Community

• Are you interested in volunteering and having a positive impact on the community?
• Do you want to collaborate with local organizations and nonprofit leaders to address the social and environmental challenges facing our communities?
• Are you interested in engaging with the North Shore community beyond Salem State’s campus?
• Do you want to meet other students who are passionate about social justice and contributing to their community?

The Center for Civic Engagement offers a variety of programs and opportunities for students to connect with and have an impact on the North Shore community. Our work focuses on collaborating with community partners through sustainable and equitable relationships to move their mission forward while addressing the social and environmental challenges facing our communities. From annual days of service to ongoing programs, the CCE has opportunities for all students interested in volunteering and impacting the community.

Moving Forward Giving Back: First Year Day of Service

First year and transfer students are invited to join their new classmates, the Center for Civic Engagement, the First Year Experience Office, current students, staff, faculty, alumni and community organizations for a day of service in the greater Salem area. This annual program happens at the start of every academic year and allows participants to be part of a special cohort of new students who want to make a lasting and impactful connection in our community.

The goals of this collaborative initiative between the Center for Civic Engagement and the First Year Experience office are to promote civic engagement and social justice while creating an opportunity for new students to feel connected to their campus and surrounding communities.

Participation in MFGB has resulted in increases in retention, GPA and overall satisfaction with Salem State in addition to stronger peer connections and a greater desire to get involved in on- and off-campus organizations.

Learn more about the First Year Day of Service and how to participate.

Civic Engagement Hall of Fame

The Civic Engagement Hall of Fame is an annual program sponsored by the President and the Center for Civic Engagement that recognizes individuals for their efforts in addressing social and environmental challenges facing communities. Inductees possess sustained commitment and passion for improving, assisting and helping organizations in need through their civic engagement efforts. Nomination categories include undergraduate student, graduate student, faculty, staff/administrator and alumni.

Learn more about selection criteria and view a complete list of past inductees.

Community Partnerships

The Center actively works to create and sustain community partnerships with organizations across the North Shore through events and initiatives like semesterly community partner breakfasts, networking socials, community collaboration events and the Center’s Community Partner Advisory Board. View a list of our community partners. Please contact us if your organization would like to be involved in future community partner programs.

Community Service Projects

The Center supports community service initiatives like: students volunteering at Citizen’s Inn, Salem YMCA Greenspace, Plummer Youth Promise, and Lifebridge and participation in the North Shore CDC toy drive, Let’s Move Salem campus event, Earth Day cleanup, and the Walk for HAWC, among others. Stay informed on upcoming community service projects by connecting with us on social media or join our mailing list.

Looking for a community volunteer or internship opportunity? Please visit our Public Engagement Internship and Volunteer Opportunities page.

Community Service Initiative

Community Service Initiative is a student organization that hosts service events to enhance the well being of the Salem State community and the surrounding area while building connections with peers. CSI’s volunteer opportunities include Service Saturdays, Alternative Spring Break Trips, Habitat for Humanity Builds, and Let’s Move Salem. Learn more about how to get involved in Community Service Initiative.