Get Involved With Your Community During National Volunteer Week
April 15, 2015
This week, the United States celebrates National Volunteer Week. The goal of the week is to encourage people throughout the United States to become more involved and engaged within their communities.
As an F or M student, it is a good idea to speak with your designated school official before you start volunteering. While you may volunteer your time and services to your local community, you must maintain your nonimmigrant student status and ensure that your studies remain your top priority.
Volunteering is a great way to get involved in life outside of your classroom, but remember:
- You cannot receive any form of taxable income without permission to work, and
- You cannot volunteer for a position that the organization would normally hire someone to fill.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, check with your school’s student activities or international student office and visit serve.gov. This government website provides you with ways to find a volunteer opportunity, create and register your own volunteer project, recruit volunteers or share your experiences.
If you participate in any projects or attend an event during National Volunteer Week, share your experience with us on Facebook and Twitter using #NationalVolunteerWeek.