Links

Action For Change - Get A Life - Sponsored by the Campus Compact "Raise Your Voice" initiative, this web-site contains an exhaustive listing of links for Jobs, Internships, Fellowships, Career Resources, Graduate Study Progams, and Post-Graduate Alternatives.  Just about anything you are looking for can be found here.

AmeriCorps - AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve with more than 2,000 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based and community organizations. Since 1994, more than 400,000 men and women have provided needed assistance to millions of Americans across the nation through their AmeriCorps service. (Also see City Year, Serve Ohio and VISTA.)

Amizade - Global Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs - Since its inception in 1994, Amizade has helped over 4,000 volunteers ages 13 to 79 contribute over 140,000 hours of service. Amizade continuously addresses pressing global issues by connecting volunteers with communities. Volunteers explore, serve, and better understand themselves and others. Host communities gain an improved infrastructure as well as a chance to share traditions and ideas with volunteers from another culture. Service Learning Programs offer undergraduate and graduate credit to students interested in challenging academic and service experiences with communities around the world.

Association for the Development of Pakistan (ADP) – The Association for the Development of Pakistan (ADP) is a Boston based non-profit organization founded in May 2003. The mission of ADP is to enhance the lives of the poor, neglected and underprivileged of Pakistan by providing support for carefully selected social development projects in a range of sectors including infrastructure, environment, healthcare, education, gender equality, labor and food rights.

AFS – (American Field Service) - AFS is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board. AFS International provides worldwide leadership, coordination, support, quality control and development of AFS organizations and programs.

Alzheimer's Association - The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Their mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

American Jewish World Service – AJWS - American Jewish World Service  is an independent not-for-profit organization founded in 1985 to help alleviate poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the world regardless of race, religion or nationality. It breathes life into Judaism's imperative to pursue justice and helps American Jews act upon a deeply felt obligation to improve the chances for survival, economic independence and human dignity for all people. American Jewish World Service: Works in partnership with local grassroots non-governmental organizations [NGOs] engaged in education, community building, health care, agriculture reform and economic development, and initiates projects to alleviate poverty. Provides financial support, technical assistance, skilled volunteers and emergency relief and reconstruction aid to its project partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine.

AmeriCorps – AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve through more than 2,100 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based organizations. They tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters. Created in 1993, AmeriCorps is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. (Also see http://www.nationalservice.org/).

Amigos de las Americas – Amigos de las Americas is an international, nonprofit organization that was founded in 1965 and has 40 years of experience in facilitating community development programs. We train and provide opportunities for high school and college students to participate in service projects in Latin America. We are dedicated to building partnerships to empower young leaders, advance community development, and strengthen multicultural understanding in the Americas. AMIGOS believes in the power and capability of young people to change our world!

Amnesty International – Amnesty International is a worldwide campaigning movement that works to promote internationally recognized human rights. Our mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context of our work to promote all human rights.

Appalachia Service Project – The Appalachia Service Project is a home repair and home building ministry through which volunteers and our staff repair and build homes for low-income families in rural Central Appalachia. Our goal is to make homes warmer, safer and drier, while offering transformational experiences for volunteers and homeowners alike. ASP has been associated with the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church since its founding in 1969.

The Big Dummy's Guide to Service-Learning – Simple Answers to Good Questions on: Faculty, Programmatic, Student, Administrative, & Non-Profit Issues developed by Mark Cooper, Coordinator, The VAC.

BorderLinks – BorderLinks is a not-for-profit organization that conducts travel seminars focusing on the issues of Mexican border communities. People from the north and south come together to explore global issues with all their complexities in the stark reality of the border environment. We offer a firsthand immersion experience for anyone interested in this dynamic conversation. Join us! Learn about the issues, culture, economics, and lives of people along the US-Mexican border.

Border Servant Corps - The Border Servant Corps seeks to provide an opportunity for volunteers to work for justice, serve their neighbor and walk humbly with their God.  We host full-time volunteers to work and serve in social service agencies in the Las Cruces / El Paso / Juarez area.  We provide opportunities for the volunteer to learn and teach about social justice, work toward systematic change, and advocate on behalf of others.

