The College of Humanities, Arts and Behavioral and Social Sciences (CHABSS) Global Commitment Initiative coordinated a fair that brought dozens of volunteer organizations that aimed to connect with students looking to get involved in their communities.

The volunteer fair featured over 30 organizations and took place from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. on March 1 in the USU Ballroom.

The Global Commitment Initiative within CHABSS is a program that promotes campus awareness of global issues and trends.

Dr. Elizabeth Matthews, Director of the Global Commitment Initiative, highlighted the purpose of this event and the skills students could potentially gain.

“This is a terrific opportunity for students to put their global knowledge into action locally by identifying volunteer organizations that will allow them to give back to their communities,” Matthews said.

Students were able to make their way around the room and visit as many organizations as they wished to connect with. Among the dozens of organizations in attendance, there were many options that appealed to different student interests.

“Organizational foci include education, health, veterans’ services, assisting children, refugee services, environmental protection, border issues, combatting human trafficking and community improvements,” said Matthews.

Students were able to speak with organizations that focused on areas related to their major and general interests.

“I like to be very involved in my community, especially with kids,” said Vanessa Duarte, CSUSM student and attendee of the community service fair.

Duarte noted that the fair was a good chance to learn about the opportunities that are easily accessible to students on campus that focus on their interests.

Many organization representatives that were present at the fair noted that they were seeking for the college students to use the opportunities as more than just resume builders.

“[College students] have the latest, greatest and brightest ideas,” said Mia Rosenberg with Wounded Warrior Homes.

Organizations were also seeking out students because “we need a new generation of advocates,” said Kim Ellis with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The Global Commitment Initiative gave students a unique chance to explore volunteer opportunities on their own campus.