Willamette in the Community

The Office of Civic Engagement at Willamette University strives to foster students' sense of civic responsibility by building meaningful partnerships within the greater Salem and Keizer community. Our aim is to support community organizations in addressing community-identified needs through collaborative experiences, advocacy opportunities, and educational experiences that bridge students' lived experiences, the knowledge they acquire from the classroom, and the expertise of local leaders. By combining action, education, and advocacy, we help students understand the complexities and opportunities of positively contributing to the health and well-being of our neighbors and communities. 

Community Partners

• Bush Elementary
• Center 50+
• Center for Hope and Safety
• Church at the Park
• City Club of Salem
• City of Salem
• Habitat for Humanity
• Helping Hands
• Hope Station
• Humans for Housing
• Keizer Elementary
• Marion Polk Food Share
• Micronesian Islander Community
• Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action
• Oregon Advocacy Commission
• Salem Art Association
• Salem for Refugees
• Salem Public Art Commission

Office of Civic Engagement Catalysts

Catalysts are Willamette students within the Office of Civic Engagement who team up with campus groups, faculty, and community partners to support service projects and advocacy for particular communities of people. They work with other catalysts and student leaders to organize hands-on service activities and find ways to connect our campus to community goals. 

Student catalysts currently support six different areas in our community:

• Equitable education
• Climate justice & sustainability
• Food security
• Healthy aging
• Housing for all
• Welcoming new neighbors

If you are interested in learning more or volunteering in any of these specific areas, stop by the Office of Civic Engagement, located in the Putnam University Center on the second floor

Alternative Breaks

Alternative breaks are immersive volunteer experiences that happen during a break–such as winter break or spring break. These experiences are meant to offer insights to other communities and goal areas that are outside of Salem.

Upcoming alternative break opportunities:

• There are currently no upcoming alternative break opportunities planned. When finalized, upcoming trips will be posted on the today@willamette emails, posters, and website. 

Previous trip spotlight: 2025 Spring Break - Rock Creek Montana

• Group of 10 students traveled to Rock Creek Montana to spend a week working with the Five Valleys Land Trust and Rock Creek Protective Association. 

Internship Opportunities

Explore paid and unpaid internship opportunities through Willamette's Handshake database, in partnership with the Career Development Office. For more details, visit the Career Development Office's Employer/Recruiter information page.

Follow us & Stay Updated!

Follow the Office of Civic Engagement on Instagram.

To stay in the loop with updates on upcoming events, sign up for the Office of Civic Engagement email list for using this google form. 

Please contact the Willamette Office of Civic Engagement using this email address for any inquires or questions: civic-engagement-office-group@willamette.edu.