UNH Today

UNH is known for its involvement in the community and for what students do to give back to the world. UNH Manchester is no exception. With a plethora of opportunities to do good in the great city of Manchester, here are some ways students can get involved right here in the Queen City.

Off Campus

Youth Services

Do you like the idea of mentoring and supporting the aspirations of Manchester’s youth? Want to make a positive impact in a child’s life? At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Manchester and the Boys and Girls Club in Manchester, volunteers are paired with youth members to do what “Littles” want to do, whether it be everyday activities or helping making a “Little's” dream become reality. Check out these organizations and become a “Big” today.

Homelessness and Hunger

Homelessness and hunger affect many in Manchester, which is why volunteers are so important at places like Families in Transition, New Horizons for New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Food Bank. There are so many activities volunteers can choose from, such as assisting with food preparation and delivery, connecting resources with the people who need them, transportation and even store management. 

Animals

For people who like to work with animals, Manchester Animal Shelter is a "pawfect" place to volunteer. Volunteers can help take care of sheltered animals and help these furry friends find good homes. 

Education

Every college student knows how important education is, and that’s why Southern New Hampshire Services and the Manchester City Library work to help adults get the education they need to succeed. There are needs for volunteers in many areas, such helping people finish a high school education, learn how to speak and/or read in English, apply for jobs and more.

Special Needs

Help make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities or special needs by volunteering at Easterseals NH, which provides autism services, inclusive child care and early intervention, special education, camping and recreation and much more.

Health

Health and safety are extremely important, and students can do their part to help keep Manchester as healthy and safe as possible by volunteering at the Greater Manchester Medical Reserve Corps. Volunteers here are able to help during emergency events as well as public general health events.  

Veterans

Show your support for those who have served by volunteering at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center or Liberty House, which connects homeless and struggling veterans to available resources and provides a safe, substance-free transitional home.

On Campus

There are many ways students can volunteer through the clubs, student organizations and classes at the UNH Manchester campus! Here are some ways you can get involved: 

• Join a club. Groups like the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and the Student Coalition for Service & Empowerment offer ways to volunteer in the community, such as through annual mission trips called ServeUp and group visits to local volunteer sites. For more information and to join these clubs, contact Rebecca Skahan (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship) or Rachel Avery (Student Coalition for Service & Empowerment).
• Take public service courses. The Public Service and Nonprofit Leadership major offers students a bachelor’s degree centered on new and improved public and nonprofit services to help the people who need it most. If volunteering is great but not enough, then this major is definitely something you should look at.
• Sign up for the Colleges of the Queen City Day of Service. Teamwork makes the dream work at this annual event where UNH Manchester partners with other colleges around the city to make big change right here in Manchester.