. If you are you able bodied, demonstrate integrity,and love fish, lettuce, and ladybugs then we would love to talk to you. For more information, or to sign-up please email Angelina at asantoro@solutionsforchange.org. Check out their flyer.
*NEW* Studio ACE is looking for on-site volunteers! We are looking for committed volunteers to help at our Toddler (mornings) and Kids (afternoons) Art classes, Preparing Art material, helping students with their projects, and with set up and clean up. We also need volunteers to assist at offsite events like festivals, art fairs, craft shows (mostly on weekends). In addition, volunteers are needed for on and off organizing studio and materials, manning our little gift shop on afternoons (after 3pm) till 7pm and on Saturdays 11-2, and doing set-up, take down, and project prep work. The days and times volunteers are needed depends on the task. We need volunteers to be able to stick to a consistent schedule for the Shop and be flexible for events. Volunteers should have own transportation. For more information and to sign-up, contact Yesim Boose at yesim@studioace.org or 760-405-7665 or visit our website at www.studioace.org.
UURISE is seeking volunteers to assist with Office Admin Support, which includes filing, copying & scanning documents, and organizing physical files and creating ESPI binders. This is an in-person/on-site opportunity. We do not require a background check, but volunteers must complete the volunteer application and orientation. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in Social Work, Pre-Law, Political Science, Human Development, and/or anyone who has a passion for Immigration Justice. To learn more, contact Gladys Guzman Guizar at gladys@uurise.org or (760) 477-7537. Apply to volunteer.
Additional Ways To Serve Your Community
Here are other ideas and ways to promote a culture of service. You can still be socially connected while staying physically distant from our community partners--be an advocate or speak up on behalf of your favorite non-profit during this difficult season we are all experiencing.
- Share with us how you're giving back. Tag us at @mcc_servicelearning and use the hashtag #MiraCostaSpartansGiveback
- Create a supply drive for one of the many MiraCosta Community Partners, take a look at the list of approved sites for ideas, or feel free to reach out to any of the Service Learning & Volunteer Center Staff.
- We realize that as college students you might not be in a position to give financially, but your voice is just as important.
- Highlight your favorite organization on your social media pages, and share their fundraising opportunities and remember that - no amount is too little and nonprofits need our support.
- Write a positive online review to a local restaurant that is still open for curb side services or deliveries.
- Combat loneliness by reaching out to a classmate, peer, neighbor, relative, seniors, or veterans.
Resources to seek service opportunities
- VolunteerMatch
- Idealist
- San Diego Food Bank is accepting volunteers on-site and in the community.
- Botanical Community Development Initiatives
- American Red Cross: Find out ways you can support or donate blood.
- MiraCosta College English Language Institute: College students are needed to interact with international students. College students must be willing to carry conversations in English and encourage international students to practice their English. This is a perfect service opportunity for students wanting to learn about other cultures. For questions, contact Zakia Farouq at zfarouq@miracosta.edu or 760-622-8770.