B.R.E.A.D. - Building Responsibility, Equality and Dignity, BREAD is a congregation-based community organization in Columbus, Ohio. It was founded by 23 congregations in September of 1996 to be a vehicle for justice. The organization has successfully addressed a number of critical community issues such as access to health care, transportation, education and affordable housing. Today, BREAD is composed of 50 religious congregations and over 40,000 people representing a broad range of traditions: Pentecostal, Jewish, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, Unitarian Universalist, Holiness, Reformed, United Church of Christ and Presbyterian among others. These congregations come from throughout Franklin County and though diverse, share a common faith tradition to pursue justice.

Break Away – The Alternative Break Connection – Break Away's mission is to train, assist and connect campuses and communities in promoting quality alternative break programs that inspire lifelong active citizenship.

Campaign for Labor Rights - It is the mission of the Campaign for Labor Rights (CLR) to mobilize grassroots support throughout the United States to promote economic and social justice by campaigning to end labor rights violations around the world. CLR educates about, and advocates against, the underlying causes of the global sweatshop. Its campaign strategies are designed in collaboration with workers struggling to gain the right to organize, the right to earn a living wage in a clean, safe work environment, and the right to bargain collectively with their bosses. Through these campaigns CLR's goal is to empower workers.

CARE – CARE is one of the world's largest private international humanitarian organizations, committed to helping families in poor communities improve their lives and achieve lasting victories over poverty. Founded in 1945 to provide relief to survivors of World War II, CARE quickly became a trusted vehicle for the compassion and generosity of millions.

Careers in the Common Good – The Brown University Career Development Center connects liberal education with a lifetime of socially responsible work. Careers in the Common Good supports students and alumni as they seek work that connects personal values and professional problem solving in the non-profit, private and government sectors. This site is sponsored by the Swearer Center for Public Service at Brown University.

Campus Compact (National Web Site) – Campus Compact was founded in 1985 by the presidents of Brown, Georgetown and Stanford universities, and the president of the Education Commission of the States. Today, Campus Compact is a national coalition of close to 850 college and university presidents committed to the civic purposes of higher education. Campus Compact promotes community service that develops students' citizenship skills and values, encourages partnerships between campuses and communities, and assists faculty who seek to integrate public and community engagement into their teaching and research. Ohio Campus Compact: http://www.ohiok-16service.org/occ/occabout.cfm

CCNV - Community for Creative Non-Violence - Founded in the 1970's in Washington, DC by Father Guinan and a group of George Washington students, CCNV was an expression of both faith and moral outrage, as well as a response to questions about justice and human rights during the Viet Nam war. Today, CCNV is able to provide up to 2,500 poor and homeless people per day with food, shelter, clothing, medical care, case management, educational support, and art programs.

The Center for Global Education at Augsburg College – Since 1982, the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, has been providing quality cross-cultural educational opportunities in Latin America, Southern Africa and other sites across the globe. Programs bring participants face to face with a variety of community resource people who represent differing perspectives on the issues, with an emphasis on those representing the grassroots sectors. The Center enjoys nation-wide recognition for providing first-class study/travel abroad experiences.

The Children's Defense Fund – Founded by Marian Wright Edelman, the mission of the Children's Defense Fund is to Leave No Child Behind and to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by foundations, corporation grants and individual donations. We have never taken government funds.

Church World Service – Founded in 1946, Church World Service is the relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry of 36 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations in the United States. Working in partnership with indigenous organizations in more than 80 countries, CWS works worldwide to meet human needs and foster self-reliance for all whose way is hard. [CropWalks raise money to benefit the work of CWS.]

CIRCLE - Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement - CIRCLE promotes research on the civic and political engagement of Americans between the ages of 15 and 25. Although CIRCLE conducts and funds research, not practice, the projects they support have practical implications for those who work to increase young people’s engagement in politics and civic life. CIRCLE is also a clearinghouse for relevant information and scholarship. CIRCLE was founded in 2001 with a generous grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts and is now also funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York. It is based in the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy.

City Year – A proud member of AmeriCorps, City Year is a national service organization that unites young adults, ages 17 to 24, from diverse backgrounds for an intense ten-months of full-time community service, leadership development, and civic engagement. In locations across the United States, corps members invest their talents and energy to address our country’s most critical needs. City Year corps members engage others in service and make a positive difference in their communities and in the lives of children and youth. With the help of dedicated and creative members, City Year is building stronger, more vibrant communities across the country. Every year, City Year strives to empower the next generation of young leaders to use their energy, commitment, and skills for the common good. Our simple, yet powerful mission is to build democracy through citizen service, civic leadership, and social entrepreneurship.

