Office of Service and Community Engagement

The Office of Service and Community 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.

Butler Food Pantry

The Butler Food Pantry is a free, confidential service for all Butler students. The Pantry is staffed by student members of the University’s Volunteer Center and provides nonperishable food packages for any Butler student in need of assistance.

Check out more information about the Butler Food Pantry 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 Involved Through Service (BITS)

Bulldogs Involved Through Service 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!

Check out more information on BUDM here.