All Things PDP
Becoming an Active Citizen: Serving the Greater Good
Identify service opportunities or issues of personal passion and take meaningful steps toward engaging with those issues.
You are not limited to these activities. You are also encouraged to find activities of your own to make it personal. Keep in mind, activities are not limited to certain categories, it all depends on the category rationale you provide to your TA.
Some activities can be done at any time of the year and do not have a specific date or time associated with them, these activities can be found at the bottom of the page.
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DO NOT sign up for any activity without prior approval of the activity and category from your TA.
Hiking Mt. Pleasant's River Parks with Dr. Mark Francek
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Learn the ecology, geology, and cultural history of Chippewa River Parks (Pickens Field, Island Park, Nelson Park, Mill Pond Park, Chippewaters Park, and Veit’s Woods) maintained by the City of Mount Pleasant and CMU. Learn about invasive species, biodiverse wetlands, meandering rivers, the “heart pond”, pollution challenges facing the river, and much more. Our 4-mile hike will begin at Pickens Field on the City’s north side and conclude at Veit’s Woods west of campus and then back to CMU. Through this PDP, you’ll see firsthand the importance of these parks and be motivated to their preservation. You’re also likely to work up an appetite, so pizza will be provided upon the hike’s completion. This event will take place on Friday, Sept. 5th from 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM and students are responsible for getting to the meeting point at Pickens Field 309 W. Pickard Avenue.
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9/11 Day of Service
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Join the Volunteer Center for drop-in service projects in recognition of 9/11. This event runs from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM in the Volunteer Center (Bovee UC 106)
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Volunteer at the Rusty but Trusty Event
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Volunteer to help run the Rusty but Trusty event by the by the Stripes and Pieces Foundation. The event runs from Sept. 12th - 14th. If interested, click the link provided and choose the date/time you're available. Completing one shift is required to fulfill this PDP option.
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Fire Up The Vote
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Join Central Votes for National Voter Registration Day. Get registered and explore civic engagement with Fire Up the Vote! You can find this event on the Park Library lawn from 10:00 - 3:00 PM.
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Volunteer for Zonta's Annual Applefest
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The event includes a craft fair, children's games, hayrides, cider, donuts, a bake sale, and more. Volunteers needed for Zonta's annual Applefest Saturday, September 27th 7:30am-4:30pm at Papa's Pumpkin Patch on Summerton Road (corner of Broomfield and Summerton). A variety of volunteer shifts are available. Volunteers are needed to set up, work parking, run children's games, and sell baked goods. Volunteers are also needed to help bake pies on Friday, September 26th between Noon-6:30pm in Wightman Hall on CMU's campus.
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Volunteer at CMU Museum of Cultural and Natural History
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Sign up to help the CMU museum run events, network with community members, and learn new skills.
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Volunteer at the Karma Kat Cafe
Karma Kat Café is a state-licensed animal shelter that provides care and treatment for cats without homes, and helps cats and owners find their perfect fit. Karma Kat was founded in 2018 and has rescued more than 1000 cats already. Volunteers are needed daily from 11:30am-1pm to assist with cleaning, organization, and cat care. Stick around after your shift to hang out with the kitties. Completing one shift is required to fulfill this PDP option.
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Volunteer at Clothing, INC.
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Clothing, INC provides free clothing to those in need. Volunteer for a shift helping sort donations and/or shopping with guests. Morning shifts run 8:45am-11:30am and afternoon shifts run 11:15am-2pm. Volunteers are needed Monday-Thursday. Completing one shift is required to fulfill this PDP option.
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Volunteer at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen
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Volunteer for a shift at the Isabella Community Soup Kitchen! Shifts run 8:30-11am and 10:30a-1:30p Mondays-Fridays. Volunteers are needed to serve and prepare meals and help in the dining room.
Call 989-772-7392 for more information or visit https://www.icsk.org/volunteer. Completing one shift is required to fulfill this PDP option.
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Volunteer at the Mount Pleasant Food Pantry
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Volunteer for a shift at the Mount Pleasant Food Pantry. Shifts run Wednesdays 2pm-6pm, Thursdays 9am-1pm, and Saturdays 9am-12pm. If interested, click the link provided, choose the position you want and the date/time you're available. Completing one shift is required to fulfill this PDP option.
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Volunteer at the Isabella County Restoration House
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Isabella County Restoration House has grown out of a concern for the underlying causes of homelessness. While the ICRH, its community partners, and the guests work toward eliminating those causes, we realize the need is immediate and urgent for individuals who need shelter. Our short-term goal is to provide a safe, warm place for those in our community who need shelter for as many winter nights as possible. ICRH averages 30 guests per night. Volunteers must agree to a background search and submit a volunteer sign up form, located on their website. Volunteers are needed for a variety of shifts morning, afternoons, evenings and overnights. See their application for shift details.
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Volunteer at the Care Store
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Provides personal and household care items not eligible for retail purchase with a Bridge Card to individuals who have earned Care Bucks from local human services agencies. Care Bucks are determined by need and the number of members of a household. Special care is given to Veterans and their families. Volunteers shifts are Tuesdays 9am-2pm, Wednesdays 2-6pm, and Thursdays 9am-2pm.
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