Registration for the Holden Center’s Duck Corps volunteer efforts is now open for fall service projects.
Duck Corps is made up of small teams of UO students who participate in weekly, hands-on service projects that promote community building and reflective engagement. Duck Corps teams are divided into five categories:
- Education — to increase access and reduce barriers to quality education.
- Public health — to ensure the health and wellness of the community.
- Sustainability — to promote sustainable systems in the local community.
- Poverty alleviation — to meet immediate needs and address systemic issues of poverty.
- Human Rights — to promote basic human rights and civil liberties.
In order to have a far-reaching impact, Duck Corps partners with a range of local organizations. Fall 2017 partners will include:
Education —
- Boys & Girls Club: Facilitates programs and activities to “inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”
Human Rights —
- The Eugene Mission: A wellness center for people without a home. In addition to providing food and shelter, their mission is to provide long-term solutions to homelessness.
Poverty Alleviation —
- FOOD for Lane County Food Rescue Express: Volunteers collect leftover prepared food from hospitals, schools and restaurants and distribute it to families in need.
- The Student Food Pantry: Free, supplemental groceries for students and their families. The pantry is open every Thursday, 4–6 p.m.
- St. Vincent de Paul: Provides housing, emergency services, thrift stores and other poverty alleviation services.
Sustainability —
- City of Eugene Park Stewards: Hosts volunteer service opportunities to maintain and improve Eugene parks.
- Friends of Buford Park and Mount Pisgah: Work to conserve the greater Mount Pisgah area through funding, scientific expertise and volunteer resources.
- FOOD for Lane County Youth Farm: Maintains a five-acre educational farm for young people to learn hands-on and grow food for the community.
Duck Corps is open to all UO students. Orientation and service projects begin the second week of fall term. Service projects run through week nine. The Holden Center handles all service logistics, including transportation.
For more information visit holden.uoregon.edu/duckcorps.
—By Morgan Robinson, UO Strategic Communications and Marketing