This site, developed by the Haas Center for Public Service and the Graduate Life Office, provides a comprehensive source of public service-related campus programs and resources for graduate students.

The Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford University connects academic study with community and public service to strengthen communities and develop effective public leaders. The center implements programs in the following areas: Fellowships, Courses, Research, Community Programs, and Leadership Development. All of the Center's activities contribute to student learning while providing value and service to the public and the community. Individual advising is available at the center.


Community Service Student Organizations

Over 70student-led organizations at Stanford work to address a variety of needs within our local communities. These groups focus on a variety of social issues (e.g. underserved youth, elderly, homelessness, environment) and partner with many local organizations. On-going service opportunities are available through these groups as well as the chance to work alongside other students with similar interests and commitment to social issues. Many of the student organizations are led by undergraduates, but interested graduate students are always welcome. Most of the organizations have on-going needs for additional volunteers and actively recruit each quarter. For more information about an organization and their current activities and needs, please use the contact information provided in each organization listing.

To learn about these student organizations, see Student Organizations.

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Individual Volunteer Opportunities in the Local Community

There are many organizations with volunteer service opportunities available in our local and extended communities. The resources described on the Issues & Opportunities page will help you explore and identify local organizations that match your interests.

You can also search for local volunteer needs on VolunteerMatch.org.

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One-Time Service Projects

Graduate Student Council & Programming Board
The Graduate Student Council and the Graduate Student Programming Board sponsor one-time community service events throughout the year. For more information about upcoming opportunities visit their websites. If you have an idea or would like to coordinate a service activity, please contact a member of the Programming Board.

Residential Community Programs
Service opportunities are offered throughout the year based on expressed student interest. For more information, visit the
Rains Houses site and the Escondido Village Community Service Committee site. If you are interested in organizing or participating in a service event with your residential community, contact your Community Advisor directly.

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Professional School Programs & Student Organizations

The following programs and student organizations housed in the professional schools offer a variety of resources and opportunities for students to engage in public service-related courses and activities.

Community Health & Public Service – School of Medicine: http://med.stanford.edu/community
Voluntary student organizations and clubs associated directly with the Medical School: http://med.stanford.edu/education/student_orgs.html

Public Interest Programs – Law School: http://www.law.stanford.edu/programs/pip/
Voluntary student organizations and clubs associated directly with the Law School:
http://www.law.stanford.edu/students/life/orgs.html

Public Management Program – Graduate School of Business: http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/pmp
Voluntary student organizations and clubs associated directly with the Graduate School of Business:
http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/academics/student_clubs.html

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Additional Campus Programs & Resources

Office of Science Outreach (www.stanford.edu/group/oso)
A University-wide resource to develop science education and outreach programs. Students can volunteer to help children, teachers, the general public, and/or the elderly have a better understanding and appreciation of science and engineering.

Stanford Center on Ethics (http://ethics.stanford.edu)
The Center's primary activities involve research support, seminars, conferences, curricular initiatives, community service, and public programs. By fostering collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, the Center seeks to enrich understanding of the central ethical challenges in personal and professional life.

Office of Student Activities (osa.stanford.edu/studentgroups)
For more information on public service student organizations, including "Political & Social Awareness" related groups, please visit the website of the Office of Student Activities and check out the variety of student groups on campus.

Campus Community Centers
There are also service organizations and programs in the religious communities and the ethnic community centers on campus:
Asian American Activities Center , Black Community Services Center, El Centro Chicano, and the Native American Cultural Center. You will also find opportunities at the Women's Community Center and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Resource Center.

General Information on Public Service Programs & Opportunities On & Off Campus

To post and receive general public service program and opportunity information subscribe to the "service4all" email list.  This is a thriving list filled with service opportunities and will help you keep up to date with service life on campus.  To join, just send a blank email to: service4all-join@lists.stanford.edu

Call to Serve
During the 2005-2006 school year, Stanford is participating in a national pilot project called the "Call to Serve Campaign." The Haas Center will work with schools and career services across the campus to promote student awareness and interest in government service to address the need for government employees and inspire a new generation to public service.

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Graduate Student Public Service Leadership Opportunities

Consider getting involved with the Graduate Student Councilor the Public Service Student Advisory Board at the Haas Center.

We welcome your suggested changes/additions regarding this website.
Contact: Jon McConnell , Student Development Programs Director,
jonmc@stanford.edu.