The Columbus Foundation - Located at 1234 E. Broad Street in Columbus, the mission of The Columbus Foundation is to assist donors and others in strengthening and improvingthe community for the benefit of all its citizens. Founded in 1943, The Columbus Foundation offers resources, knowledge and expertise in charitable giving. In 2006, the Foundation awarded 72.3 million dollars to 6,582 nonprofit organizations. OWU students who wish to learn more about the Foundation, or to inquire about internships can call the offices at (614) 251-4000, or e-mail Dan Sharpe, (OWU '06), at dsharpe@columbusfoundation.org .

Common Fire - The Common Fire Foundation's mission is to build a diverse and powerful movement of people with a shared commitment to creating a more just and sustainable world, starting with themselves. They do this by bringing people together in spaces that inspire and nurture ways of being in the world that are holistically and deeply rooted in a culture and systems that are just and sustainable. In 2006 they completed their first major project, a housing co-op in New York's Hudson Valley dedicated to providing an inspiring and nurturing home for a diversity of people committed to making a difference in the world.

COOL – The mission of COOL (Campus Outreach Opportunity League) is to educate, connect and mobilize college students and their campuses to strengthen communities through service and action. Since 1984 the national non-profit organization has spurred the development of campus infrastructure, resources and support for effective student engagement and campus-community partnerships. Today, we continue to play a vital role in mobilizing leaders among the nation's 12 million undergraduates and 4,000 + institutions of higher education to truly engage their physical, intellectual and material resources in building strong, safe and healthy communities with equal opportunities for all.

The Corporation for National & Community Service – The Corporation for National and Community Service plays a vital role in supporting the American culture of citizenship, service and responsibility. We are a catalyst for change and champion for the ideal that every American has skills and talents to give. Among our many programs are Learn and Service America, AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC.

Covenant House - Covenant House International is the largest privately-funded agency in the Americas providing shelter and other services to homeless, runaway and throwaway youth. Covenant House International sites are located in Anchorage, Atlanta, Atlantic City, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Guatemala City, Los Angeles, Managua, Mexico City, Newark, New Orleans, New York, Oakland, Orlando, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Tegucigalpa, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington, D.C. In addition to food, shelter, clothing and immediate crisis care, Covenant House provides a variety of services to homeless, runaway and throwaway youth including medical care, educational and vocational programs, drug abuse treatment and prevention programs, legal aid services, recreation programs, mother/child programs, transitional living programs, life-skills training and street outreach.

Cross-Cultural Solutions - Since 1995, more than 15,000 volunteers have traveled to countries around the world as part of a Cross-Cultural Solutions program. Behind our commitment to international volunteer work is a philosophy that provides the focus for our organization. Our vision is of a world where people value cultures different from their own, are aware of global issues, and are empowered to effect positive change. Our mission is to operate volunteer programs around the world in partnership with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding. We are an international not-for-profit organization with no political or religious affiliations.

Crossroads Africa - America's premier cross-cultural exchange program, Operation Crossroads Africa was established in 1958 by Dr. James H. Robinson, who foresaw a "clear, honest, hard-hitting program" in which young North Americans would work at the grassroots level with young Africans. He envisioned young people "building bridges of friendship to Africa," and his extraordinary vision was embodied in Operation Crossroads Africa. The organization's motto is "make a difference for others, see the difference in yourself." The programs of Operation Crossroads Africa are designed to promote understanding of Africa and the African Diaspora based on the belief that one can truly enter another culture only by living and working in it. Called the "progenitor of the Peace Corps" by President John F. Kennedy, Operation Crossroads Africa has sent over 11,000 persons in the last 49 summers to more than 40 African countries, 12 Caribbean countries, and Brazil in pursuit of its goals.

DART - The Direct Action and Research Training (DART) Center is committed to building powerful, diverse, congregation-based, and democratically run organizations capable of winning justice on issues facing the community. Since 1982, DART has built and strengthened over twenty local affiliated organizations in six states and trained over 10,000 community leaders and 150 professional community organizers. The DART Organizers Institute is a paid, field school created to recruit and train great community organizers, as well as, strengthen DART’s mission to build power and win justice. Graduates of the DART Organizers Institute have gone on to build powerful congregation-based community organizations capable of successfully challenging the economic, political and social systems that create and perpetuate injustice. Whether it’s affordable housing, accessible healthcare, public education reform or other issues facing the community, the DART Organizers Institute is developing organizers with the skills to win needed community change. (See also BREAD.)

