Community Outreach and Resources
COAR is a student-run service program at UMW. COAR is a diverse group of students serving community needs through an active exchange of service and learning while continually striving to find solutions to problems that challenge the community.
There are many ways to get involved with COAR!
1. Volunteer with COAR’s Weekly Programs:
COAR has several weekly volunteer programs. Each of these programs provides an opportunity to volunteer for a community organization in the Fredericksburg community. Transportation is provided to and from the nonprofit organization. To learn more and get involved, visit our volunteer page.
2. Participate in COAR’s Campus-wide Events:
COAR has six annual programs ranging from Into the Streets (volunteering at community organizations) in the fall to Good Neighbor Day (helping UMW neighbors with light yard work) in the spring. There are several programs in both the fall and spring semesters, with all activities planned on the weekend. Come join us! For more information about these programs, visit our events page.
3. Apply for an Internship in the COAR office:
Each semester, COAR offers 2-5 internship positions. The internship allows students to gain an inside look into the planning and execution of COAR events. Interns will learn to use programs like Canva, myUMW (Presence), and Doodle Polls, in addition to skills such as communication, marketing, project management, and team building. After completing an internship, a student is eligible to apply for a paid COAR Staff position. Visit our internship page to learn more.
4. Become a COAR Council Leader:
Do you have a volunteer project you would like to recruit students for? Do you have a passion for service? COAR is always looking for dedicated students who are interested in supporting community engagement! COAR Council Leaders are the students that keep our weekly volunteer programs running successfully. They coordinate with their community partners about times to visit the location and volunteer, and are van certified to transport volunteers to and from the community partner’s location. Visit the COAR Council page to see current COAR Council leaders, or to apply to become a council leader.
5. Become a COAR Staff Member:
Are you passionate about community service? Have you completed a COAR Internship? Do you want to get paid to coordinate volunteer programs for UMW students? If the answer to these questions is “yes”, you may want to apply for a paid position as a COAR staff member. Each year, the COAR team is looking for new staff members. Visit our COAR staff page to learn more about how to apply.
