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WELCOME STUDENTS IN COMMUNITY
MEMBERS

This is your Students in Community informational page. It will be updated with training opportunities and links also sent out through email.  Check back often to discover new events and opportunities that can be added as work hours. 

Community Engagement Fellows at WWU Food cohorts

Register here:
 https://www.cefellows.org/wwufoodsystemcollective

You can sign up for either of the two “Food & WWU” cohorts. Each will have six weekly meetings starting either January 20 or January 21 in the WWU Basic Need HUB Viking Union room 420.

One cohort will meet on
Tuesdays 10:00am -11:30am
and the other will meet on
Wednesdays 2:30pm -4:00pm. 

We invite you to join a “Food & WWU” cohort of Community Engagement Fellows this winter quarter, co-hosted by the emergent WWU Food Systems Collective and the WWU Center for Community Learning.  All people who are engaged in or interested in the Western food system are encouraged to join.

 

All are welcome– eaters, farmers, cooks, food justice activists, people who teach and learn about food systems, and those who run and support programs at Western or connected organizations related to food, etc. These cohorts will integrate Western students, staff, and faculty, as well as community members engaged in the WWU food system.The program will focus on addressing challenges and opportunities in our food system, guided by the interests and work of cohort members.

 

We hope the cohorts – as part of the inaugural year of the Food Systems Collective – will generate new partnerships, inspire creative redesign of existing work, and expand opportunities to share resources and improve WWU’s relationships with food. We’re excited to work with you! 

 

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You can sign up for either of the two “Food & WWU” cohorts. Each will have six weekly meetings starting either January 20 or January 21 in the WWU Basic Need HUB Viking Union room 420. One cohort will meet on Tuesdays 10:00am -11:30am and the other Wednesdays 2:30pm -4:00pm. 

Whatcom County Immigration Summit
 Tuesday, March 24th
 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Squalicum Boathouse

Opportunities to volunteer or simply attend the event.

Stay connected year-round

Sandra Perez leads the Whatcom County Immigration Task Force, and is cohosting the Whatcom Immigration Summit on Tuesday, March 24th. It will be from 11:00 am-3:00 pm.

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The new location for this summit will be at the Squalicum Boathouse.

Please contact Sandra Perez if you would like to volunteer. Please let her know you work for the Center for Community Learning. 

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Questions or interest?

Contact:
Sandra Perez
Community Health Specialist – Latinx Liaison & Outreach
Whatcom County Health and Community Services
(360) 393-6990

WWU Club participation Earn Work Study award for Winter quarter only.

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For Winter Quarter only, I’m including club participation as an activity that can count toward your SiC hours. This can be a club you’re already involved in or a new one you decide to join. I’m offering this option to support you in continuing to build community with other students you might not regularly run into at Western, and to keep developing life skills like collaboration, communication, and leadership.

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If you have questions about how club participation will count toward hours, or want help thinking through options, feel free to reach out.

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Best,
Laurel

ONLINE -$$
Financial Literacy educational programs - REQUIRED!!

 

Empowering our community through financial literacy at WWU and beyond! 
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These are hours worth of financial literacy training in the links below. Please just write in the Google sheet reflecting on what you learned and what your next step is.
Perhaps use the following Value Story Elements prompts to guide your reflection!
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​​​WWU Merriman Financial Literacy Program​
1. Attend events! 
https://www.instagram.com/wwufinlit/
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2.Enroll in and get paid through the Students in Community program for the accessing the free iGrad program
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3. Meet with a WWU Financial Aid Peer Mentor
https://financialliteracy.wwu.edu/peer-mentors
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WECU (local bank) financial online resources.
Financial literacy courses
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Khan Academy Educational Resources
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WHAT: TransAct: A Conversation About Finances, Presented by LGBTQ+ Western & The Merriman Financial Literacy Program | Join a conversation aimed at shedding light on the financial costs of transitioning and strategies to help plan for the future. Allies are encouraged to attend. 

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WHEN: Wednesday, November 19th , 4p-5:30p | VU 735

 

 Need more info? Contact: wagnerp2@wwu.edu

 'How it Works' Tours: Inside WTA Bus Service
 
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 10:00am-12:50pm
Meet at PAC Plaza
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Registration Required

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 10:00am-12:50pm

Meet at PAC Plaza

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Registration Required

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Many of us ride the bus without ever seeing the planning, coordination, and data-driven decisions that make a reliable transit system possible. This event offered a behind-the-scenes look at how public transportation is designed to serve people, places, and the broader wellbeing of Whatcom County.

