The University of Connecticut (UCONN) recently held Careers for the Common Good, a career fair that encourages college students to inspire and accelerate social change by following a socially-responsible career path.
Inspired by their commitment to develop “active global citizens,” UCONN’s Career Services, Community Outreach and the Human Rights Institute have collaborated to help guide students as they set out on their career paths.
Urban Alliance was asked to speak the pre-fair panel and join the fair, to provide avenues for college students to learn about volunteering through Urban Alliance and the benefits to volunteering at organizations that align with students’ passions for social justice, public health, advocacy and human services. Included in the fifty organizations represented at the fair were Our Piece of the Pie, Wheeler Clinic, YMCA of Greater Hartford, Teach for America and Department of Children and Families.
“Some students sought out Urban Alliance regarding volunteering in the Urban Alliance network. Some came to us specifically after researching about us, and some commented on the value of volunteering before jumping into a careers,” explained Erin Fletcher, Urban Alliance’s Director of Volunteer Engagement.
Urban Alliance was able to connect with several college students who were pursuing degrees in sociology, human development, family studies, urban and community studies, human services, social work and environmental justice. Several students were encouraged by Urban Alliance’s mission of helping to meet needs in our local community and were looking forward to being matched with future volunteer opportunities that become available through the Urban Alliance network.
“One student shared how encouraging it was to learn about Urban Alliance. She was excited to hear that we are working together, since we are trying to achieve the same things. She thought it was great that Urban Alliance is getting people to work together to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Erin Fletcher.
Click here to view current Urban Alliance volunteer opportunities.
