Volunteer Requirement
You are required to complete and document 40 hours of volunteer work in a social service agency in your area prior to applying to the Murray State social work program. You may choose the agency from those available in your area as long as it is a professional social service agency that meets identified needs of people in the community. While it is ideal for you to volunteer in a way that gives you some contact with the clients served by this agency, it is acceptable for your volunteer work to be supportive in nature. You must complete the confidentiality form and record your hours on the designated time sheet found below.
The following is a list of types of agencies that would qualify for this assignment. All volunteer sites must be cleared with your advisor prior to beginning volunteering.
| Types of Agencies for Volunteering | Types of Work |
| Adult Daycare Centers | assist with activities & help care for participants |
| Community Rec Programs (YMCA, etc) | summer programs for kids, day camps, residential camps, academic programs, etc. |
| Community Services Agencies | assist with direct services to clients & stocking/sorting items in food & clothes closets |
| Domestic Violence Shelters | support work & assisting with special projects & fund-raising events |
| Family Resource or Youth Service Centers | work on special projects to assist in preparation for the event |
| Family Advocacy Centers | support work (clerical), assist with event preparation & fundraising activities |
| Nursing Homes | friendly visits with residents, reading, doing nails, activities |
| Senior Citizens Centers | assist with activities, games, & visiting with seniors; may assist with meal preparation. |
| Special Populations Agencies | assist with administrative work, help with special programming & fund-raising events. May be able to have client contact |
| Youth Centers | interact with youth helping with homework, play games, facilitate educational groups, build relationships |