What is Virtual BatesServes?

BatesServes, formerly Bates Days of Service, is an annual tradition where members of the Bates community take a day to go out into the community and give back! This tradition began in 2007 with students, faculty, and staff joining together and volunteering across the country. The program honors the Bates tradition of informed civic action and stewardship of the wider world.

Does it cost anything?

No, it is free; there are no fees involved.

Can I volunteer as part of a group in person?

No. When participating in the BatesServes program in 2020, we are encouraging a virtual experience for your safety during the pandemic. We hope to return to in-person volunteer opportunities in the spring of 2021. If you find an activity that you and your household can perform safely together, that is fine.No, when participating in the BatesServes program in 2020, we are encouraging a virtual experience for your safety during the pandemic. We hope to return to in person volunteer opportunities in the spring of 2021. If you find an activity that you and your household can perform safely together, that is fine.

How can I find a volunteer opportunity online or in my local area?

There are many online resources, including the ones listed below, that can help you identify local non-profits that need volunteers.

• Volunteer Match is one such resource which allows you to search through many different non-profits, based on your location.
• United Way also allows you to search by location for various non-profits in need of volunteers.
• Google Maps‘ search function is a great way to find non-profits in your area. Reach out to local organizations and see if they need volunteers!
• Smithsonian Institution– Transcribe historical documents and update relevant Wikipedia pages from home.
• Red Cross Digital volunteers assist the Social Engagement team by monitoring online conversations for disaster affected people who may need Red Cross help, sharing important disaster updates and resources through their own social media accounts and offering a compassionate voice to people who have been impacted.

Once I have found an opportunity, what do I do?

Register for your volunteer opportunity and participate. When you have completed your activity, please let us know what you have done by filling out the registration form, which asks for a description of your activity. We encourage you to take pictures, add them to the form, and send it in!

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Dumont
207-440-0435. sdumont@bates.edu