Service News
The McKeen Center's Service Newsletter is regularly updated with information and updates regarding volunteer opportunities, events, educational and professional resources, and other opportunities to participate in community engagement and public service within the Bowdoin community, Greater Brunswick area, and beyond.
Bowdoin Opportunities
Apply Now to Lead an Alternative Spring Break Trip!
Apply by Monday, April 29
ASB trips are organized and led by students who want to provide an intensive experiential learning and service opportunity. ASB leaders are responsible for all aspects of the trip, including trip logistics, coordinating with the host site, preparing pre-trip seminars, and leading the actual trip. Leaders may propose original trip ideas or build on one of 140+ past trips, which can be viewed on the McKeen Center website. The leader application is now live here and due by April 29. Applicants are strongly encouraged to schedule a meeting with Danny Miro-Chinea (d.mirochi@bowdoin.edu). Please contact Danny Miro-Chinea (d.mirochi@bowdoin.edu) or Luna Jiang-Qin ’25 (ljiangqin@bowdoin.edu) with any questions.
Apply Now for the Common Good Grant Committee!
Applications Due by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 3
The Common Good Grant Committee application is also live! Since 2001, an anonymous alumni donor has contributed $10,000 annually for Bowdoin students to allocate to local agencies looking for funding to start new initiatives and maintain existing programs. Acting much like a community foundation, students in the Common Good Grant program solicit donations to augment the grant base and evaluate grant proposals to determine which local non-profits will receive the Common Good Grants each spring. The purpose of the program is to provide students the opportunity to learn about grants, foundations, and philanthropy while becoming familiar with local non-profit organizations. Applications to be on the committee for 2024-2025 are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 3rd. For questions regarding the application form, the level of commitment the program requires, or about the Common Good Grant program in general, contact Sam Cogswell or student leaders Kavi Sarna ’25 and Sophia Li ’24.
2024-2025 Co-Leader Needed for Bear PALS
Bear PALS provides mentorship and tutoring for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students at Brunswick High School. Leaders will create a weekly schedule for volunteers, attend meetings with McKeen Center staff, maintain communication with the Bear PALS community partner, oversee transportation logistics, and discuss any operation concerns with volunteers. If interested, email Jimena Molina '25 and Sarah Seames (McKeen Center).
Summer DEI Mini Grant
Sponsored by Bowdoin's Identity & Culture team.
Apply for a Summer DEI Mini Grant
Applications Due Friday, April 26, at Noon EST
These DEI mini-grants ($250, $500, or $750) are for personal education, exploration, or enrichment related to race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or socio-economic class. Think of them as funds to visit a museum, take a class or workshop, go to an art exhibit, or any other idea that would be for your identity development growth and enrichment. It doesn't have to be something formal, as long as the main point is your enrichment related to one of the identity categories mentioned above. We have a limited amount of funds. If you have any questions, please reach out to anyone on the Identity & Culture team. APPLY HERE.
Rachel Lord Center Summer Book Club
Join the Rachel Lord Center for a summer book club! Each of the three books being offered invite us into new ways of being in relationship with ourselves and our neighbors.
You can sign up to read one, two, or all three books. Offerings include:
Sign up online here. There will be opportunities in August and September for online and in-person discussion groups. Questions? Email Oliver Goodrich.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, April 30, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Morrell Gym
Blood donors can sign up by visiting RedCrossBlood.org. In the red box in the top right-hand corner labeled "Find a Blood Drive," type in the sponsor code "Bowdoin College" in the zip-code box, which will direct you to the sign-up form.
Volunteer with NASA for the Bowdoin 2024 Powwow!
Sign up NOW
Powwow on Sunday, May 4, 12:00 – 6:00 PM
Bowdoin Quad
The Native American Student Association is hosting Bowdoin’s first ever powwow on May 4th, and need your help in gathering as many volunteers as we can to ensure a safe community for all. All volunteers will be receiving a free shirt with our beautiful logo designed by Kami Atcitty ’24. All walks of life are encouraged to join and participate in this historic moment. This is a sober community gathering. If you or someone you know is interested in helping, please sign up at this link.
Community Opportunities
Sign Up for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry!
Gift of Life Marrow Registry is seeking volunteers to assist in growing and democratizing the registry. Gift of life facilitates lifesaving transplants for people battling blood cancer, sickle cell and other blood disorders. Campus volunteers will join an elite group of students nationwide who are making a difference every day. To learn more visit https://www.giftoflife.org/programs/cap.
Volunteer with Coastal Landing Retirement Community!
Ongoing, Flexible
Coastal Landing Retirement Community is seeking volunteers to help with programming such as bingo, crafts, ice cream and drink socials, and other community events. Please contact Paige Tenney at 2075045742 ex. 2207 for more information.
United Way Seeking Bus Ambassadors for New Mainers
Ongoing, Flexible
Are you passionate about public transportation? Enjoy helping your friends and neighbors? Have a love for bus maps and want others to too? Then being a bus ambassador is for you! The Brunswick Link is free for a year and United Way of Mid Coast Maine is seeking volunteers to help riders be more comfortable navigating our public transit system!
Duties include helping riders navigate the Brunswick Link, plan trips, answering questions about the Brunswick community, providing directions, and more. Training will be provided by United Way. Learn more at this listing on VolunteerME, and contact Maggie for more information.
Professional Opportunities
Email Avery Friend to set up individual or group meetings with any of the McKeen Center staff to learn more about ongoing events and programs, seek resources, discuss ideas, and have questions answered. Please also email Avery with any items that you would like to see included in Service News.