Who is eligible to volunteer?
We’re glad you’re interested in volunteering as part of The Big Event. Any SIU student is welcome to join us on the BIG day. NOTE: If you are <18-years-old and wish to volunteer for The Big Event, then there are special procedures you must follow. Those are described here.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers can sign up early in the spring semester. Volunteer registration is available on this website. Just click here.
Can I volunteer as a group?
Good question! If you are part of an SIU RSO/department/class/etc. that would like to volunteer as a group, we encourage that. However, all individual group members must register separately. If your group wants to volunteer together, please have all group members register for the same project and shift.
What is the schedule for the day?
- Morning Shift: Volunteer Service from 9:00AM - 12:00PM.
- Afternoon Shift: Volunteer Service from 1:00PM - 4:00PM.
Can I bring my spouse/partner and/or children to The Big Event?
Unfortunately, members of the community, spouses/partners, children, friends, etc. who are not current SIU students, faculty, or staff may not participate in The Big Event.
What kind of volunteer work will I be doing?
Most work will consist of painting, light lawn work, window washing and site beautification. Your safety is a priority for us. For a listing of available service opportunities, please click here.
Can I choose where I volunteer?
Yes! However, space is limited. Registering early will ensure a wider selection of service opportunities.
What about my community service hours?
Good question! All service project sites for The Big Event have the approval of SIU’s Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism and can be counted toward your community service requirement.
What should I wear on the BIG day?
All volunteers will be provided with a The Big Event: A Saluki Day of Service T-shirt to wear that day, and to keep. Other than that, please wear comfortable work clothing and closed-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, please dress for the weather as it can be unpredictable in March. And don't forget your mask!
Is transportation provided to project sites?
No, volunteers will need to provide their own transportation.
What kind of work can I request to be completed?
We’re excited to help you and your organization! We can do painting, window cleaning, light lawn work, site beautification, etc. Since safety is a priority of ours, we cannot complete work where there is a risk of harm. As a result, we ask that no projects require SIU volunteers to use power tools. If you have further questions about the type of work we can do, please feel free to contact us at thebigevent@siu.edu .
How do I sign up?
All project sites need to first be registered through SIU’s Center for Service-Learning and Volunteerism. You may contact the office at 618/453-5714. Once you are approved, you can register by completing our online project site registration form.
Do I need to provide anything for volunteers?
Excellent question! We ask all project sites to provide the materials needed to complete the task(s) at hand. This might include paint, rags, rakes, trash bags – whatever the job requires.
Can I donate money to The Big Event?
We’re grateful that you would ask, but consider this our gift to you. Sit back, relax, and let us handle your chores.
How is The Big Event: A Saluki Day of Service funded?
Excellent question! No state-appropriated money is used to fund this project. All time is volunteered and all costs are covered by contributions from university departments.
I am an SIU student/faculty/staff member and I would like to serve on the planning team for the 2024 Big Event.
We would love to speak with you about this opportunity. Please contact us at thebigevent@siu.edu and one of our representatives will be in touch with you.