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​Description: Join WTA and Western’s Sustainability Engagement Institute and Center for Community Learning for a deep dive into what goes into WTA bus service planning and how this impacts Whatcom County’s health and wellbeing. The event will include a bus ride from Western to WTA’s headquarters, a tour of the headquarters, and chats with WTA’s transportation planners about how they design and manage WTA’s bus service across the county.

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​This tour is supported by:

Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA)

Western’s Sustainability Engagement Institute

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https://whatcomclubs.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Whatcom County Corporate Office

1715 Kentucky Street
Bellingham, WA 98229

(360) 738-3808

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

After school Games Room and Gym Activities

With the guidance of adult volunteers, kids learn sportsmanship and gain essential, positive role models. One-on-one interaction between youth and adults is an essential building block for healthy development.

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Education Center and Computers 

Volunteers are needed to help give kids the support they need completing homework assignments. Adult tutors are also needed to help kids build their skills in particular areas such as reading or math. Activities include homework assistance, tutoring, story telling, word processing, internet research and coding.

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Coaching

Coaching takes a special person who cares about youth and who can model teamwork, sportsmanship and the joy of being involved in a positive, healthy activity. Sports needing coaches include flag football, baseball, fastpitch, volleyball and basketball.

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Administrative Support

Volunteers in this arena work in cooperation with staff on routine administrative tasks, special events and fundraising for the Clubs.

Whatcom Museum Free First Friday
First Friday of every month

When:
First Friday of each month
 
Whatcom Museum will have free admission, extended hours until 9 p.m. and special, free programming! Each month, we’ll bring a different mix of artists, performers, and experts to lead workshops and activities for all ages.
View our local history, fine art, and Indigenous cultures exhibitions in the Lightcatcher and Old City Hall (don’t forget the birds!), visit the Family Interactive Gallery for special crafts and programs for children, and check out the calendar below to see the incredible events we’re lining up.
https://www.whatcommuseum.org/free-first-friday/
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Seeking Winter Intern- Blue Skies for Children

Seeking Winter Intern- Blue Skies for Children

Jan 5, 2026 through Mar 20, 2026

Flexible

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Description

Are you interested in fostering community awareness, planning and executing events, and exploring unique fundraising avenues? Would you like to build skills in community engagement, event planning, and non-profit fundraising? If you answered yes, then this might just be the internship for you!

Currently, Blue Skies for Children (BSFC) sponsors 130 youths via enrichment programs funded by grants, donations, and sponsorships. As a Community Engagement Intern, you'll help drive our mission further with new fundraising initiatives and exciting community events.

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This is a part-time (10 - 15 hours per week) internship. The length of engagement will last approximately 3 months and has a flexible start time/end time to accommodate school scheduling and other commitments.​

Understanding Belonging with Unbridled Spirit's 7 Farm
RESCHEDULED TO
MARCH

 

*Must have a car or access to a car to volunteer here.*

Hey Friends! 

We hope that you all had a beautiful holiday season and are getting a good start to the new year! 

 

It's about time to start our School Programs back up, we will serve three schools this winter season, the details for each group are listed below, let me know if you are interested in helping with any of the programs.

Please note that we ask all volunteers to arrive 10 - 15 min prior to the beginning of the program to be ready and settled in when students arrive. 

 

I will be sending a second email here shortly about Volunteer Trainings coming up, so stay tuned! 

 

Responding via email is the best way to communicate with me :) 

Thanks so much! 

-Molly 

 

Northern Heights: Thursdays

Starting: Feb 5th 

Ending: March 26th 

Time: 10:45 - 12:00 (up to 30 min debrief)

Amount of Students: 7

Volunteers Needed: 5

 

Squalicum High School: Tuesdays

Starting: Feb 3rd 

Ending: March 24th 

Time: 12:50 - 1:50 (up to 30 min debrief)

Amount of Students: 8

Volunteers Needed: 4

 

Shuksan Middle School: Fridays

Starting: Feb 13rd 

Ending: April 3rd

Time: 10:30 - 12:30 (up to 30 min debrief)

Amount of Students: 8

Volunteers Needed: 5

 

With Gratitude, 

Molly McKenna 

Executive Administrator | Assistant Program Director

Unbridled Spirit 7 

Phone: 360-303-1597

Stay updated: [Link to Newsletter Sign-up]

