GET INVOLVED!You have come to UC Merced to study and learn but taking a break is crucial, something that will help you relax and recharge. Whatever your interests and hobbies, there are plenty of opportunities to find something that appeals to you and your talents. Volunteer with local crisis centers, animal shelters, food banks, support groups and other non-profit entities. Alternatively, you can contact your local representatives and attend city or county meetings to contribute to the community. On Campus, participate in school government and administration by serving on one of many focused committees, such as transportation, food services, or sustainability – contact the Graduate Student Association to learn more: gsa@ucmerced.edu At the UC Merced Office of Student Life (OSL), a very special staff team supports student initiatives and events. For more information about community service activities and outreach opportunities, contact Vernette Doty, Assistant Director of Student Life, Civic Leadership, at vdoty@ucmerced.edu, or 209-228-4201. Connect with local children and youthWork with local students: One of UC Merced's main goals is to connect with local students of all ages, and work with other groups to promote education in the Central Valley. Currently, there are several opportunities to work with students from elementary to high school in local communities. Weekly commitments: Tutor elementary or middle school students on reading and school projects. Middle school opportunity is from 3:40-5 pm Monday-Thursday (any single day, or more if you're interested). Elementary opportunity will start in January, and run through the end of the school year, and the time is not yet set. One-time opportunities: Present your research to local high school students. What are you doing? Why does it matter to our region and the globe? How did you get to where you are today? Contact Erin at estacy@ucmerced.edu for more information! Local governmentThe Merced City Council holds meetings every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 7 pm, in the Council Chambers located in the Civic Center, Second Floor. The Merced County Board of Supervisors meets weekly on Tuesdays at 10 am, in Board Chambers on the third floor at 2222 M St. For more information on your representatives, topics under consideration, and archived and upcoming agendas, check out the websites. Contact the Merced City Council or the Merced County Board of Supervisors at: Merced City Council Contact: City of Merced www.cityofmerced.org Merced County Board of Supervisors Contact: Lydia Beiswanger www.co.merced.ca.us If you are interested in learning more about regional planning and transportation in the county, look into the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) with the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG). The CAC is composed of 17 appointed citizens, who provide recommendations to the MCAG Governing Board on aspects of space planning, funding allocation, and transit. Meeting minutes and agendas can be found at www.mcagov.org/cac.html. Applications to sit on the CAC can also be submitted at the website. More resourcesSome other resources to check out:
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