Volunteer and Civic Engagement Programs (VCE) connects UNO students, faculty, staff, and community partners through meaningful volunteer service, civic learning, and leadership experiences. Whether you're looking to serve your community, develop civic leadership skills, or partner with UNO, we provide opportunities to make an impact throughout the year.
Signature Programs & Experiences
Browse all upcoming volunteer, service, and civic engagement opportunities in one place at events.unomaha.edu.
Mavs Make a Difference
UNO's monthly volunteer series that connects students with local nonprofit organizations for meaningful, hands-on service experiences throughout the Omaha community. Each one-time project offers an easy way to give back, explore community organizations, and meet fellow Mavericks.
Engaged & Empowered Civic Workshops
Interactive workshops designed to help students strengthen civic knowledge, engage in meaningful dialogue, develop advocacy skills, and better understand their role in creating positive community change. Individuals who complete each experience receive a badge representing the knowledge gained.
Topics may include:
- Civic dialogue
- Voting and elections
- Advocacy
- Community leadership
Pitch 4 Progress
A social innovation competition that gives UNO students the opportunity to develop and pitch creative solutions to community challenges. Working alongside nonprofit and community partners, students compete for microgrants to implement projects that make a lasting impact in the Omaha community.
60 Minutes of Service
A monthly event that brings community organizations to campus for quick, drop-in volunteer opportunities that make it easy for students to give back, connect with community partners, and make a meaningful impact, all in just one hour.
Capital Experience Day
Visit the Nebraska State Capitol for a firsthand experience of government in action. Connect with community leaders, advocates, and fellow Mavericks while learning how public policy is made and how you can engage in civic life. It's an opportunity to better understand the democratic process and discover meaningful ways to make a difference in your community.
Other Signature Service Days
University-wide days of service that bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to complete volunteer projects throughout the Omaha area while building meaningful community connections.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and the annual Earth Day Summit are two examples.
For Students
Looking for ways to get involved?
Students can:
- Volunteer with local organizations
- Participate in signature service events
- Build civic leadership skills
- Connect with nonprofit partners
- Receive updates about upcoming opportunities
Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunity Emails
For Community Organizations
Partner with UNO Students
Community organizations are invited to connect with UNO students through volunteer opportunities and collaborative initiatives.
Promote Volunteer Opportunities
Submit volunteer opportunities through our online form.
We also encourage organizations to post opportunities on:
Looking for Something More?
Interested in co-creating a project, hosting a service event, or partnering on a civic engagement initiative?
Partner With Us
Civic Engagement at UNO
At UNO, civic engagement means preparing students to actively participate in their communities through service, dialogue, advocacy, and democratic participation. From voter engagement initiatives to experiential learning at the Nebraska State Capitol, students gain the knowledge and confidence to become engaged community leaders. Check out some examples below. We always post these opportunities as they are scheduled on events.unomaha.edu.
- I Love NU Day
- Voter Engagement Website
- Civic dialogue
- Community leadership