Volunteer with Downtown Bellingham Partnership Events

When: Ongoing. 
Where: Bellingham Downtown

Get Involved with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER 

 
As an accredited member of Washington Main Street, we are proud to have volunteers involved at every level of our organization. We’re excited you’re here!
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Want to play a part in shaping the heart of Bellingham? Volunteering with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) is a hands-on way to connect with your community, gain event and project experience, and support the vibrancy of our downtown core.
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Event Opportunities
Events are a big part of what makes downtown come alive—and volunteers make it happen. You can sign up to help with:

  • Holiday Wine Walk (November)

  • Tree Lighting Ceremony (December)

  • Spirits & Cider Stroll (February)

  • Spring Wine Walk (May)

  • Event Planning Internship opportunities

  • Or suggest Other events you're excited about!

Year-Round Opportunities
Not into events? We also need creative, committed folks for:

  • Beautification Projects (clean-up, planting, public art)

  • Marketing & Promotion

  • Design work

  • Project-based Internships

  • Serving on our Board of Directors

  • Or pitch your own idea—let’s talk about it!
     

Whether you're looking for a fun one-time event or a deeper, longer-term project, there’s a place for you at DBP. Join us and help make Downtown Bellingham shine!

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​Emily Hie emily.hie@commonthreadsfarm.org is the main contact for Common Threads Farm.

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I wanted to pass along some updated opportunities with Common Threads Farm. They’ve made a few changes to their program this year, and the new team and systems are great! 

If you’ve worked with them before, this is a great time to connect with Emily emily.hie@commonthreadsfarm.org  and if you haven’t worked with Common Threads Farm, this is a really welcoming place to jump into consistent community work.

We have some familiar faces leading the classroom instruction: Clara Wallner (who some of you may remember as an AmeriCorps VISTA last year), along with Sarah Wheatley. There are also some new faces, Sky (classroom), Eric (Food Truck) and Claire(Food Truck Assistant). 

If you're interested in joining the Common Threads Farm classroom team, helping with after-school programming, or learning food systems skills through the food truck, reply to this email and I’ll connect you with the right person.

Common Threads Farm is a great option if:

✅You still need hours for the quarter

✅ You want hands-on experience in food systems, education, or sustainability

✅ You like working with kids

Here’s the current schedule (It is helpful to have a 3-4 hour chunk of time -or more- to account for travel time):

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You will need a Food Handler's Certificate.
If you don't have one yet, you can get one here by taking a course that's about an hour long and counts for hours. 

 

Common Threads will be our main community partner for fall and winter quarters, so this is a great option if you are looking for consistent work.


Common Threads Office location:
801 W. Orchard Drive (Suite 2)

Sign up: Western Action for Volunteer Engagement and Service (or WAVES) and find volunteer opportunities.

Sign up for WWU's Western Action for Volunteer Engagement and Service (or WAVES). Sign in with your Western account, select your Interests, favorite some Agencies, and sign up for volunteer opportunities that count as SiC hours! 

Attend a neighborhood meeting.
 
York Neighborhood Board of Directors Meeting
Fourth Wednesday Each Month (except August & December)
 
Time: 6:30pm

York Neighborhood Board of Directors Meeting

Date/Time: Fourth Wednesday Each Month (except August & December), 6:30pm meeting
 

Location - In Person: Nelson’s Market—514 Potter Street

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Questions? Contact: Colin Beazley.

Timesheet

Continue to update both the Google Timesheet and the WWU Web4U timesheet tracker after each workday.
Please make sure to document on your timesheet 30 minute lunch breaks at least every 5 hours. 

ONLINE -Khan Academy - hundreds of hours of free life-skills courses. 

Take ANY class from this list of lifeskills courses from Khan Academy. Khan Academy's mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.

https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more

ONLINE- Explore the Community Engagement Fellows/ Center for Community Learning website

Take time to flip through all the resources and content on the www.cefellows.org site

ONLINE- Boater Safety Certification- FREE

https://www.boatus.org/washington
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The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
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Bellingham, WA is on the water and whether you plan to go kayaking, sailing, or maybe checking out Lakewood the WWU student-centric watersports facility -a boater safety course is a must. You’ll learn how to handle changing tides, unpredictable weather, and emergencies like a pro while making sure you meet Washington’s legal requirements for operating a boat.
Earn hours while earning this certificate. 