Equal Exchange – Equal Exchange, founded in 1986, is the oldest and largest for-profit Fair Trade company in the US. We offer organic, gourmet coffee, tea, sugar, cocoa, and chocolate bars produced by 28 democratically run farmer co-ops located in 14 countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relations between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, the viability of worker cooperatives and fair trade.

Fellowship of Reconciliation - FOR - Since 1915, The Fellowship of Reconciliation has carried on programs and educational projects concerned with domestic and international peace and justice, nonviolent alternatives to conflict, and the rights of conscience. A Nonviolent, Interfaith, tax exempt organization, FOR has members from many religious and ethnic traditions. It is part of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation, (founded in 1914), which has affiliates in over 40 countries. (Also see, The Non-Violent Youth Collective.)

Fourth World Movement – ATD Fourth World is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to overcoming extreme poverty. Its goal is to explore all possibilities of partnership with families living in chronic poverty and to encourage private citizens and public officials to join this effort.

The Fresh Air Fund – Since 1877, more than 1.7 million of New York City's neediest children have benefited from free summer vacations away from the city streets through The Fresh Air Fund. The Fresh Air Fund is a not-for-profit agency and depends on the generosity of contributors. In addition to sending children on visits with volunteer host families through the Friendly Town program, The Fund operates five camps in upstate New York. The Fund also has a year-round Career Awareness Program that challenges inner-city youth with a career-oriented learning curriculum and innovative computer programs.

The Global Service Corps – Global Service Corps offers rewarding cultural immersion service-learning experiences in both Thailand and Tanzania. Participants choose from Short-Term (three to four weeks), Internship (ten weeks), and Long-Term (six weeks to three months) programs. Programs are offered year-round in the areas of health, environment and education, and include homestays with local families. [Has] a working relationship with Global Routes, an organization that has been providing international community service summer programs for high school and college students for about twenty years. Global Routes offers 3-month teaching internships for college students year round.

@grass-roots.org – On this Web site, @GRASS-ROOTS.ORG, Robin Garr carries on the work that he began in 1995 with his book Reinvesting In America. You'll find here the stories of scores of innovative grassroots programs run by local heroes who've found effective ways to build on the strengths of their communities to make them better. We hope you'll be inspired, and then we hope you'll decide to roll up your sleeves and get involved in your own community, be it in the U.S. or anywhere on Earth.

Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership – The Greenleaf Center is an international, not-for-profit institution headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our goal is to help people understand the principles and practices of servant-leadership; to nurture colleagues and institutions by providing a focal point and opportunities to share thoughts and ideas on servant-leadership; to produce and publish new resources by others on servant-leadership; and to connect servant-leaders in a network of learning.

Greenpeace International – Greenpeace exists because this fragile earth deserves a voice. It needs solutions. It needs change. It needs action. Greenpeace is a non-profit organization, with a presence in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Greenpeace is an independent, campaigning organization that uses non-violent, creative confrontation to expose global environmental problems, and force solutions for a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace's goal is to ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity.

Habitat for Humanity – Habitat for Humanity International has volunteer and salaried/hourly positions available due to the growth of our worldwide ministry.If you are a performance-oriented individual looking for an opportunity to serve God's people in need, we want to talk with you!

Heifer International – (Also known as The Heifer Project) – Heifer International combats hunger, alleviates poverty, and restores the environment by providing appropriate livestock, training, and related services to small-scale farmers worldwide.

The Hunger Site – Originally launched in June 1999, The Hunger Site focuses the power of the Internet on a specific humanitarian need; the eradication of world hunger. On average, over 220,000 individuals from around the world visit the site each day to click the "give free food" button and help feed the hungry. The Hunger Site was the first online activism site on the Web. To date more that 200 million visitors have given more than 300 million cups of staple food. The staple food funded by The Hunger Site is paid for by site sponsors and is distributed to those in need by Mercy Corps and America's Second Harvest. 100% of funding from sponsor banner advertising goes to our charity partners. Funds are split between these organizations and go to the aid of hungry people in over 74 countries... Also found at The Hunger Site are: The Breast Cancer Site, The Child Health Site, The Rainforest Site, and The Animal Rescue Site. Each of these sites allows the visitor to click daily to help fund programs.

Idealist.Org / Action Without Borders – Action Without Borders connects people, organizations and resources to help build a world where all people can live free and dignified lives. Action Without Borders is independent of any government, political ideology or religious creed. Our work is guided by the common desire of our members and supporters to find practical solutions to social and environmental problems, in a spirit of generosity and mutual respect. (Has links to Internships, Volunteer Opportunities and Jobs.)

