There are many opportunities to serve the community and develop leadership skills through campus groups, college-based programs, and Five Colleges and community opportunities. The UMass Office of Civic Engagement and Service Learning (CESL) helps students integrate academic and community service goals.
UMass Amherst has a rich history of student expression and activism. Students can get involved with advocacy for campus and national issues through Registered Student Organizations, the Center for Educational Policy Advocacy (CEPA), and The Resistance Studies Initiative.
MassPIRG offers non-partisan trainings, organizing resources, and campaign toolkits. Some students also take courses themed on non-profits, advocacy, and social service.
Student organizers planning demonstrations should review guidelines and policies related to student demonstrations and consult with Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) staff and/or the Student Legal Services Office to ensure awareness of their protected rights, University of Massachusetts Amherst policies, and the availability of campus resources to support the safe exercise of protected rights.