ONLINE- Get a Food Handlers card to help with Food prep at Common Threads Farm

The authorized online training program is www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Cost :$10 - please connect with me to cover the cost. 

ONLINE- Zero -cost child-focused trainings that strengthen a resume.

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​Mandatory Reporter Training (Washington)

Recognizing and reporting child abuse; legal responsibilitiesMandatory Reporter Training, WA Alliance for Child Welfare, 2025

Complete the online e-learning and download the completion PDF. cpe.socialwork.uw.edu

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CDC “HEADS UP” Concussion Training for Youth Sports Coaches

Safety awareness, injury prevention, return-to-play protocols

HEADS UP Concussion Safety Certificate, CDC, 2025Finish the 30-minute module and print the certificate. CDC

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FEMA IS-36 Preparedness for Child Care Providers

Emergency planning, hazard assessment, family reunification basicsPreparedness for Child Care Providers (IS-36), FEMA, 2025Register on FEMA’s site, pass the short quiz, and download the certificate. FEMA NDEMU

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SafeSport for Volunteers Course

Abuse prevention, boundary setting, safe-play policiesSafeSport Volunteer Training, U.S. Center for SafeSport, 2025

Create a free account, take the 20-minute course, then save the completion record. USTA

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WHO Caregiver Skills Training (CST) – online version

Positive interaction techniques, behavior support, inclusivityCaregiver Skills Training, WHO Academy, 2025

Enroll at WHO Academy and finish the self-paced modules for a digital badge. World Health Organization

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USDA “MyPlate Champion” Certificate

Basic child nutrition and healthy-eating messaging

MyPlate Champion Certificate, USDA, 2025

Make the online pledge and download the printable certificate. MyPlate

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Tips for using these on a résumé

  1. List them under Certifications or Professional Development, with the provider and year.

  2. Tie the skill to the role in one bullet, e.g., “Used FEMA IS-36 principles to update emergency procedures for a summer camp.”

  3. Keep copies of the PDFs to show employers during onboarding.

All six options are genuinely free and can be completed online in a few hours, making them quick résumé boosters for anyone aiming to work with children.

Community Engagement Fellows
at Options High School

Time/date:
Wednesday, February 18-Wednesday March 18.
Location:
2015 Franklin St, Bellingham, WA


Register here: 
https://www.cefellows.org/cohorts

This cohort will include a mix of high school students and adults. The cohorts will take place during a class meeting time at Options High School.

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Our goal is to develop well-rounded community members who are engaged and connected across generations, and who are more able to strengthen our communities through collaboration.

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All people working to build more thriving and resilient communities are encouraged to participate, including those connected with community organizations, schools, tribal and non-tribal governments, universities, colleges, etc. 

 

The program is free for all. 

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​Members should plan to attend all cohort sessions, to help create rich relationship-building and learning opportunities for all.

Community Connections Club

Meets most Wednesday's in the Center for Community Learning office

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Sela and Ruby will be in the CCL office starting at 5pm this Wednesday, 1/28.

This is a very low-key meeting. Sela will be providing assistance in navigating volunteering opportunities using the SIC website. I will be able to help with questions about resume writing, local resources, and major application. If you have an application essay that needs reviewing, I am happy to help.  No questions? No problem! As always, crafts and snacks are available.

 

Within the next week, I will be sending out an email with a form asking questions about what days/times work for you and what do you want to do during meetings. I want to provide everyone with the proper cushioning to relax and earn hours during this difficult winter.

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* All hours spent supporting and creating club activities will count as hours. Please connect with Ruby Hamlyn  hamlynr@wwu.edu or Aubrey Templeton templea5@wwu.edu SIC members and our new Community Connections Club leads. *
 
Hello all,
 
I'm thrilled to announce the formation of our new club, Community Connections. While we are creating this club with the hopes of easing transportation needs in SIC's future, that isn't it's sole purpose. I envision this club becoming a way to get Western's non-work study students out in the community alongside SIC. With each generation of SIC, I hope for Laurel to watch this club blossom into a campus-wide community.
 
And guess what... You are all founding members! Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, comments, or ideas in regard to the club. I'm so lucky to have the privilege of starting this journey with you all.
 
Enjoy the sunshine,
Ruby Hamlyn

Winter volunteer opportunities with Bellingham School District

Dear Volunteers,

 

I would like to start the new year with deep gratitude and thanks for volunteering in Bellingham Public Schools.