Imagining America - Imagining America: Artists and Scholars in Public Life is a national consortium of colleges and universities committed to public scholarship in the arts, humanities, and design. Public scholarship joins serious intellectual endeavor with a commitment to public practice and public consequences. It includes scholarly and creative work jointly planned and carried out by university and community partners; intellectual work that produces a public good; artistic, critical, and historical work that contributes to public debates; efforts to expand the place of public scholarship in higher education itself, including the development of new programs and research on the successes of such efforts.  Public scholarship in the arts and humanities integrates all the missions of higher education: research, teaching, service, and public engagement.

India Literacy Project – India Literacy Project, ILP, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of literacy in India. By empowering every individual we serve with functional literacy and an understanding of their basic rights and responsibilities, we strive to be a catalyst for 100% literacy in India.

Innovations in Civic Participation – Founded in 2001, ICP is a non-profit social change organization that provides expertise, ideas, information, research, and advocacy support in the United States and around the world to develop and strengthen policies and programs that promote civic engagement through service.ICP has a wealth of knowledge and experience in program and policy development. Whether you are incorporating a civic participation component into your country's national youth policy or improving the impact of your service program, we can help you achieve your goals.

Interact Worldwide - Interact Worldwide works in collaborative partnerships with local and national organisations and governments, to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights, including maternal health care, family planning and HIV/AIDS services, of some of the poorest and most marginalised people in the world. Whole communities benefit but especially marginalised groups such as women, children and those living with HIV/ AIDS. Interact Worldwide is an INGO – an international charity with over 30 years experience and relies on donations to fund its overseas projects and programmes.

International Partnership for Service Learning – Offered in 14 countries, IPS-L programs unite academic study and volunteer service, giving students a fully integrated study abroad experience. The service enlivens the formal learning, and the learning informs the service. Both students and the host communities benefit from the substantial service each student gives. By studying at a local university and serving 15-20 hours per week in a school, orphanage, health clinic or other agency addressing human needs, students find their knowledge of the host culture — and of themselves — take on greater depth and meaning. (Note: IPS-L has recently instituted a Masters Degree program in International Service.)

Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service – Invest in your future and make a difference in the lives of others this summer by attending the Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service (IPVS)! This dynamic program is intended for students who are involved in volunteer activities and are excited about exploring professional opportunities in the non-profit sector. IPVS is ideal for undergraduate student leaders who are engaged in service programs on and off their campuses. All majors and fields of study are welcome. With a single application, students are enrolled at Georgetown University, live in a furnished apartment on campus in the heart of DC, and are placed in a competitive internship for eight weeks.

Jesuit Volunteers International – The Jesuit Volunteer Corps offers women and men an opportunity to work full-time for justice and peace. Jesuit Volunteers are called to the mission of serving the poor directly, working for structural change in the United States, and accompanying people in developing countries. The challenge to Jesuit Volunteers is to integrate Christian faith by working and living among the poor and marginalized, by living simply and in community with other Jesuit Volunteers, and by examining the causes of social injustice.

Jobs With Justice - Jobs with Justice engages workers and allies in campaigns to win justice in workplaces and in communities where working families live. JwJ was founded in 1987 with the vision of lifting up workers’ rights struggles as part of a larger campaign for economic and social justice. 

Kiva - Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back.

Learn and Serve Ohio – Learn and Serve Ohio's goal is to support service learning programs that provide youth with opportunities to learn and develop by bringing together classroom instruction and community service. Grants are awarded to local education agencies that engage students K-12 in opportunities to help communities address education, public safety, human and environmental needs.

Lutheran Volunteer Corps – In response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Lutheran Volunteer Corps exists to preserve, nurture, and sustain life. We believe that caring for the earth and working for freedom and justice with those who are oppressed answer God's call to Shalom ("Peace with Justice") in today's world. We seek Shalom for all people by serving congregations and organizations which share this call. Through LVC you can teach in an inner-city preschool, coordinate volunteers for a free medical clinic, staff a shelter for homeless women, lobby on hunger issues, or work to protect the environment. No matter what job you do, no matter who you are, you can make a difference.

