Evergreen projects

There are many ways for Evergreen volunteers to get started with their ongoing community-based service project! Below are some options for getting started. 

Option 1: Start from scratch

• You can propose your own project, using the Project Design Plan template. 

• Your project can be independent or team-based. If it is team-based, you can also build your own team, or work with SVN staff to connect you with other volunteers who might be interested. 

• Once your Project Design Plan is completed, upload it to the Changemakers Canvas course. We also recommend that you email a copy to us directly at volunteer@ycp.edu. 

• Once we receive your PDP, a Project Coordinator may reach out to confirm some details.

• If your PDP is approved, we will then post your Evergreen project on the SVN portal.

Option 2: Join an independent Evergreen project on the SVN portal.

There are a variety of independent Evergreen projects that you can join on the SVN portal.

Option 3: Join an active, team-based Evergreen project on the SVN portal.

There are always Evergreen teams who are looking for more volunteers! You can join an active, team based project using the SVN portal.

A project design plan is an outline of what your Evergreen project will look like. 

• A PDP is required at the beginning of each Evergreen project.

• A PDP is required each year, even if you are continuing your project from last year. 

• If you are working with a team, only one PDP is required per team.

An Evergreen project summary is a report about the Evergreen project you completed this year. It mirrors the Project Design Plan. 

• A summary is required at the end of each Evergreen project.

• A PDP is required at the end of each academic year, even if you are continuing your project next year. 

• If you are working with a team, only one summary is required per team.

Evergreen projects are divided into pods. Each Evergreen pod is managed by a Project Coordinator, a student staff member in the Spartan Volunteer Network.

Each Evergreen team has a Team Leader, a volunteer who guides and supports their team throughout the year. More information about Team Leaders is available on the TL page. 

Team Leaders are guided and supported by Project Coordinators (PCs), who are student staff members in the Spartan Volunteer Network. There is a PC for each Changemaker pod. 

Most Evergreen teams meet biweekly (every other week). These meetings are organized by the TL, and allow the team to collaborate, prepare, schedule, debrief, and get on the same page. Team meetings are also a platform for team bonding and development, which are crucial for the success of a team's project. If a team needs to meet more or less frequently than biweekly, they should connect with their pod's Project Coordinator. 

Each Evergreen team is asked to designate a team member for each team role listed below. 

• Team Leader

• Assistant Team Leader

• Spokesperson

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Team development specialist

If a team has less than 6 members, they can assign a team member with two team roles. 

Yes! We encourage Evergreen volunteers to continue with their ongoing project for at least a full semester. We also know that in some scenarios, it may be best to switch out of your project earlier than that. If you are thinking about switching out of your Evergreen project, please follow the guidance below. 

To switch out of your Evergreen project...

1. Discuss: Contact your Project Coordinator to discuss your interest in switching out of your Evergreen project.

2. Notify: 

   • Notify your current Community Partner.

   • Notify your current Team Leader, team members, and Project Coordinator. 

3. Act: Decide what kind of volunteer opportunity you would like to pursue next, and then get started! Options are included below, with signup links included. 

   • Evergreen project (ongoing)

     • Note: Some Evergreen projects are not viewable on the SVN portal. Contact your Project Coordinator if you'd like to review a more comprehensive list of available Evergreen projects.

   • Spark projects (short-term)

   • Flex projects (flexible scheduling and commitment)

   • Compass program (volunteer leadership opportunities)

   • Design your own project

Unsure of how to contact someone?

• If you're not sure how to contact your team members, Team Leader, and/or Project Coordinator, email us at volunteer@ycp.edu and we'll make the connections.

• If you're not sure how to contact your Community Partner, check out the SVN Community Partner page for a list of contacts.