New online student volunteer service for Dublin

DCU has launched a new initiative to connect DCU students with local organisations in the Dublin region who require volunteer assistance.

studentvolunteer.ie allows community organisations to register, create and advertise local, national and international volunteering opportunities, connect with and recruit student volunteers across Ireland.  DCU students are able to browse and apply for opportunities they are interested in, connect with local, national and international organisations, log and track their volunteering hours and apply for awards and certificates at DCU.

A recent survey of student volunteers at DCU revealed that almost 61% of respondents engaged in volunteer activity, devoting, on average, 60 hours per year to a range of voluntary activities, such as organising fundraising events, teaching and helping with literacy skills.  It is estimated that the economic value to the local area of volunteering activities by DCU students could represent more than €300k annually.

Professor Ronnie Munck, DCU Head of Civic Engagement said,

“Civic engagement is a key element of students’ experience while at university.  Through volunteering they work with people and communities to the mutual benefit of both. Students make a difference with their energy and capacity while they, in turn, gain through experiential learning  With this new online volunteer management system, the contribution of DCU students will be scaled up have an even greater impact.  DCU’s role driving this important initiative is a signal of our commitment to embed civic engagement across all our campuses.”

About studentvolunteer.ie

Studentvolunteer.ie is a national volunteer management system, developed in coperation with Campus Engage partners, University of Limerick, NUI Galway, IT Tallaght, IT Tralee, UCC and TCD.   It aims to manage and promote the extensive contribution made by DCU and other higher education students to the local community, and nationally, through volunteering activity.