As the new school year begins, Clemson students may find themselves seeking sources of campus involvement that are less about resume building and more about fostering a community.
Clemson University offers numerous clubs that give back to the surrounding area. Many focus on providing different resources and services to groups of people in need, as well as putting together community service projects and developing leadership skills in the process.
The Clemson Rotaract Club is one example of a group that defines itself through community service projects led by students. The club connects with organizations outside of campus to provide volunteer opportunities for students looking to support those in need within Clemson.
The main projects of service that the Clemson Rotaract Club hosts are Ronald McDonald House, Rebuild Upstate, Helping Hands and Clemson Community Care.
These projects work to give back to the Clemson community by helping those in need without them having to ask. For example, Rebuild Upstate supports affordable housing by upgrading aspects of residents’ homes who cannot do so themselves, physically or financially.​ This past semester, Clemson Rotaract Club participants built a ramp for a “local homeowner.”
The club also collaborates with other on-campus organizations, such as the Clemson Period Project, in which members prepare packages of women’s healthcare products for those with limited access and/or insufficient finances.
Another club for students to pursue volunteer efforts in the neighborhood is the Clemson Remote Area Medical (RAM) organization, which provides access to healthcare for those with limited resources.
The club often has fundraising events to raise money for local endeavors such as their free medical clinic and trips to clinics collectively sponsored by an assembly of colleges.
Last semester, members of the Clemson Remote Area Medical club were able to join other colleges for three full days of assistance in one of the official RAM clinics. An astonishing 1014 patients were seen, and $885,554 worth of services were provided. This club specifically provides hands-on volunteer experience for students interested in pursuing careers in the medical field.
The Clemson Paw Pantry club is also a way to volunteer that specifically benefits Clemson students. The club presents itself as a resource to students who need food access, free of charge and no questions asked, creating a safe space for those in need.
The club searches for volunteers willing to assist in stocking the food pantry, setting up food drives and fundraising to ensure the pantry has the materials necessary for functioning.
Clemson has seemingly endless options for volunteer opportunities within campus clubs beyond the examples mentioned. These new opportunities are bound to introduce you to long-lasting friendships and formative experiences, ultimately building something stronger than just another thing on your resume.
Information regarding club meeting dates and times can be found on TigerQuest and social media. If you join an organization on TigerQuest, that club will often send reminders to your school email.
clemson_rotaract (Instagram) // @clemson.ram (Instagram) // @cupawpantry (Instagram)
