The Honors Program also partners with Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL) to offer an Alternative Spring Break, giving Westfield students the opportunity to engage in meaningful volunteer and community service projects.
Honors Community Service
Community Service as an Honors Pillar
Our Honors Program embodies the Community Engagement and Leadership pillar by promoting positive change in our communities, embracing collaboration, and leaving a lasting impact through service. We believe that each person has leadership potential that can be cultivated through personal and professional development.
Why Should Students Do Community Service?
Community service helps individuals build stronger connections with those they assist, while also gaining a deeper understanding of the positive impact and benefits these actions bring to communities in need.
Benefits of community service include:
- Participating in community service learning provides a sense of personal fulfillment.
- Enhances social responsibility and civic awareness.
- Provides insight into future opportunities.
- Encourages active participation and involvement.
- Connects academic development with real-world experience.
- Increases understanding of societal challenges.
Community service gives the ability to use my body to help others which is something that I have always enjoyed. The Honors Program provides me an opportunity to give back to the community that is so supportive for this school. With my time here at the university, I have been given the tools to make an impact and that is what counts.
Ali Sutherland '26
Health Sciences Major, Honors Student
Our Local Partners
Upcoming Community Service Events
WRWA River Cleanup – April 26, 2025 (Westfield)
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Location: Masonic Lodge, 72 Broad St., Westfield
Schedule
- 8:00 a.m. – Light breakfast & coffee available. Cleanup assignments and supplies (gloves, trash bags, and high-visibility vests if needed) will be distributed.
- 9:00 a.m. – Groups depart for cleanup sites.
- 1:00 p.m. – Volunteers return to the Masonic Lodge for a complimentary lunch.
Contact: WRWA Coordinator Mark Damon – 413-977-1577 | markjdamon@gmail.com
More Info:
WRWA River Cleanup – April 26, 2025 (Agawam)
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Location: Pynchon Point parking lot, near the South End Bridge circle on River Road
Schedule
- 9:00 a.m.– Volunteers gather, receive cleanup assignments, and collect supplies (gloves and trash bags provided by WRWA).
- 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Cleanup assignments typically conclude.
Organizers are monitoring river levels. The cleanup may be postponed if conditions are unsafe.
Additional Information
- WRWA distributes gloves, trash bags, and provides safety tips before sending teams to cleanup sites.
- Cleanup efforts target watershed sites in Westfield, Russell, Huntington, West Springfield, and Agawam.
- WRWA coordinates with local communities for trash and debris pickup.
- All are welcome! Children must be supervised by an adult.
Contact: Sheryl Becker – 413-374-1921 | sher1earth69@gmail.com
More Info:
Food Bank of Western MA – Volunteer Opportunity
Location: Food Bank Warehouse, Chicopee, MA
Volunteer Role: Food Sorting
Help Needed: Food sorting volunteers are in high demand to assist with organizing donated food.
Requirements: Must be 16 years or older to participate.
Available Shifts:
Monday – Friday (Mornings): 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Monday – Thursday (Afternoons): 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Sign Up & More Info:
Contact Us
Ms. Gretchen Konrad
Honors Program Administrative Assistant
The Honors Center - Parenzo 041