Coming Up in ELC:

Texas Global Office Re-Opening

• Texas Global is moving back to our newly renovated permanent home, N24.
• Monday, February 26
• 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 – 5:00 pm
• You can go to the Texas Global front desk if you need to visit the office. Let the staff know you are an ELC student, give them your EID, and let them know who you would like to speak to. You can scan your ID card and wait in the lounge space. We will come downstairs to speak to you.
• N24, 2400 Nueces St. Suite B

Session 1 Electives End

• Last day of session 1 electives
• Thursday, February 29
• 11:00 – 12:50 pm

Upcoming Social Events: 

Talk Time

• Practice your English conversation skills with native English speakers!
• Wednesday, February 28
• 3:45 – 4:45 pm
• CBA 4.328

UT Black History Month Cookout

• All Longhorns are welcome to attend this annual celebration of food, fun and friendship featuring live music and southern food staples.
• Thursday, February 29
• 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
• San Jacinto (SJH) Multipurpose Room

Taco Lunch Social

 

 

 

 

 

Faculty and staff of the ELC are frequently asked, “how can I practice my English?” One of our top responses is, “volunteer!” Volunteering is an excellent way to practice your English skills! “While some people are naturally outgoing, others are shy and have a hard time meeting new people. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice and develop your social skills, since you are meeting regularly with a group of people with common interests.” Read more about the surprising benefits of volunteering, here.

“Volunteering is when you offer your time and services for free to a person, organization, or effort to better your community. Volunteering your time and effort within your community to support ideas you are passionate about or organizations you believe in helps you form bonds with others, and it can improve your quality of life! When you volunteer to help others, you contribute to a larger purpose and make a valuable difference in the lives of others.” Read more about the importance and benefits of volunteering, here.

The Community Engagement Collective: The Project

• The Project is the University of Texas at Austin’s largest day of service. They proudly help thousands of students, faculty, and staff connect with their community each year. During this huge day of service, volunteers come together in partnership with local Austin neighborhoods. Together, they engage with local Austin communities to empower one another and contribute to growing the communities.

  

• This year they will be in the Dove Springs neighborhood to complete beautification projects.
• This is a wonderful opportunity to engage in and give back to your local community while gaining valuable leadership skills and service hours to put on your resume! There are 10 sites in Dove Springs where they will be completing various requested tasks such as building infrastructure, beautification, gardening, painting projects, holding a Kids Fair, and more!
• The day is split into two volunteer shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
  • • Morning check in opens at 9 am. Volunteers should plan to arrive no later than 9:30 am.
    • Afternoon check in opens at 12 pm. Volunteers should plan to arrive no later than 12:30 pm.
• Volunteer check in: George Morales Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainez Dr.

  

• Saturday, March 2
• At check-in, volunteers will confirm their pre-registered site and get a t-shirt. If transportation is needed to get to the site, they can take one of our free shuttle buses or be assigned to a carpool group. After checking in, there will be a kickoff program for all volunteers before everyone heads out to their sites to begin the day!
• Register for one of the 10 volunteer sites online!

UT Outpost:

• This is a free on-campus food pantry and career closet for all currently enrolled students at UT Austin. Emergencies and financial hardships can affect students in and outside of class. UT Outpost is here to support students with healthy food and gently used professional clothing.
• UT Outpost welcomes UT Austin-affiliated volunteers, prioritizing opportunities for student volunteers. Volunteers sort food and clothing donations, restock the food pantry and career closet, and help with other tasks and programs.
• Volunteer shifts are for one and a half hours, Monday – Saturday, and are limited to three volunteers at a time.
• To volunteer follow the instructions for joining UT Outpost on GivePulse.
• Please allow up to one week for UT Outpost staff to approve your membership. Once approved, schedule your training shift at UT Outpost. Volunteers can access monthly shift sign-ups after completing a training shift.
• 2609 University Ave. (UA9), Suite 3.108
• Hours:
  • Tuesday: 12 – 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 2 – 6 pm
  • Thursday: 2 – 6 pm
  • Friday: 10 am – 2 pm
  • Saturday: 12 – 4 pm
  • Closed Monday and Sunday

Foundation Communities:

• This is a local Austin nonprofit. They provide affordable homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families with kids, as well as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. They empower residents and neighbors to achieve educational success, financial stability, and healthier lifestyles. They own and operate 25 communities all over Austin and three in North Texas.
• There are multiple ways to volunteer:
  • Welcome new residents home and help build community.
  • Provide classroom support, homework help, and lead enrichment activities.
  • Serve as a teaching assistant for adults who want to communicate more effectively with their children’s teachers.
  • Help set up pantries and serve clients accessing fresh, healthy food.
• Sign up to volunteer online.

Casa Marianella:

• Casa Marianella welcomes displaced immigrants and promotes self-sufficiency by providing shelter and support services.
• Two clusters of shelters in renovated houses in residential neighborhoods in East Austin serve women and children escaping violence and adult immigrants. Their shelters are home-like facilities designed to meet emergency or transitional needs so vulnerable and injured people can resolve their immediate crisis, get stabilized and once again become independent, which then opens up space for new residents.

• Volunteer at the Casa Marianella Adult House:
  • The volunteer program is very flexible, permitting you to work the hours and days you select. Please email (volunteer@casamarianella.org) and let them know what your interests are and when you would like to get started.
  • Current volunteer needs:
    • Help at the shelter sorting donations, organizing the mail system, and getting to know Casa residents.
    • Help people who have moved out of our shelter through our Neighbor to Neighbor program.
• Volunteer at Posada Esperanza (Women’s House):
  • Posada Esperanza welcomes all volunteers from the Austin community to serve in a number of roles. Please email (posadaesperanza@casamarianella.org) and they will set you up with a time to come to one of their volunteer orientations.
  • Current volunteer needs:
    • Deliver food to former Posada residents in need.
    • Drive Posada residents to doctor appointments.
    • Provide help filling out job applications over the phone with Spanish, Portuguese, and French speakers.