Join thousands of volunteers for over 35 projects in communities across the globe for Emory Cares International Service Day on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The annual event is the signature service program of the Emory Alumni Association and Volunteer Emory.
Registration is now open for alumni, students, faculty, staff; sign up to serve by Nov. 1.
In Atlanta, volunteers can choose from dozens of projects with nonprofit organizations, civic associations and schools, parks and nature centers.
The types of projects vary, ranging from helping with homework or yardwork, to construction or clean up, and more.
"We want people to be able to find a project that resonates with their own personal goals so that it can be a mutual benefit for the organization and also for the person who is volunteering," says Emory Cares co-coordinator Venus Miller.
Special group projects offer students and alumni the opportunity to work side by side.
"This year we wanted to increase the student-to-alumni engagement," says Miller, who describes the new affinity group projects as "an awesome collaboration" that pairs an alumni group with a student organization focused on a similar issue.
Alumni in Europe and Asia are leading seven international projects. And the Emory Cares Everywhere program allows alumni who live in areas without a strong alumni chapter to participate via a service project of their choice.
In Atlanta, the day begins on campus at 9:30 a.m. Student volunteers will gather on McDonough Field to pick up their Emory Cares T-shirts and hear opening remarks from organizers before fanning out to board buses to the project sites.
Emory Dining is partnering with the alumni association and Volunteer Emory to offer a free breakfast, and is helping this year's event "go green" with less waste, Miller notes.
The day will conclude back on McDonough Field, with a reflection led by Volunteer Emory. Focused on social justice, Volunteer Emory will "help students think beyond the project" to the impact on the community they are serving, Miller says. "It's meant to be a full circle day."
The 11th annual Emory Cares day of service – established in 2003 by alumna Renelda Mack 83C – has grown into a campus tradition, with participation increasing each year.
“Emory Cares International Service Day continues to shine as an exemplary model for Emory spirit,” says Miller.
Miller invites the entire Emory community to participate, including faculty and staff, family and friends. Volunteers are encouraged to use the hashtag #EmoryCares to capture the moment on social media and share photos.