By Baylee Pulliam

The University of Louisville has SOUL. Student Outreach Uniting Louisville, a program through the Office of Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Service, is committed to connecting students with university-sanctioned community service projects. But it’s much more than just community service.

“What we’re really trying to do is to get students thinking,” said Kim Shaver, coordinator of the Service Learning Program. “We want them to make connections between what they’re learning in class and philanthropic, real-world applications.”

SOUL began in 2006 as an offshoot of the Welcome Weekend program. According to the Office of Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Service, around 45 freshmen participated in the program’s first year. Only one organization – Brightside Louisville – offered work opportunities, leaving SOUL volunteers with limited work site options.

Five years later, there are roughly 350 volunteers, ranging from freshmen to seniors, with 13 organizations represented and 20 locations. In fact, there has been such a rise in student interest that new dates and projects had to be added. In 2006, SOUL events were a yearly occurrence. Now, they are a monthly one.

“It’s a great thing to add to your résumé,” said Margaret Pentecost, assistant dean of Education Student Services. “Plus, you make some connections and learn how to incorporate service into your studies and your future career.”

With so many service options, there is an outlet for any skill set. Whether installing curtain rods for Habitat for Humanity or skewering trash for Campus Clean Up, there’s a way for almost every student to get involved. Each year, more and more students sign up to volunteer.

“We’re trying to get more involved, because it’s something we really encourage our guys to do,” said Brandon Wilder, a junior business major who is also involved in a fraternity on campus. “Community service is just a big part of who we are as a fraternity. And SOUL seems like a great way to do it.”

True to its name, SOUL unites U of L students towards a common goal. Many who volunteer may discover that they have a passion for a particular cause or issue. Over the years, the number of students searching for their volunteer venue has increased.

“You can really see it on the T-shirts,” said Madison Weakley, a junior political science major and developer of this year’s SOUL programs. “You can just see how many organizations want volunteers.” The T-shirts bear the logos of the organizations that SOUL volunteers help. The first year’s shirt displays only one, whereas the new shirt is covered in logos.

According to Shaver, the SOUL T-shirts are a hot commodity that students wear as a sort of badge of honor.

“[My friends] and I are always looking for stuff like that,” said Jon Glass, a sophomore justice administration major. “You know, just a way to give back to the community.”

Some students may worry that giving back might involve manual labor, hot temperatures and other harsh conditions. According to those who participate, however, many students find that volunteering is a valuable experience that is worth the extra effort.

“It’s not like it’s all back-breaking and tedious,” said Pentecost. “Sure, there’s a little grunt work and general yuckiness. You might be hot and knee-deep in mulch, but you’ll notice that people around you are laughing and that you’ve made some new friends.”

Shaver points to the Friendship House as an example. An intergenerational program linking senior citizens with college students, the Friendship House has a waiting list nearly every year for U of L students eager to get involved.

“[Volunteering] is a good thing for the community and students alike,” said Shaver. “If they happen to acquire some leadership skills in the process, well then all that’s just icing on the cake.”

For more information about SOUL and upcoming events, e-mail Kim Shaver at [email protected].