Office of Civic Engagement
The Office of Civic Engagement seeks to connect Butler students with service and philanthropy opportunities in the Indianapolis community and beyond! Through biweekly service projects, annual philanthropy events, and immersive education, we strive to engage in meaningful personal development around social justice.
The office is comprised of several departmental programs/initiatives as well as various committees of Student Government Association.
Departmental Programs/Initiatives
Alternative Breaks
Butler Alternative Breaks (BAB) provides an alternative experience for fall and spring break, where Butler students are able to travel outside of Indiana to learn and serve in another community.
Ambassadors of Change
Ambassadors of Change is an interactive, pre-orientation program which focuses on service to the community and leadership skill development. Incoming first-year Butler students will be introduced to the campus and local community through dynamic service opportunities and entertaining activities during the week.
Check out more information about Ambassadors of Change here.
Volunteer Center
The Volunteer Center is the place to start your service at Butler University. This student-staffed office is dedicated to helping you find volunteer opportunities on and off campus. Volunteer Center representatives are here to serve you in your search for a service match. They are trained to locate specific service sites and to help you explore what your interests may be and how to best suit them. Our staff is involved with service themselves and can serve as wonderful resources for both individual students and organizations. Whether you are looking for a one-time opportunity or an ongoing service experience, please stop by to see us in AU100!
Check out more information about the Volunteer Center here.
Student Government Association
Service & Philanthropy Board
SGA’s Service & Philanthropy Board is dedicated to the fostering and implementation of quality service and conscientious philanthropy through on-campus events, community action, and support of social responsibility. The board includes three major organizations: Bulldogs Into the Streets (BITS), Butler Ambassadors for Special Olympics (BASO), and Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM).
Bulldogs Into The Streets (BITS)
Bulldogs Into The Streets is Butler University’s annual day of service. Over 1,500 volunteers gather on the Butler campus for check-in before being transported to over 50 service sites. BITS takes place during Welcome Week in the fall semester.
Check out more information on BITS here.
Butler Ambassadors for Special Olympics (BASO)
Butler Ambassadors for Special Olympics is a student-run committee of SGA. Through this organization, students raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Indiana via two main events on campus. The first event is Polar Plunge, which takes place in February on the Health and Recreation Complex lawn. Students on campus can raise money to jump into a pool of freezing cold water for Special Olympics. The second event is Spring Sports Spectacular, which takes place in late March and specifically supports the Washington Township athletes of Special Olympics Indiana. Students on campus form teams and stay up from 6 pm to 6 am to compete in sports and games while raising awareness for Special Olympics.
Butler University Dance Marathon (BUDM)
Butler University Dance Marathon stands with Riley Hospital for Children and cancer research by engaging the campus and the Indianapolis community though our impact on the lives of past, present, and future patients and their families. This student-led organization commits to leveraging all available resources and raising funds to benefit those who are affected by Riley. BUDM’s year-long fundraising and awareness campaign culminates in a 12-hour celebration of life, the annual Dance Marathon, complete with entertainment acts, Riley families, food and more. Find more here!