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.
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Students in Community Fall Adventures
October 7th, 2026
8:30-10:00pm
Experience the magic of bioluminescence on this evening tour with the Students in Community and the Outdoor Center. Paddle through the water as glowing organisms light up with every movement, creating an unforgettable natural display. This guided adventure is a great way to explore the outdoors, learn about the science behind bioluminescence, and enjoy a unique nighttime experience with fellow students.
Meet at WWU VU parking lot
SeaFeast Volunteer Opportunities https://www.bellinghamseafeast.org/volunteers
Celebrate the10th anniversary of Bellingham SeaFeast (Sept 26–27),
SeaFeast is a large community celebration at Squalicum Harbor and Zuanich Point Park that brings hundreds of volunteers together to celebrate Bellingham’s waterfront, maritime culture, local seafood, and healthy oceans.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the week:
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Thursday, September 24: Festival setup from 2:00–5:00 p.m.
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Friday, September 25: Festival setup from 2:00–5:00 p.m.
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Saturday, September 26: Shifts available between 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
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Sunday, September 27: Shifts available between 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Please sign up for SeaFeast and select as many shifts as you need to reach a total of 19 hours for the week, including your time helping with First Night Out. SeaFeast has many different volunteer roles, so you can choose opportunities that fit your interests and schedule. Volunteers also receive a limited-edition T-shirt, meal voucher, coffee voucher, and other perks.
The WWU Employee Language Program (ELP) for spring quarter is now open for registration! See our offerings in Spanish, Mandarin, French and German below.
Descriptions available on the Program Page.
Registration will open soon
The WWU Employee Language program has opened. See registration and information in the email below. The WWU Employee Language program is taught by WWU students for WWU staff and faculty and hosted on the WWU campus. As employees of the University, you can enroll at no cost to you and as Students in Community members, you can count it as life skills hours.
Descriptions available on the Program Page.
Learning another language...
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Builds empathy and perspective-taking
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Deepens cultural understanding
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Opens opportunities for future community and career pathways
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Helps students better reflect the communities they serve
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Strengthens communication with multilingual communities
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Supports more inclusive and equitable community spaces
Community Boating Center Volunteering
Click below to explore and fill out our volunteer interest form!
Volunteer Interest Form
Community Connections Club
Meets most Wednesdays's from 4:00-6:30 pm in the Center for Community Learning office
These are low-key connection meetings. Games and Students in Community stories are usually the focus of these gatherings. As always, crafts and snacks are available.
* All hours spent supporting and creating club activities will count as hours. Please connect with Ruby and Sela 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
(469) 732-4177.
Project Beetroot (formerly: Common Threads Farm)
Emily Hie emily.hie@projectbeetroot.org is the main contact for Project Beetroot.
If you're interested in joining the Project Beetroot classroom team, helping with after-school programming, or learning food systems skills through the food truck.
Project Beetroot is a great option if:
✅You enjoy working with kids
✅ You want hands-on experience in food systems, education, or sustainability
✅ You are new to the Students in Community program.
It is helpful to have a 3-4 hour chunk of time -or more- to account for travel time.
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.
Project Beetroot will be our main community partner for fall, winter, and spring quarters, so this is a great option if you are looking for consistent work.
Project Beetroot Office location:
801 W. Orchard Drive (Suite 2)
Project Beetroot contacts and procedures
ONLINE -$$
Financial Literacy educational programs - REQUIRED!!
Empowering our community through financial literacy at WWU and beyond!
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!
WWU Merriman Financial Literacy Program
1. Attend events!
https://www.instagram.com/wwufinlit/
2.Enroll in and get paid through the Students in Community program for the accessing the free iGrad program.
3. Meet with a WWU Financial Aid Peer Mentor
https://financialliteracy.wwu.edu/peer-mentors
Need more info? Contact: wagnerp2@wwu.edu
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
Bellingham Theatre Guild -New Volunteer Orientation
When: monthly check the schedule
https://bellinghamtheatreguild.com/series/volunteer-orientation/
Where: 1600 H Street- The Guild Playhouse
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.
If interested in Refreshments for Intermission or Ushering- there may be a short info session after the orientation.
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.
Volunteer opportunities: https://www.wta.org/get-involved/volunteer
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!
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.
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 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!
ONLINE- Required Hazing Prevention Training
Become a Bellingham Ambassador
Takes 30 minutes
link: https://learn.bellingham.org/
Bellingham Experience Ambassador Course
Visit Bellingham has launched a new Bellingham Experience Ambassador Course to share the role of tourism in Whatcom County.