Maryknoll Catholic Missions – Maryknoll, The U.S. based Catholic mission movement includes: the Maryknoll Society (priests and brothers), Maryknoll Congregation (Sisters), the Maryknoll Mission Association of the Faithful (laity, priests and religious), and the Maryknoll Affiliates. Since 1911, Catholics in the United States have responded to the worldwide cry of the poor by becoming Maryknoll Missioners. Today, Maryknollers help people overseas build communities of faith. Some work in war zones with refugees, others minister to the sick, the elderly, orphans or people with AIDS. Through lives of service, Maryknollers translate the gospel of love into different languages and in different cultures.

Mercy Corps – Mercy Corps is a not-for-profit organization that exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided more than $640 million in assistance to 74 countries. Mercy Corps is known nationally and internationally for its quick-response, high-impact programs. Over 91 percent of the agency's resources are allocated directly to programs that help those in need. We provide emergency relief services that assist people afflicted by conflict or disaster.We develop sustainable communities that meet the needs of children and families. Our integrated strategies include agriculture, economic development, health, housing and infrastructure and strengthening local organizations. We promote civil society initiatives in all our programs to encourage citizen participation, accountability, nonviolent conflict management, and the rule of law.

MoveOn – MoveOn is working to bring ordinary people back into politics...MoveOn is a catalyst for a new kind of grassroots involvement, supporting busy but concerned citizens in finding their political voice. Our nationwide network of more than 600,000 online activists is one of the most effective and responsive outlets for democratic participation available today...MoveOn builds electronic advocacy groups. Examples of such issues are campaign finance, environmental and energy issues, impeachment, gun safety, and nuclear disarmament. Once a group is assembled, MoveOn provides information and tools to help each individual have the greatest possible impact.

National Coalition for the Homeless – Our mission is to end homelessness. We focus our work in the following 4 areas: housing justice, economic justice, health care justice, and civil rights. Our approaches are: grassroots organizing, public education, policy advocacy, technical assistance, and partnerships.

National Service-Learning Clearing House – The Learn and Serve America National Service-Learning Clearinghouse (NSLC) supports the service-learning community in higher education, kindergarten through grade twelve, community-based initiatives and tribal programs, as well as all others interested in strengthening schools and communities using service-learning techniques and methodologies.

National Society for Experiential Education – The National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) is a membership association committed to all forms of experiential learning, whether they happen in the classroom, workplace, or community. NSEE is a strong advocate of partnerships that contribute to more dynamic classrooms, a stronger workforce, and thriving communities. We offer our members ongoing professional development which includes an annual conference; cutting-edge publications and research on all forms of experiential learning; and access to their colleagues from around the world.  

The Nonviolent Youth Collective - The Nonviolent Youth Collective is a group of young activists, artists, facilitators and organizers who are committed to social justice and nonviolent transformation. They are a program of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, a national, interfaith, peace and justice organization. They can be found throughout the nation organizing and facilitating popular education workshops and performances at conferences, events, as well as hosting their own spaces for healing transformation including week-long anti-oppression & nonviolence trainings known as Peacemaker Training Institutes (PTIs).

Northland Poster Collective - The Northland Poster Collective online gallery and catalog store features the art of social justice, the tools of grassroots union organizing and labor activism, and the craft of union workers.  They have posters, t-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers, and note cards that address issues including immigrant rights, Iraq, and the environmental justice movement, which addresses how corporate and government policies target the health and environment in communities already impacted by racial, class and other injustices.  Includes blogs and on-line discussions about the artwork, the artists and the issues which inspired them.

Oxfam America – Oxfam America pursues solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice in many ways, starting with the support of grassroots community programs in poor countries. These organizations — which we call our partners — provide inspiration and leadership to people who are living difficult lives locked in poverty. With new resources, organization, and opportunity from Oxfam, our partners and their communities gain skills, direction, and the hope and energy to create a new future for themselves.

Peace Corps – When John F. Kennedy became president in 1961, he issued a call to service to Americans with these words: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." He manifested this vision by establishing the Peace Corps to promote world peace and friendship. Currently 7,000 Peace Corps volunteers are serving in 70 countries, working to bring clean water to communities, teach children, help start new small businesses, and stop the spread of AIDS. Since 1961, more than 165,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps, serving in 135 nations.

Peacework – Managing global service projects through cultural immersion, Peacework is an international non-profit organization dedicated to meeting humanitarian needs, fostering volunteerism, promoting global understanding, and expanding personal awareness of the world's cultures and people. Peacework provides international volunteer service opportunities for groups that correspond to the development needs of countries around the world. Managing projects for groups of 6-60 worldwide, since 1989.

