FREE WWU Employee Language program

Sign up ASAP the classes fill up. 
 

When: Register ASAP! 

REGISTER NOW 

​

Western Community, 

The Employee Language Program (ELP) for fall quarter is now open for registration! Programs will begin the week of October 6th.

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. 

REGISTER NOW 

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

Spanish 

-Spanish: Conversation Partners 

Hybrid. By Arrangement. 

​

-Spanish: Level 1 

Face-to-face, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:20am. College Hall 249. 

​

-Spanish: Level 2 

Face-to-face, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-12:50pm. College Hall 249. 

​

French 

-French: Conversation Partners 

Hybrid. By Arrangement. 

-French: Level 2 Workshop 

Face-to-face, Day, Time and Location TBD 

German 

-German: Conversation Partners 

Hybrid. By Arrangement.  

​

-German: Holiday Craft Traditions (held in English) 

Wednesday, December 3 from 3:00-4:00pm, Location TBD 

​

Mandarin Chinese 

-Mandarin: Conversation Partners 

Hybrid. By Arrangement.  

​

-Mandarin: Calligraphy Lessons 

October 9, 2:00-3:00 PM, Miller Hall 123. 

October 23, 2:00-3:00 PM, Miller Hall 123. 

November 6, 2:00-3:00 PM, Miller Hall 123. 

November 20, 2:00-3:00 PM, Miller Hall 123. 

December 4, 2:00-3:00 PM, Miller Hall 123. 

​

Be sure to communicate with your supervisor prior to registering for a workshop; if you have additional questions, a FAQ page is available on the program homepage.

​

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. 

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!
​
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!

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

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- 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.
​
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. 

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 
 
​

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.
​
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. 
​

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

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.

Understanding Belonging with Unbridled Spirit's 7 Farm
RSVP REQUIRED
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
RSVP: Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP and note any dietary restrictions  RSVP & Dietary Restrictions. 

Location: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA

Hello Amazing Team, 

We are so excited to share with you that we will be holding an Understanding and Belonging Training on December 6th from 9 to 4. Together we want to proactively enhance our skills to truly create a welcoming space at the farm where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging.

For a year now, the board and staff of Unbridled Spirit have been developing a plan to bring everyone in the organization together and create the opportunity to expand our awareness. It is our organizational mission to provide a safe place of connection and intentionally invite a  diverse population to our farm.

We wish to develop a heightened consciousness of how our words, behaviors, missed opportunities, and omissions can deeply affect those who are often marginalized in our community. We want to build our farm into a place where everyone feels they can belong.

What is Belonging? “Belonging is both a feeling and a practice—something we experience personally and something we create collectively. 

It happens in structures when all social groups are included in the critical institutions and communities that shape their lives, recognized and made visible within these spaces, empowered to have a real voice in shaping these spaces, and able to report a sense of connection and belonging.

It happens within relationships when there is openness to connection, recognition of each other's humanity, and a practice of reaching out to others, even those who may seem different.

At its heart, belonging can be seen as an ever-expanding circle, one that keeps growing to recognize the dignity and humanity of all people. Instead of encouraging zero-sum thinking, belonging invites us to embrace the perspectives and gifts of all groups. By doing so, we create a richer and more flourishing community—one where every voice matters and where everyone thrives together.” (From the Othering & Belonging Institute article, What is Belonging?)

Who is facilitating? Tim Harlan-Marks - Facilitator, Conflict Mediator & Equity Trainer specializing in resilient cultures of belonging.

& Rabia Mashkoor - Executive Coach and Facilitator educating on psychological safety, resilient teams, and patient-centred outcomes.

What to expect? 

An experiential deep dive to explore our curiosity, care, and responsibility toward each other.

Location: Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, upstairs in the Flex Room 

Attendance: We require that to volunteer or work at Unbridled Spirit in any capacity, you will need to attend the training in person. If you are unable to attend the event we ask that you will review the training materials and work through the exercises on your own time. 

Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP and note any dietary restrictions by clicking HERE - RSVP & Dietary Restrictions. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out: 

Sonja@unbridledspirit7.org 

360-927-3612 

OR 

Molly@unbridledspirit7.org 

360-303-1597

Thank you so much,

Sonja and the Unbridled Spirit Team

Communty Engagement Fellows 
Date: Wednesday, November 19th
Time: 10:30-3:30
Location: WWU Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes WA (1 hour drive)
view Map.
Lunch provided
RSVP required by 11/12/2025
Sign Up for “Gathering in HOPE” 

We invite you to join us for “Gathering in HOPE: Learning and Healing Together Across Cultures in the Salish Sea & Beyond” on Wednesday, November 19, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes, view Map.

Co-hosted by Whiteswan Environmental and WWU’s Center for Community Learning, this event will offer space for listening and learning across cultures, building relationships, and supporting ongoing and emergent cross-cultural work.

We envision this as the beginning of regular gatherings—in various locales around the region—centered on this theme. Relationships, trust, and shared work take time to grow.

We hope you share our sense of urgency to heal historical and ecological wounds and to build better habits of working together across cultures. If you can’t join us this time, we hope you’ll be able to another time soon.

Please RSVP/Sign Up by Wednesday, November 12 so we can plan accordingly.

We must move swiftly together. Join us in a spirit of humility, curiosity, and eagerness for joyful, important shared work.

Ready to join?

Sign Up for “Gathering in HOPE” 

​

 Common Threads Farm 

​
​Emily Hie emily.hie@commonthreadsfarm.org is the main contact for Common Threads Farm.
 
​Common Threads Farm Volunteer Application and Orientation material 
You will all need to complete the volunteer application process through the Bellingham school district here: Volunteer Application. Once completed, BPS will notify you of the results within a few days. If approved, please forward your approval email to volunteer@commonthreadsfarm.org once you receive it.  
​
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 

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

​

Questions? Contact: Colin Beazley.

Community Connections Club

NEXT OPPORTUNITY:
OCT25
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Make a Difference Day and Arbor Day 2025 Work Party

Bus route 

8:40 AM - 9:13 AM

​​

8:41 AM from Highland Dr at Ridgeway 14 to downtown

8:55 AM Bellingham Station 540 towards  Sunset

9:09 AM Alabama St at Fir St

​Whatcom Falls Park, 1401 Electric Ave, Bellingham, WA 98229

​

* 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

Whatcom Museum Free First Friday
First Friday of every month

When:
Friday, November 7th, 2025
Friday, December 5th, 2025
 
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/
​

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! 
​
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
​​
WECU (local bank) financial online resources.
Financial literacy courses
​
Khan Academy Educational Resources
​

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/

​

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