Engage and Advocate: Student Opportunities for Civic Involvement at UMass Amherst and Beyond

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With less than forty days until the election, many students may be curious about the best ways to make a difference. There are dozens of ways both on and off campus to get involved in our community. This is just a few organizations that students can join and volunteer for!

At UMass Amherst

CEPA (Center for Education Policy and Advocacy): A student organization focused on training, educating, and mobilizing students around issues of education justice. This is a great way to learn about organizing and getting involved in grassroots efforts to change the education landscape.

UMass PIRG (Public Interest Research Group): A statewide nonprofit organization active at UMass since 1972. Funded by a waivable 11 dollar fee, this organization trains and organizes students around issues that affect us every day like climate change, textbook affordability, and voter education/registration.

UMass CESL (Civic Engagement & Service Learning): A program offered at UMass that promotes “... learning for lifelong, democratic engagement, partnering with communities on and off campus to work collectively for a more just society.” The Community Scholars Program (CSP) is within CESL, and is a two-year program in which students collaborate with community groups and advocate for a more just world. This leads to a final Capstone Project, which can be a Thesis for Honors students!

UMass SGA (Student Government Association): The official undergraduate voice representing students to the UMass Administration. The SGA approves Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and oversees the multi million dollar RSO budget. Students can get involved and learn about the complex processes behind policymaking, working to make a change here at UMass.

UMass Democrats/Republicans/Democratic Socialists: These are party-affiliated student groups which are a great way to get involved in party-level organizing at UMass.

UMass National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): This is the UMass chapter of the NAACP, an advocacy group that is dedicated to “ensuring the political, social, economic, and educational equality of rights of all persons.”

UMass Sunrise Movement: The UMass chapter of the Sunrise Movement, an environmental organization of young people dedicated to stopping the climate crisis and moving towards a Green New Deal.

In Amherst

League of Women Voters of Amherst: An nonpartisan organization that encourages the active and informed participation of citizens in government, policy and advocacy.

Poll Worker on Election day in Amherst: The Town of Amherst is looking for people to help at the polls during the election! Help the town ensure the proper functioning of our elections!

Local Boards and Committees: One of the best ways to advocate for local policies are on the boards and committees of a town. Amherst has many vacancies and this is a great way for you to personally advocate for the policies you want to see implemented in Amherst!

Amherst Survival Center: This non-profit organization provides critical support and care to those in need which include food, shelter, referrals and support services for those in need or experiencing homelessness. Volunteers are needed to support the Survival Center.

Amherst Democrats/Republicans/Democratic Socialists: These are the local town committees of the national parties. They are a great way to get involved in local politics, volunteer on campaigns and connect with local leaders.

Involvement in civic engagement and advocacy is a key way we all can be involved in our communities and it provides us with the tools and opportunities to create meaningful change both on campus and in the wider community. Whether you're passionate about social justice, climate action, or local government, UMass offers numerous pathways to make a difference. By joining these organizations, volunteering, or taking part in local politics, you’ll not only contribute to shaping a more just and informed society but also gain valuable experience and skills for the future. So don’t be afraid to get involved and use your voice to make an impact.