Planet Aid  - Planet Aid is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the environment and creating sustainable development in Africa and Asia.  They collect and recycle used clothing and shoes in 19 states in the USA. Items donated to Planet Aid are resold and the proceeds are used to support education, community development and HIV/AIDS programs in Africa and Asia. They partner with individuals, schools, organization, companies and government agencies to inform and contribute to community based development. The local office and warehouse is located at 2846 Banwick Road in Columbus, OH 43232. To learn more, contact Gretchen Stranges, (614) 598-6422, e-mail: gretchen.stranges@planetaid.org

Presbyterian National Volunteers Office – The National Volunteer Office develops partnerships with church-related groups and individuals that enable Presbyterians and ecumenical partners to experience the national mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) through volunteer ministry.

Projects Abroad – If you're interested in volunteering overseas, in gaining valuable work experience or you just want to do something different for a while, then join us on one of our many projects worldwide. Projects Abroad offer the widest range of voluntary overseas projects & first-class in-country support — there is something for everyone and you'll never be alone! With Teaching, Care & Community, Conservation, Medicine, Journalism, Business, Archaeology, Veterinary, Languages and more projects across 17 countries, you can both learn from, and help in the local communities we work with.

"Raise Your Voice" – (An initiative of Campus Compact) – This site is dedicated to connecting, challenging, and supporting college and university students in your community work, activism, leadership, and civic growth. We envision a virtual space where students can access information, ideas, and resources for self-expression and democratic change. By providing practical resources, a forum for sharing ideas, and databases rich with information, National Campus Compact is hoping to provide support for the next generation of student innovators to create solutions for the challenges facing our democracy.

Second Harvest – America's Second Harvest is the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization. Through a network of over 200 food banks and food-rescue programs, we provide emergency food assistance to more than 23 million hungry Americans each year, eight million of whom are children. Last year, America's Second Harvest distributed 1.7 billion pounds of food to needy Americans, serving all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Our goal is to end hunger in America.

Seeds of Peace – Seeds of Peace is a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to preparing teenagers from areas of conflict with the leadership skills required to promote coexistence and peace. While the organization focuses primarily on the Middle East, its programs have expanded to include other regions of conflict. As of 2003, participants come from the Middle East, the Balkans, South Asia, and Cyprus. The entry point for the Seeds of Peace program is its international camp in Maine. Working with experienced facilitators and staff, these teenagers participate in a wide variety of coexistence, educational, and recreational activities designed to create mutual understanding and respect.

SERRV International – (Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation Vocation) – Although SERRV now has partnerships with many artisans who are not refugees, the acronym has been retained. SERRV is a nonprofit alternative trade organization that promotes social and economic justice for people in developing regions of the world by marketing their handcrafts and food products in a just and direct manner. Shop here for gifts that give twice.

SERVnet – (Also see Youth Service America, YSL) - The premier Web site on service and volunteering, users can enter their zip code, city, state, skills, interests, and availability and be matched with organizations needing help...also a place to search for calendar events, job openings, service news, recommended books, and best practices. SERVEnet is a program of Youth Service America (YSA), a resource center and the premier alliance of 200+ organizations committed to increasing the quantity and quality of opportunities for young Americans to serve locally, nationally, or globally.

Serve Ohio - The Ohio Community Service Council was established by Ohio statute in 1994, (its original name was the Governor's Community Service Commission), specifically to administer grants in Ohio under the federal National & Community Service Trust Act of 1993.  The largest of these is AmeriCorps. However, the Council has always worked under a broader mission: "To strengthen Ohio's communities through service and volunteerism." In that collaborative spirit of volunteerism and service, the Council focuses on three major Programmatic Focus Areas: AmeriCorps, Ohio Citizen Corps - Homeland Security, and Make A Difference Day Ohio.

Sierra Service Project – Sierra Service Project (SSP) is a non-profit organization providing life-changing experiences through acts of service repairing Native American homes. Each summer, approximately 1200 teenagers, 250 adult volunteers and 30 paid summer staff live, worship and work together on four different project sites. Begun in 1975, Sierra Service Project was inspired by and modeled after Appalachian Service Project. Originally founded by several United Methodist Church ministers, SSP is now an independent non-profit organization.

STAND – Students Taking Action Now: Darfur (STAND) is a student initiative in the United States and Canada to create awareness about, take political action on and raise funds to relieve the genocide in Darfur, Sudan.