 

Many teachers and schools depend on volunteer support in classrooms, at recess and after-school. Please take a look at the opportunities below and see which may be a good fit for your schedule and interest. Please contact Jennifer Gaer to sign up and/or learn more.

 

Our students and staff are ready and waiting for you in the year ahead! 

 

Important health reminder

Please remember to stay home if you are not feeling well. While masks are not required in our schools this winter, please do not hesistate to wear one to protect your health and those around you.

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Winter volunteer opportunities

Bike Volunteers: BPS is fortunate to have a trailer of student bicycles that rotates around to all elementary and middle schools throughout the school year. Volunteers are needed to help set up bikes, adjust helmets to fit, assist begining riders with cycling, balance, steering and stopping. Bikes will be at the following schools this winter and spring: Sunnyland, Birchwood, Northern Heights, Roosevelt, Geneva and Whatcom Middle School. Elementary schools ride from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Middle schools ride from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week.

 

AVID Tutors: This college readiness program for middle and high school students is a game changer. Volunteer tutors facilitate small groups of students with time management, note taking, study habits and critical thinking skills. This is a great learning opportunity for college students pursuing secondary education and counseling degrees. Time commitment: 1-1.5 hours weekly during the school day. Training provided.

 

Field Trip Chaperones: Many elementary schools request volunteer chaperones on field trips throughout our community. Chaperones help students stay safe and engaged in the learning. Time committment: As needed.

 

Math/Science High School Tutors: Bellingham, Sehome and Squalicum high schools are seeking tutors to work one-on-one or with small student groups during and/or after school. The afterschool learning centers operate Monday thru Thursday 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. Time commitment: 1 hour weekly.

 

Multilingual-speaking Tutors: Sehome High School and Shuksan and Whatcom middle schools seek bilingual tutors who can assist multilingual learners (MLL) in literacy and other subject areas. Languages needed include Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. Time commitment: 1-2 hours weekly during the school day between 8:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

 

Reading Tutor: Shuksan Middle Schools is seeking a volunteer with a background in teaching reading/language arts to work with a student who needs instruction in the Barton Reading Program. Some training can be provided if not familiar with this program. The volunteer would work with the student twice a week for approximately 30 minutes per session (ideally on two consecutive days), with the support continuing for an extended period. If you have any interest and availability in supporting this student, please email sonia.buys@bellinghamschools.org

 

Recess Support: Organize games, monitor for student safety and help resolve conflicts that may arise. Volunteers needed at multiple elementary schools. Time commitment: 1 hour per week during the school day.

 

Theatre Enthusiasts: Birchwood Elmentary is seeking volunteers to help with set-design, run lines and costuming. Time commitment: 1 hour per week on Tuesdays after-school 2:45-3:45 p.m.

 

Spotlight on community partner - Common Threads Farms

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Common Threads Farm is seeking help with fourth and fifth grade cooking classes at Alderwood, Birchwood, Cordata and Roosevelt elementary schools.

 

Help us offer hands-on cooking lessons and try homemade, healthy, delicious recipes with our oldest elementary students. Sign up genius links can be found here . Navigate to the tab for your school.

  

Volunteers must have a valid Food Worker Card (a 30-minute, $10 online training) and have filled out the Bellingham Public Schools Volunteer Form, which includes a background check.  

  

Please email sarah.wheatley@commonthreadsfarm.org with any questions!  

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District calendar

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WWU Lunch and Learn

Schedule and Website
 
 
Some sessions will be live via Zoom on Tuesdays. 
Meeting ID: 980 1900 8612

The Western Washington University (WWU) Lunch & Learn series explores topics that enhance the health and wellbeing of our community, environment, and planet, using the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges as our guide.  

This series is a collaborative effort from Joyce Lopes, VP for Business & Financial Affairs, Dr. Sislena Ledbetter, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, and Faye Gallant, Associate Vice President for Strategy, Management & Budget.

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(Some sessions will be live via Zoom on Tuesdays. 

Meeting ID: 980 1900 8612)

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Winter 2026 Lunch & Learn Series

Join us on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. for an informative session. No registration is required. 

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Tuesday, February 10, 2026 | Room TBD

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.Valentine’s Themed Jeopardy

Bring your competitive spirit and a teammate or two for a Valentine’s-themed game of Jeopardy. This lighthearted session is all about connection with a little friendly competition, so come ready to play, cheer on your colleagues, and celebrate the season of love in a fun new way.

