Have you used your Community Service Leave benefit for this fiscal year? 

Let’s make the most of this benefit, which strengthens ourselves and our communities! 

What is Community Service Leave? 

Drake University recognizes the importance of community involvement and encourages employees to participate in volunteer and service activities. Community Service Leave (policy) allows staff the opportunity to participate in community service activities that occur during regularly scheduled work hours, without using vacation or personal time. Full-time, regular employees can request paid leave for up to 8 hours per fiscal year to spend time supporting your favorite not-for-profit. 

Community service leave is a paid time off benefit and can be used for: 

• Volunteer or service work for non-profit community service organizations 
• Volunteer work at a school, including the school your children or grandchildren attend (including field trips, events and school-related projects) 
• Participation in a Drake-sponsored community service activity 
• Blood, bone marrow, and organ donation 
• Disaster relief and emergency volunteer activities 

Why volunteer? 

Volunteering offers vital help to people in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater for the volunteer.  The right match can help you find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. You do not need to make a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day to reap the benefits of volunteering. Giving in even simple ways can: 

• Improve physical and mental health – research shows that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. 
• Connect you to others – volunteering allows you to connect with your community and make it a better place. 
• Teach valuable skills – the training and hands-on experience you gain while volunteering can help you learn new skills, as well as build upon ones you already have. 
• Boost your resume – potential employers are often impressed by applicants who have taken the time to volunteer as it shows that you’re dedicated and have a strong work ethic. 
• Expands your perspective – whether local or abroad, when you volunteer, you work with different age groups, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Where can I find volunteer opportunities? 

Drake’s online community engagement platform, DUgood, connects students, faculty, and staff across campus with partners in Des Moines and beyond. Use the DUgood platform to find opportunities to get involved in our community, track your impact, and explore what your fellow Bulldogs are doing to make a difference. 

How can I request Community Service Leave? 

Employees wishing to use their community service leave must complete a Community Service Leave Request. 

Opportunity Spotlight – Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm 

The Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm is a 3,000 square foot indoor farm capable of producing approximately 20,000 pounds of leafy greens a year. The farm provides some of our most at-risk populations in the metro with a source of fresh, healthy greens year-round. They also provide greens to other WesleyLife and local communities. Training is provided for every task, and there is no gardening or farming experience necessary, simply an open mind and drive to help feed others. 

The Meals on Wheels Hydroponic Farm has shifts available through August 29, 2025, and is conveniently located right across from Drake at 3206 University Avenue. Each shift can support up to 10 volunteers, so make it a team-building event with your department and sign up here today!