Whatcom Museum Free First Friday
First Friday of every month

When:
Friday, January 2, 2026
 
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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WWU Club participation Paid for Winter quarter

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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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I really encourage you to attend Club Showcase. It’s one of the easiest ways to explore what’s happening on campus and to meet people outside of your usual circles—and attending is also paid.

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Club Showcase is on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 and Thursday, January 8th, from 12:00–3:00 PM in the Viking Union Multipurpose Room (516 High Street).

You can expect to meet active clubs, watch short performances, learn how to start a club, and get a feel for the many communities that exist at Western. Even if you don’t plan to join a club right away, it’s a worthwhile place to spend a few hours connecting and exploring.

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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

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, January 13, 2026 | Zoom

11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.Healthy Habits for a New Year

Kick off the new year with a fresh approach to nutrition and wellness. Western’s registered dietitian, Gabby Brower, will share practical strategies for building healthy eating habits that are realistic, sustainable, and tailored to the needs of busy professionals. The session will cover simple meal planning tips, ways to balance energy throughout the day, and strategies for making healthier food choices on and off campus. Attendees will leave with tools and resources to support their wellbeing in the year ahead.

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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.

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/

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!

 Common Threads Farm 

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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)

• Common Threads contacts and procedures

• Safety Guidelines for Bellingham Schools,

•  Cooking Club Roles 

•   2024-2025 onboarding 

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.

Community Connections Club

NEXT OPPORTUNITY:
TBD

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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

Students in Community Photos! 

THANK YOU FOR SUCH FUN
PLACE -BASED ADVENTURES​
 
📸Photos:
*2025 Students in Community Shannon Point Marine Center/ Lopez Island
*2024 Students in Community Sinclair Island Retreat
*2023 Students in Community Orcas Island Retreat 
 
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ONLINE- Free AI Courses

AI for Everyone
https://www.coursera.org/learn/prompt-engineering

Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT -https://www.coursera.org/learn/prompt-engineering
 
60 hours + of AI training through GOOGLE 
https://grow.google/ai/

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- 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.

FNO First Night Out (Winter Edition) 
Wednesday, January 7th 4:30pm-7:00pm

The Winter Edition FNO Fall Night Out on Wednesday, January 7th from 5:00-7:00 pm

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I’m looking for a few students to help hand out glow sticks from around 4:30pm into the evening.

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If you helped last time, you know how fun it was. This winter event will likely be much smaller and more relaxed, with firepits, buskers, and cozy vibes. I’m happy to buy everyone dinner again and reconnect with each of you. 

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If you’re interested, just reply and or shoot me a text letting me know.

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More info here if you’re curious: 

https://www.wwu.edu/fno

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.​

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

...

Community Concierge & Tourism Ambassador

904 Potter Street
Bellingham, WA  98229

Phone: 360-671-3990

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for fun opportunities at our Visitor Information Centers throughout the county! Share your passion about where you live through helping tourists, locals, and the community members of Whatcom County.

At Bellingham | Whatcom County Tourism, our mission is to improve the local economy by attracting visitors to stay longer. We are looking for volunteer Tourism Ambassadors to engage with people at our visitor information centers in Bellingham.

Volunteers must be familiar with Whatcom County attractions (or have an eagerness to learn), be able to investigate and provide clear directions, and handle multiple tasks at one time. Strong communication and customer service skills are essential, as well as having a positive and friendly attitude.

We are asking that volunteers commit to one shift per week, for a minimum of three months. Shifts are 3-4 hours. If you are interested, but have more questions about availability, please reach out.

Benefits to joining our team: trips to learn about area attractions, hotels, and outdoor adventures. We also have volunteer appreciation parties and provide snacks during shifts. Anyone who has felt more isolated the last couple years and has been looking for a way to get more involved in the community, couldn’t ask for a better opportunity than working in local tourism!  

Visitors need you! Please volunteer and share your knowledge with those who are looking for an opportunity to explore all that Whatcom County has to offer. 

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 registration will be available in January

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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.  

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 -$$
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

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. 
​
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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ONLINE- Required Hazing Prevention Training

Use your WWU login to access the online learning platform.
Go to the Vector online learning platform for Western Washington University: https://wwu-wa.vectorlmsedu.com

Students in Community work study plan 

Students in Community work study plan