ALIVE

How to Volunteer

Getting started as an ALIVE Volunteer could not be simpler! Be an ALIVE volunteer today.

• Step 1: Find the best volunteer opportunity for you! View volunteer opportunities on the StudentVolunteer.ie Database and sign up to some great volunteer roles.
• Step 2: The organisation will be in touch and you can start volunteering.
• Step 3: Link in with ALIVE for supports to make your volunteering experience the best it can be.
• Step 4: Celebrate! Apply for the University of Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering from the President, the ALIVE Certificate

Step 1: Find your best volunteering opportunity

ALIVE is here to help you find your ideal volunteer role.

A Step by Step Guide to Volunteering for University of Galway Students: Thinking of Volunteering?

Step 2: Meet the organisation & start volunteering

Enjoy your first visit as you learn more about the organisation, training and get the tour! Expect to complete an informal chat, interview and reference check depending on the role. Once you start volunteering communication and commitment are vital. Get the most our of volunteering through skill building and leadership opportunities.
Once you sign up on the ALIVE website the organisation will be in touch about getting started!

Step 3: Link in with ALIVE supports

ALIVE has it all and we love when you visit! 

ALIVE Guides

Pick up your free Guides at the ALIVE office in the Hub, Áras na Mac Léinn or Download below to learn more about volunteering in the community.

ALIVE Team

Visit us for the chat about volunteering and how we can support you to get the best from your experience.

Step 4: Get your University of Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering

Get Certified! The University of Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering is the ALIVE Certificate.
We want to reward all the time and effort students put into societies, sports clubs, campaigns, committees, volunteering, community engagement, Mentoring, Class Reps, student radio, and everything else that isn't degree-related, all your extra-curricular activities. This is your chance to tell us what you have been doing, and get the recognition you deserve!
Well done to all the 900+ students who received their ALIVE certificate. Dates for next year will appear on this site in the near future. Remember to apply! Students must complete the application form which is a series of questions about your volunteering. You can find this on https://auth.yourspace.universityofgalway.ie/ It's easy! Log in, complete the application form and click submit. You can save your application, return and edit it and manage your volunteering portfolio too.
To Qualify:
You need to be an active volunteer for at least one semester to qualify for your Certificate. All kinds of volunteering are recognised by the Certificate. You may have volunteered in Galway, in your hometown or internationally. You may have volunteered on campus through clubs, class reps, student radio or newspaper, societies, or mentoring a first year student or off campus with a school, charity or hospital. All volunteering is recognised!

Summary

In this section we covered the 4 Steps to being an ALIVE Volunteer!

• Step 1: Find the best volunteer opportunity for you! View over 220 volunteer opportunities on the ALIVE Database and sign up online.
• Step 2: The organisation will be in touch and you can start volunteering!
• Step 3: Link in with ALIVE for supports to make you volunteering experience the best it can be.
• Step 4: Celebrate! Apply for the University of Galway President's Award for Volunteering, the ALIVE Certificate.

Please visit ALIVE in Aras na Mac Leinn

Email us studentvolunteering@universityofgalway.ie

What is ALIVE?

ALIVE (A Learning Initiative and the Volunteering Experience) is the University of Galway's Student Volunteer Programme.

What do I get from the ALIVE Programme as a student of University of Galway?

In past years, the ALIVE Programme has indicated that students have had the opportunity to :

• Enrich their personal development and employability skills;
• Have fun, experience and make new life-long friends;
• Attain an ALIVE Certificate from University of Galway;
• Learn from the community, which can enhance academic learning;
• Build Personal Knowledge and skills while contributing to the capacity of the community.