The free online 30 minute course involves short lessons about local amenities and insights into how tourism shapes our economy and community. The training is primarily intended for tourism and hospitality workers as well as community stakeholders who regularly engage with visitors, with the goal of fostering a more connected visitor ecosystem in time for the games this summer and beyond.
Whatcom County Parks & Recreation
The volunteers of Whatcom County Parks & Recreation play a vital role in helping create and maintain beautiful parks and trails that are warm and inviting. Get involved today and join the hundreds of volunteers that help protect and preserve Whatcom County parks and trails.
How to Become a Volunteer
Step 1: Find out if there are any openings in your area of interest: Whatcom County parks volunteer opportunities listed here
Email parks@co.whatcom.wa.us to find out.
Step 2: Complete a volunteer application and background check authorization and mail it to the Parks Administrative Office at:
3373 Mount Baker Highway, Bellingham WA 98226
Step 3: Park Staff will review application and process background check. Once completed you'll be asked to sign a volunteer agreement and receive an orientation from field staff.
Groups looking to volunteer should email parks@co.whatcom.wa.us to find out about current opportunities.
FOOD & FARM TOUR: Web of WWU Food Systems
Monday, October 5, 2026
2:00-3:30
Meet at the PAC Plaza
Food & Farm Tour: Web of WWU Food Systems
Monday, October 5, 2026 @ 2:00-3:30 PM
This How It Works tour will explore the interconnected-ness of campus- and community-based food systems. Engage with food-related programs and initiatives including The Basic Needs Hub/WHOLE Pantry, The Outback Farm, City Sprouts Farm, Center for Community Learning, Sustainability Engagement Institute, and Preservation Station. Learn about some mechanisms for funding and support, such as the Sustainability, Equity, and Justice Fund.
What to expect: The tour will be 1.5 hours, including a ~1 mile walk from North to South Campus, on paved and gravel paths, with accommodations for sitting and accessible routes along the way. This tour will explore the WWU Outback Farm and end at the House of Healing.
Whatcom Council on Aging
There are many ways you can volunteer for the Whatcom Council on Aging. From delivering meals to home bound seniors, to helping with our weekly meal distribution, to presenting as a guest speaker for our virtual or in-person programs, and more. Volunteers are needed on a regular and on-call basis. We couldn’t do what we do without our dedicated volunteers!
Please fill out this form: https://whatcomcoa.org/volunteer-application/, telling us your availability, strengths, and interests, and we will match you with an opportunity to help older adults in our community.
For further information, contact Amy Wharton 360-733-4030 ext 1024 or stop by the center.
BAAY
Contact Kaleb directly at kaleb@baay.org
Contact us if you want to work with Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth!
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.
New Volunteer Orientations (NEW)
Volunteers who are new to Bellingham Schools, do not have a school affiliation and require assistance with a placement are required to attend an orientation. This informative 1-hour session occurs the second Tuesday of each month school is in session from 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
You can sign up here for one of these trainings.
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.
(Some sessions will be live via Zoom on Tuesdays.
Meeting ID: 980 1900 8612)
The Wellbeing Collaborative
A space to continue our overall efforts in supporting campus wellbeing.
Held the second Tuesday of each month
Email Laurel.hammond@wwu.edu if you would like to participate.
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:
Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,
Culture of Health and Wellbeing,
The Built Environment, and
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.
Unbridled Spirit's 7 Farm
*Must have a car or access to a car to volunteer here.*
Responding via email is the best way to communicate with me :)
Thanks so much!
-Molly
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
ONLINE- Whatcom County District Volunteer Application
Complete ASAP -MUST COMPLETE EVERY YEAR.
Bellingham School District volunteer application system - You must update your checklist and "CLICK SAVE ADDENDUM"
Ferndale School District Volunteer application
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.
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!
THANK YOU FOR SUCH FUN
PLACE -BASED ADVENTURES
📸Photos:
* Video Tour of Sculpture Woods
*VITAL GYM June 5, 2026 Photos
*2026 Students in Community Lummi Island Sculpture Woods
*2025 Students in Community Shannon Point Marine Center/ Lopez Island
*2024 Students in Community Sinclair Island Retreat
*2023 Students in Community Orcas Island Retreat
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
ONLINE- Boater Safety Certification- FREE
https://www.boatus.org/washington
The BoatUS Foundation's Online Course is the only FREE Online Boating Safety Course approved by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tips for using these on a résumé
List them under Certifications or Professional Development, with the provider and year.
Tie the skill to the role in one bullet, e.g., “Used FEMA IS-36 principles to update emergency procedures for a summer camp.”
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.