The St. Bernard Project - [Co-Founded by Zack Rosenberg, OWU '95]  In August 2005, hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated homes and lives across the Gulf Coast. St. Bernard Parish, a community adjacent to New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward, is arguably the area hardest hit by the floods. 100% of all residences and businesses flooded. In response to the overwhelming need for rebuilding assistance, the St. Bernard Project began rebuilding/renovating homes in August 2006. Since that time they have helped more than 80 families move back home and more are on their way. Their rebuilding model is simple: they raise funds for building materials, recruit volunteers, put them together and homes get rebuilt. Anyone affiliated with Ohio Wesleyan who wishes to get involved with the St. Bernard Project should contact Mr. Rosenberg at zack@stbernardproject.org

Teach For America – Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates of all academic majors who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to expand opportunity for children.

Ten Thousand Villages – Ten Thousand Villages provides vital, fair income to third world artisans by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing. Thousands of volunteers in Canada and the United States work with Ten Thousand Villages in their home communities. Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), the relief and development agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America.[And] has been working around the world since 1946.

UMCOR – United Methodist Committee On Relief – Responding to natural or man-made disasters, UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering with open minds to all religions and open hearts to all people. UMCOR is a humanitarian, non-proselytising agency of the United Methodist Church. The NGO Unit within UMCOR has been established to provide a professional and highly skilled humanitarian response to crises. This site offers an introduction to the work of UMCOR/NGO and its activities across the world.

UMVIM – United Methodist Volunteers In Mission – VIM creates mission opportunities through which followers of Jesus Christ share their gifts in ministry by: serving in partnership, learning experientially, building relationships, [and] sharing the faith experience. Our theme is: Christian Love In Action! UMVIM is a fellowship of believers, lay and clergy, men and women, adults and youth, who have stepped out in faith to serve the needs of communities around the world. The common characteristic of volunteers is a desire to serve and a willingness to share the gospel as part of a work team, medical team, or as individual volunteers.

UNICEF – Created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1946 to help children after World War II in Europe, UNICEF was first known as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations system, its task being to help children living in poverty in developing countries. Its name was shortened to the United Nations Children's Fund, but it retained the acronym "UNICEF," by which it is known to this day.

United States Institute for Peace – The mission of the United States Institute of Peace is to strengthen the nation's capabilities to promote the peaceful resolution of international conflicts. The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan federal institution created and funded by Congress to strengthen the nation's capacity to promote the peaceful resolution of international conflict. Established in 1984, the Institute meets its congressional mandate through an array of programs, including grants, fellowships, conferences and workshops, library services, publications, and other educational activities. The Institute's Board of Directors is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate.

VISTA - (Volunteers In Service To America) - AmeriCorps*VISTA members leverage human, financial, and material resources to increase the capacity of low-income communities across the country to solve their own problems. When VISTA members complete their service, they leave behind lasting solutions to some of our country's toughest problems. Since 1965, more than 140,000 Americans have served through VISTA. Today, nearly 6,000 AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve throughout the country—working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities, bridge the digital divide, and strengthen the capacity of community organizations.

VolunteerMatch – Volunteer Match is a leader in the nonprofit world dedicated to helping everyone find a great place to volunteer. The organization offers a variety of online services to support a community of nonprofit, volunteer and business leaders committed to civic engagement. Our popular service welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become the preferred internet recruiting tool for more than 30,000 nonprofit organizations.

Witness For Peace – Witness for Peace is a politically independent, grassroots organization. We are people committed to nonviolence and led by faith and conscience. Our mission is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing US policies and corporate practices which contribute to poverty and oppression in Latin America and the Caribbean. We stand with people who seek justice.

World Learning – Education And Training for Global Effectiveness – Founded in 1932 as The U.S. Experiment in International Living, World Learning is the only international organization with both academic and project capabilities dedicated to promoting international education, social justice, and world peace. Through distinctive educational methods based on experiential learning and the integration of theory and practice, the programs of World Learning build knowledge, develop leaders in education and management, contribute to global development, and effect change.

World Vision - World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Dr. Bob Pierce began World Vision to help children orphaned in the Korean War. To provide long-term, ongoing care for children in crisis, World Vision developed its first child sponsorship program in Korea in 1953. As children began to flourish through sponsorship in Korea, the program expanded into other Asian countries and eventually into Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Today, monthly contributions from sponsors enable World Vision to provide access to clean water, nutritious food, education, health care and economic opportunities.