If you have ever attended an ISV program, you know how rewarding it is to volunteer your time to communities in need, and how fun it is to make friendships along the way. But what happens when the program is over and it’s time to go home? What if I told you it didn’t have to end? Ever! That’s right. You can continue to make a difference right on your campus. Your ISV experience doesn’t have to end.

ISV Campus Clubs are a great way for alumni to stay connected and continue volunteering in their own communities. Many students return from their ISV program overseas eager to continue volunteering. ISV encourages student alumni and anyone else interested in starting a volunteer-focused club to pursue this fun and rewarding opportunity.

ISV’s campus club mission statement is to promote volunteerism of any type in campus communities and encourage students to make a difference.

Like what you see so far? Think you might be interested in getting involved with an ISV campus club but still have some questions? Keep reading to learn more about this wonderful opportunity waiting at your fingertips.

So far everything looks good and sounds interesting, but you’re asking yourself, “Why should I join an ISV campus club? What’s in it for me?” I’m glad you asked, let me tell you. ISV campus clubs are a rewarding opportunity for students to start an organization that is creatively their own. Clubs are an amazing way to network and meet other students that share a passion for volunteer work. Not only will you form friendships to last you a lifetime, you will undoubtedly learn more about yourself and what you are capable of achieving in the process.

ISV’s clubs have paired with many reputable organizations to make a difference in their community. Some of these organizations include Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, and the Special Olympics. Not only will you become familiar with many charitable organizations, you will be gaining valuable skills desirable in any job.

We hope you will invest your time helping meet the needs of your community and select volunteer projects and events that you are passionate about. Clubs are encouraged to be active and have fun volunteering, getting their members involved and offering many opportunities to help. Starting a campus club may seem overwhelming, but the challenge is worth it. We think you will find it easy to get started. As your parent affiliate organization, ISV offers support and guidance for your success!

“WOW! This sounds great, where do I sign up?” – If you want to get involved, simply contact ISV and ask to speak to the Campus Club Coordinator. That’s me, Jessica Morgan! I will guide you through the process step by step. It’s all very simple!

Step one: Contact the student organization association on campus that approves new clubs and let them know you are interested in starting a club on campus.

Step two: Learn what your university requires of you to start a new club. Often universities will have a list of requirements to get started such as a minimum number of interested students or members, a detailed club constitution or statement of purpose, or a list of goals and objectives. ISV will assist you in gathering these required materials by providing the Constitution as well as a Club Manual. You will also probably be required to submit an Application for approval before you can begin your campus club activities.

Step three: You will need a clear plan or perhaps a written agenda/calendar for the semester. You may want to begin envisioning on your own or meet with other interested students and begin envisioning together. Working together as a team, your club will begin to form itself.

Step four: Once you have a basic plan, you will need to recruit other students to join your club. This can be successfully accomplished by hanging flyers around campus and chalking up sidewalks (get approval first), hosting a booth at a student organization fair and during Welcome Week, or through word of mouth and emailing. The more public announcements you make around campus, the more likely students will hear about your club and want to join. In this situation, less is not more! Be creative and begin to make it happen.

***Please be sure to email ISV at campusclubs@isvonline.com to inform us of your plans with your club. ISV requires you to complete an online Application and submit it for approval before your club begins to meet or take part in volunteer activities and events.***

If you are a program alumnus and checked your tour evaluation box to receive more information regarding campus clubs, we thank you for your interest and will be contacting you soon.

If you are visiting our site for the first time and would like to join or start a new club on your campus, please fill out this quick interest card and ISV will contact you. You may also contact us at campusclubs@isvonline.com.

We strongly encourage you to visit the websites of some of our existing clubs to get a better understanding of what an ISV campus club does, and to gain some inspiration for your own club.

• ISV UW Madison
• ISV University of Michigan

ISV currently has campus clubs located across the United Stated and in Canada offering exciting volunteer activities to its members. In 2005 & 2006, scholarship opportunities were offered to students through funds raised by the clubs at the University of Alberta, Canada and UW Madison. The University of Michigan and Boston have planned “alternative spring break service trips”, where they traveled to places like New Orleans, Louisiana to help in the relief effort for the Hurricane Katrina survivors. The University of Boston and Ohio are also holding wonderful activities on campus like a benefit concert and a campus wide lecture/workshop called "Be the Change" through Leaders Today, a group based in Canada. Many more exciting and fun events are being planned daily. Don’t get left out. Join one today!