vOLLUnteer Unity Council
The vOLLUnteer Unity Council (VUC) is a student organization in the Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism (CSLV) dedicated to promoting student service. We plan large events, small one-time projects, and ongoing programs. Our mission is to unite and empower the university community by engaging in quality volunteer service concentrating on San Antonio's West Side. For more information, email vuc@ollusa.edu.
VUC Programs
vOLLUnteer Unity Council Agency Partners
The VUC partners with a number of nonprofit agencies in San Antonio's West Side to present the Community Agency Fair. This annual spring-semester event gives students the chance to connect with more than 35 nonprofit agencies, learn about issues facing the surrounding community, and discover ways to get involved and help.
vOLLUnteer IMPACT and OLLU's Make a Difference Day
vOLLUnteer IMPACT is a bi-annual, university-wide service event in which OLLU students, faculty, and staff spend a day volunteering in several of San Antonio's West Side nonprofit organizations. vOLLUnteer Days of Service: The VUC organizes campus-wide days of service throughout the academic year, with a particular focus on Make a Difference Week, Random Acts of Kindness Week, and National Volunteer Week.
Alternative Spring Break
The VUC works with the CSLV to coordinate an annual alternative spring break trip where OLLU students travel together and work on a shared project. These destinations vary, but historic examples include everything from building trails at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to building homes after hurricanes in New Orleans or Florida.
Youth and Families
One of the most important ways OLLU can reach out to San Antonio's West Side is by mentoring the youth who live here. You can also work with the youth programs and projects of the VUC. Family issues span a wide range, including parent education, food programs, economic opportunities, self-esteem, teenage pregnancy and much more.
Affordable and Dignified Housing
One of the most important issues being addressed on San Antonio's West Side is the lack of affordable, clean, safe housing. Several organizations in the area have made it their mission to change this. We have partnered with Opportunity Homes to restore historic murals in West Side public housing and with Building Hope Together to help our neighbors age in place in dignity.
Civic Engagement
An important way to address the social justice issues that impact the program areas of the VUC and the problems in San Antonio's West Side is through civic engagement. This includes politics, activism and much more. For several years, the VUC has participated in the MLK March on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January (and voter on-campus registration drives) and the Cesar Chavez March. Both activities are a great way to show our support for civil, minority and workers' rights.
Environment and Neighborhood Revitalization
Like many communities across the country, this neighborhood often struggles with poorly kept streets and neglected lots and sidewalks. San Antonio has launched several initiatives encouraging residents and volunteers to help restore and maintain these spaces. The VUC leads cleanups of Elmendorf Lake Park at least once a semester in coordination with the City of San Antonio and San Antonio River Authority.