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Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | Zoom

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.Community Building with the Office of Equity

Community is created when people come together with intention, care, and purpose. Join us for a conversation about the importance of connection and belonging at Western. We’ll highlight current initiatives that bring people together, share strategies for building supportive networks, and invite participants to reflect on ways we can continue to foster inclusion and collaboration across our campus community.

Spring 2026 Lunch & Learn Series

Join us on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. for an informative session. No registration is required.

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Tuesday, April 14, 2026 | Zoom

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.Sustainability in Action

Celebrate Earth Week by learning more about Western’s sustainability initiatives. This session will showcase programs such as the campus Sustainability, Equity, and Justice Fund (SEJF) grant program, Western's Sustainability Action Plan, food recovery efforts, and the Sustainable Office Certification. Attendees will discover ways to get involved and contribute to Western’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | Zoom

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. Legislative Session Summary

Join Nora Selander, Director of Government Relations, to hear about the outcomes of the 2026 Washington legislative session. Nora will discuss how the latest legislative decisions directly impact Western's priorities, programs, and future initiatives.

Longest Table
 
Date
February 11, 2026 - 5:00 pm
Location
Viking Union MPR

 

You are invited to the Longest Table! Community, great conversation and dinner! This free event is open to students, staff, and faculty. Interested in helping with this event? We will be looking for Table Captains to help spread the word. Reach out to Gina, ebbelig@wwu.edu if you are interested.

https://basicneeds.wwu.edu/longest-table-0

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Table captains will be an essential part of Western’s Longest Table. Table captains are staff and student volunteers who will invite friends to the dinner, foster conversation during the event and make everyone feel welcome at each table. Contact Quincy if you are interested in being a table captain: kochq@wwu.edu

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Last winter quarter we hosted our very first Longest Table at Western. Picture close to 60 tables connected, 330 students, staff and faculty sitting together eating dinner, talking, enjoying time together. It was beautiful and a tradition was created.

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The Wellbeing Collaborative
A space to continue our overall efforts in supporting campus wellbeing. 

Held the second Tuesday of each month

Register Here

This community of practice is a group for students, staff, and faculty who seek to chart a path forward for WWU as a health promoting institution as part of our institutional commitment to the Okanagan Charter. In 2022, the WC adopted 4 pillars to organize around:

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  1. Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,

  2. Culture of Health and Wellbeing,

  3. The Built Environment, and

  4. Sustainability.
     

Through collaborative strategizing and implementation, the WC supports Western’s commitment to move toward more systems-level strategies that influence the health and wellbeing of every member of the Western community. Please join us to continue pushing this movement forward. 

Any questions can be directed to Brandon Joseph at josephb2@wwu.edu.

Whatcom County Immigration Summit @ WWU
November 2026 (Fall Quarter) 
 

Mark your calendars: You are invited to join community partners from across Whatcom County for the next Whatcom County Immigration Summit, a gathering designed to strengthen relationships, share accurate information, and create space for open dialogue around immigration policies and their local impact.

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Ferndale Chamber of Commerce



Interested? Reach out to Katy!
Katy@ferndale-chamber.com or call (360) 384-3042

Interested in volunteering in Ferndale? Reach out to Katy. 

 

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Bellingham Theatre Guild -New Volunteer Orientation

When: monthly check the schedule
https://bellinghamtheatreguild.com/series/volunteer-orientation/

Where: 1600 H Street- The Guild Playhouse

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Volunteer Orientation is open to anyone interested in learning more about Bellingham Theatre Guild offered each Third Saturday of Each Month           

https://bellinghamtheatreguild.com/series/volunteer-orientation/

Location: 1600 H Street- The Guild Playhouse- Lasts one hour or less and includes an optional tour of the building including scene shop, costume and prop rooms, backstage etc.  Feel free to bring a friend. 

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If interested in Refreshments for Intermission or Ushering- there may be a short info session after the orientation.

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It will be helpful if you visit our website and  fill out volunteer application at http://http://bellinghamtheatreguild.com/volunteer/volunteer-interest-form/

Whatcom Trails Association
When: Year-round Website: https://www.wta.org/get-involved

 

The community  is the heart and soul of Washington Trails Association. Support their work—and help out the trails you love—by getting involved. Whether you'd like to become a member, help repair trails, advocate for wild places or simply connect with fellow hikers, they have an opportunity for you.

