Thank you for your interest in coordinating a service project!

We encourage you to be creative in identifying partner organizations - the goal and type of project is up to you. From park clean-ups to cooking a meal at a homeless shelter to building toys for children in Haiti, projects of all kinds have allowed alumni to creatively engage with organizations in their community. This toolkit was developed in partnership with theAlumni Council’s Alumni Service Committee.

#DartmouthServes Webinar

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, the Alumni Service Committee hosted a webinar discussing the power of service and community engagement with Dartmouth Alumni Council Service Committee's VOX session. Join us to learn about Dartmouth's impactful "Day of Service" and how you and your organization can get involved. Hear inspiring stories from volunteer leaders, gain valuable insights, and connect with program organizers who can provide guidance and share best practices for making a difference in your community. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the Big Green culture of giving back! Click here to view a recording!

Organizing an Alumni Service Event Webinar

On March 30, 2022, the Alumni Service Committee hosted a webinar with alumni who have planned and participated in services events and shared their tips, best practices and helpful tools that they have use to host service events in their community. Hosted by Chair Julie Levenson '84 and Vice Chair Joe Dempsey '83, this webinar featured Soh Won Cha '04 from the Club of New York, Aassia Haq '96 of the Club of Dallas, Ellen Brout Lindsey '81 of the Club of Pioneer Valley and Amanda Rosenblum '07 from DGALA and Women of Dartmouth. Watch the video below for great information on hosting a service event in your area.

Guidelines for project planning:

Choose your activity and site (1–4 months before the event)

• Reach out to fellow alumni early in the process to get their ideas and build team spirit.
• Talk to the leadership of your local club or to Dartmouth alumni involved in local nonprofits to get project ideas.
• Once you’ve identified potential partner organizations, reach out to find out about their volunteer needs, guidelines, and any restrictions.
• Ask about age or other restrictions – we hope to make the projects as inclusive as possible.

Coordinate with staff regarding project details (1–3 months before the event)

• As service project coordinator, work with your partner organization to establish the details of work to be done, number of volunteers needed, any materials required, and the hours planned.
• Typically, we recommend that projects last around three hours, or longer if a meal or reception is planned as well. Many successful Alumni Day of Service projects have been held 9 a.m.–noon, but consider the needs of your site and volunteers when choosing a time frame.
• A tentative program schedule could be:

8:30 a.m.: Volunteers arrive on site and are briefed by site coordinator
9:10-9:30 a.m.: Welcome remarks and project overview
9:30-11:45 a.m.: Volunteer activity
11:45 a.m.: Closing review and sharing stories
Noon: Optional lunch or social gathering

• If you’re planning an outdoor project, consider creating an alternate option in case of inclement weather.
• Coordinate details of site setup, registration, and volunteer instruction.
• Ask if there are any restrictions regarding photography at the project site.

Register your service project and open online registration (1–2 months before the event)

• Register your project on the Dartmouth Serves website.
• Once we receive your registration, we will create an online registration form for your project through iModules.
• As the project coordinator, you will be able to access the registration list and contact participants.

Recruit volunteers (3–6 weeks before the event)

• If you haven't already, connect with your local Dartmouth regional club so they are aware of your plans and can help promote the event.
• Reach out to your class or any affiliated groups you are involved with – draw on the structure of those organizations to recruit volunteers. Or, consider organizing a mini reunion around the service project.
• Publicize the event on club, class, and group websites and in newsletters, and send emails through your local club or your alumni councilor.
• Consider using social media, and encourage your Dartmouth friends to spread the word.
• Send written or email confirmations to those who register and share project details. Remind participants to wear their Dartmouth Green, and bring a Dartmouth banner to gather around for a photo!

Execute the plan (week prior and on day of event)

•Arrive early and stay through the duration of the project to ensure that volunteers and partner organization staff have everything they need. Consider providing snacks and water to keep the energy of your volunteers high.
•Set up a registration table with a sign-in sheet and name tags and greet volunteers as they arrive. Before you start the project, make sure everyone is introduced – this is a great way to meet new Dartmouth friends.
•Designate a photographer or encourage everyone to take photos.

Celebrate a job well done! (within a week after event)

• Consider planning some refreshments and social time – perhaps a picnic or lunch at an area restaurant – so that your time with Dartmouth friends new and old doesn’t end with the project.
• Send thank-you notes to the volunteer organization and to participants.
• Send us your comments, photos, or videos so we can share on social media, and share them with your local club or group.