Nationwide Initiative Exemplifies UCM’s Motto of ‘Education for Service’

WARRENSBURG, MO – Consistent with the University of Central Missouri’s motto, “Education for Service,” the UCM Alumni Foundation has announced the first MuleNation Weeks of Service event. The initiative brings students, alumni and their families together to engage in projects that will benefit communities in Missouri and five other states. This event begins on April 10 and concludes on April 22, which is Earth Day. It takes place during National Volunteer Week,
April 16-22.

“I believe this event will be a great opportunity for alumni and friends of the university to come together and impact positive change in their communities," said Brea Parnell, alumni and events coordinator for the UCM Alumni Foundation. "We really appreciate the volunteer opportunities that have been suggested by alumni and are excited to see them volunteering all over the country. We hope to continue to grow and expand this initiative in the future.” 

Projects on the MuleNation Weeks of Service list include a request for volunteers to help unload food trucks from the Food Bank (Harvester’s) and help stock shelves at the local Food Center, 137 E. Culton St., Warrensburg; volunteers to assist with the Mainstreet Cleanup, a program that will help the community prepare for the Prom Parade downtown; and volunteers to assist with the Community Development Trash Pickup in Warrensburg. Volunteer opportunities at UCM include Earth Week service projects organized by the Office of Sustainability and MO Volunteers, as well as a call for monetary support and donations of business attire for the Professional Clothing Studio, established by the Career and Life Design Center to help students obtain professional clothing items they can use for job fairs, interviews, networking and class presentations.

A project that is open to local volunteers with far-reaching impact is planned by Beauty 2 the Streetz. It seeks individuals who can help obtain donations of beauty and hygiene products, as well as food items, that will benefit individuals experiencing homelessness on Skid Row in Los Angeles. For alumni living in LA, there is an opportunity to help weed, mulch, water, plant seeds and more at the Garden School Foundation’s Community Garden Day, benefiting Title I schools.

A wide range of other projects submitted by UCM alumni across the nation include grounds and maintenance needs at Dallas Arboretum and its Children’s Garden; projects at the Ronald McDonald Houses in St. Louis and Kansas City; cleanup events for Earth Day projects at RiNo Parks and at Sloan Lake in Denver, Colorado; sorting and packing food for the Houston Food Bank; and helping the Houston Humane Society promote its Pet Pantry in Houston’s Precinct 6.

These are just a few of many projects locally and throughout the country that can benefit from MuleNation volunteers who reside in the program area. The minimum age to serve is 13, so there are great opportunities for young people to get involved, as well as adults.

Individuals who want to submit a project or learn about each of the registered events that are in need of volunteers or financial support can do so by visiting the MuleNation Weeks of Service website. You can also contact alumni@ucmo.edu or call 660-543-8000.