Branch Out aims to connect students of Boston University to the urban ecosystems which surround us.  Branch Out helps to break down large environmental issues into more tangible service opportunities by presenting an array of local projects and causes.  It is a fun and profitable way to contribute to larger environmental goals, connect to nature (despite long winters and city landscape), and to exchange ideas with others who care about the environment!

 

Branch Out is a unique program on campus and at the Community Service Center because we offer different volunteer sites every week so that students can become more aware, connected, and engaged with meaningful organizations around Boston.  As former PM, Laura Kakalecz said, "A volunteer can see a variety of sites and tailor them to their interests... Offering different sites helps facilitate learning, because there's not just one thing you can do to make a difference."  The one-time opportunities allow students with busy schedules to participate when they can.

 

There are also plenty of leadership opportunities and ways to become more regularly involved with Branch Out for volunteers who wish to take on more responsibility within the program.  For example, Branch Out hosts weekly meetings, which include discussions, readings, presentations, and other talks relating to particular environmental current events or interest areas.  In an article for BUToday, Irene Berman-Vaporis wrote that "past discussions have explored community gardens, tree preservation and replacement, and the fate of bees," etc.

 

We work with a number of different issues ranging anywhere from nutrient-rich soil and compost to planting trees and wildlife preservation.  Branch Out provides volunteer opportunities year-round and we are always happy to have new volunteers at any time of the year, so hop on by! :)