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Volunteer opportunities: https://www.wta.org/get-involved/volunteer

Volunteer with Skookum Kids

Get involved: Volunteer Application

Skookum Kids exists to mobilize communities to create a healthy foster care system.

 

We've got plenty of monthly and event-based opportunities where you can volunteer on your own or with a group!

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Foster parent support group:

We hold 6 support groups a year where childcare is covered by volunteers so foster parents can connect with other caregivers and receive training.

We hope that foster families can get a chance to breathe and pick up a few tools along the way. This is an easy way to volunteer with a small group or for those under 21.

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Family night out:

Once a month, we invite all foster families in the communities we serve to drop off their children with us for a night out. Community volunteers like you give children an evening of fun while their caregivers enjoy time going out!

Ideal for groups or those under 21 years old, Family Night Out is the easiest way to get started volunteering at Skookum Kids.

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Over 21? Consider volunteering with the Landing program. 

Children from all over Washington spend their first days in foster care at our emergency shelter house, The Landing. In those first turbulent hours, children have a soft landing at our cozy and well-cared for house. This important work is done by a team of 100+ volunteers (just like you!)

Right now, this is our greatest need for volunteers. Volunteers must be 21+ years old, have prior experience working with kids, and be able to serve at least 4 hours a month. Fill out the form to learn more!

FREE WWU Employee Language program

Sign up ASAP the classes fill up. 

 

When: Winter quarter not yet available

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Open soon!​

Open to all Western employees, these free, non-credit workshops support faculty and staff through professional development and encourage multicultural outreach and awareness.  

 

For descriptions of the workshops below, see the homepage

 

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Note: Returning conversation partners participants with prior arrangements, please still register via the link above. 

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Employee Language Program, Western Washington University 

 

Phone: 360-650-2841 

 

E-Mail: EmployeeLanguage@wwu.edu

Web: https://wp.wwu.edu/employeelanguage/ 

 

 

 

The WWU Employee Language Program is an initiative put forth by the Office of the President to support Western faculty and staff through professional development and to encourage multicultural outreach and awareness. The workshops are the result of a combined effort by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and Outreach and Continuing Education. 

ONLINE- Bellingham School District Volunteer Application
Complete ASAP -MUST COMPLETE EVERY YEAR.

  1. Bellingham School District volunteer application system - You must update your checklist and "CLICK SAVE ADDENDUM"

  2. Ferndale School District Volunteer application 

  3. Mt Baker School District Volunteer Application
     

All Student in Community members are required to complete the online application which includes a disclosure statement, review of policies and procedures, and picture identification. This information is used to perform a background check through Washington State Patrol, a requirement for all district volunteers.
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When volunteer applications have been processed, applicants receive an email confirmation upon approval.  The process can take up to one week from the time the application is completed.  

Students in Community Photos! 

Community Boating Center Volunteer

The Center for Community Learning has a longstanding relationship with the Community Boating Center. If you are looking for additional hours this summer, please consider signing up as a volunteer with the Community Boating Center.
We are a campus on the Salish Sea, and this is a perfect opportunity to learn about watercraft that can take you out on the bay. Much of the volunteering will be on land, but simply being by the water and learning about the boating culture from the staff at the Community Boating Center will be invaluable.
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To get started:
 

  • Fill out the volunteer application.
     

  • Email me to let me know you’re considering working with the Community Boating Center.
     

Be sure to explore the CBC website to learn more about the Community Boating Center’s mission and programs.

Don't forget you can also earn hours by taking your boaters' safety course listed on the SIC website. 
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ONLINE Options- Update your resume and LinkedIn to include your Students in Community work.
**Send your updated resume/LinkedIn profile to me!**

 

Here is a video recording of Common Threads Farm Resume and  Cover letter training 
Here are the slides that go along with it. 
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Check out the Food Educator position description that is actually linked in this training to practice with already, but the link to it is also here as well.
 
 Include key words in your resume! 

Here is my LinkedIn profile. Connect with me!
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurelhammond/

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Our programming takes place on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin, throughout the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades watershed, from time immemorial. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, particularly the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.

(For more information: WWU Tribal Relations)

WWU Center for Community Learning

Professional photo credit Jessie Bloss Photography

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©2022 Community Engagement Fellows

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