Be In That Number!

Community Service, Service Learning, and Advocacy at Tulane

As one of few universities that requires all students to complete serving learning before they graduate, it may come as no surprise that community service is a huge aspect of many Tulane students lives.

Aside from the Community Service Fellowship scholarship program and the two-tiered service-learning graduation requirement, there are many ways that Tulane students get involved with community service and/or advocacy based work on or off campus!

Swim 4 Success volunteers teach water safety skills and basic swimming
skills to local children at the Reily Recreation Center.

One of the main ways current students get involved is by joining one of nearly 50 organizations that fall under the Community Action Council of Tulane University Students (CACTUS). The CACTUS umbrella is a student-run resource council within the Undergraduate Student Government (USG). We receive funding and support from the university to provide transportation, logistical support, and other useful resources for our organizations to complete daily, weekly, and monthly service opportunities.

CACTUS organizations are divided into five affinity groups that work together to co-program, share ideas, plan events, and work with non-profits, governmental organizations, and other community partners around the New Orleans area. We have organizations working with and for youth in the city, health-related organizations, global service programs, serving to improve Tulane, and providing community support.

If you don’t see something on our list of active organizations, you can start one while you are here! All we ask is that you find 10 other current students that are also interested in being a member of the organization and a faculty or staff advisor! 

Tulane's first and only service dog program, TUSTEP, aims to raise and
train disability assistance dogs for Canine Companions for Independence. 

CACTUS has seen tremendous growth through the years, adding numerous projects and inspiring thousands of students to volunteer.

One of the most well known service initiatives on campus is the Outreach Tulane Day of Service. Outreach Tulane is a student-run university-wide day of service that provides ~1,000 students the opportunity to volunteer at dozens of locations around the city. It occurs on the first Saturday of each school year, welcoming students back to campus each Fall.

Check out the videos below to see what else the Tulane Center for Public Service and CACTUS do to support the local community!

What will you do to be in that number?