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Get Involved: Volunteer.
Volunteer activities
There are many ways you can help out our friends and benefactors at Sac State and at the same time expand and heighten your Renaissance experience.
Become a Renaissance Ambassador
The Renaissance Society (RS) Ambassadors program helps build community awareness and strengthen membership by connecting with people beyond our organization. Ambassadors serve as friendly, informed representatives of RS at events and presentations throughout the region.
- Host information tables at community events, including Senior Resource Fairs
- Represent RS at special events, such as the Annual MLK Jr. Dinner at Sacramento State
- Speak to service clubs, employer retirement groups, and other community organizations
- Promote the mission and benefits of RS
- Help increase visibility and membership in the wider community
Training is provided, and you can volunteer as often as you like, even as little as once a year. If you are interested in joining our enthusiastic team of Ambassadors, please contact Deanna Hanson at deannahanson@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunities to Support Students
Renaissance Society members are actively involved in supporting the Sacramento State student community. Our Volunteer Services Committee can connect you with the ongoing volunteer opportunities highlighted below, or with one-time events to support students.
- Mentor a Gerontology Department student enrolled in Strategies for Optimal Aging. Renaissance members meet students in-person or in Zoom meetings during the semester to discuss questions on life and your insights into the aging process. A rewarding interpersonal connection with students that enriches the lives of Renaissance members and students alike.
- Volunteer at the ASI Food Pantry on campus to support students experiencing food insecurity. Renaissance members may volunteer on a regular basis or participate in special events such as the annual Friendsgiving Feast. Renaissance members are also a major source of donations through the first Friday brown envelopes circulated at in-person classes.
- You can find the main link for the ASI Food Pantry here.
- You can find the detailed ASI Donations page here.
- Assist the Theater Department by volunteering to usher at the student theater and dance productions offered each semester. Renaissance members also support the Theater Department with their enthusiastic attendance at campus productions.
Questions? Please reach out to Carol Barake, Volunteer Services Coordinator at cmbarake@comcast.net.
And watch the Weekly Update emails where additional volunteer opportunities appear frequently.
Volunteer to be a Zoom Tech Host
Consider stepping up and volunteering as a Zoom tech host.
It may not be glamorous, but you get warm and tender feelings from giving of your time. Tech Support is absolutely essential for the smooth flow of our online seminars, presentations, and shared interest groups. You’ll enroll in a class, get the tools you need, and take on key tasks like launching meetings, helping
participants, and closing things out smoothly.
Before each semester, we offer tech host training along with monthly Tech Host User Support group meetings led by seasoned coaches. Explore our Renaissance Society Online Learning Resources page for easy training videos and handouts on commonly used Zoom features. Skip the idle moments—get trained and make a real difference in helping our pro gram leaders shine!
Not quite ready for the full assignment? No problem. You can start by shadowing the tech host in one of your programs and later take the reins as a backup. It’s a great way to get comfortable and build confidence while keeping your tech skills sharp and add to our shared online experience.
Ready to jump in? Reach out to RenSoc Tech Committee at rensocit@csus.edu. We‘ll
connect you with program leaders in need and answer any questions. Let’s turn tech support into your next whimsical adventure in learning.
Volunteer for a Committee
As a peer-to-peer learning organization, the Renaissance Society relies on its members in many ways. Committees welcome volunteers and rely on them for their wisdom and willingness to work. Think about where you could be of service and contact the committee chair(s). See the Meet Us page for contact information.
Volunteer for our team of leaders, co-leaders, and presenters
Program leaders, co-leaders, and presenters form the heart of the Renaissance Society experience. We welcome and appreciate new and returning leaders, co-leaders, and presenters, and invite proposals for:
- Semester seminars that last three to thirteen weeks
- Single presentations
- Various learning formats for Shared Interest Groups (SIGs): facilitated discussions of books, films, music or ideas; informational lectures; presentations; hands-on instruction; and field trips.
From the arts to food to hiking to zoology, we welcome all topics, issues, and activities. Our peer-to-peer leaders, co-leaders, and presenters have found teaching, in some cases for the first time, a rich and rewarding experience.
Your selected topic may reflect either vocational expertise or an avocational passion. Invariably, Renaissance Society leaders, coleaders, and presenters describe how teaching deepens their own knowledge of the subject matter. Participants also bring their own expertise and life experiences to the classroom creating opportunities for lively class discussions.
Traditionally, Renaissance Society leaders, co-leaders, and presenters have come from our membership. However, we also actively seek presenters and speakers from the community who have knowledge of a wide variety of subject matter, sensitivity to different learning styles, and an ability to clearly communicate concepts.
How to Submit a Proposal: Send an email to lorene.sarne@csus.edu or call 916-661-6981 for more information. The Program Committee provides instructor support and training and can help you with your course proposal.