Get ready for a day of service, gratitude, and fun! Any member of the Texas State University community can be a volunteer - students, faculty, and staff.
Below are some details and tips about what you could expect as a volunteer.
What happens at Bobcat Build's Big Event?
Our day of service is split into three stages: Kick-Off, service, and tool return.
During the Kick-Off event, Job Site Leaders (JSLs) and volunteers check in for the event are able to pick up breakfast, merch, and items from our sponsors. Before departure, they also hear a few words about our event's impact, expectations, and departure instructions.
After Kick-Off, volunteers are released to their assigned project site while JSLs pick up tools from our inventory. A maximum of four service hours is completed throughout the day. Get to know your site owner, do good work with your team, and have fun! Finished all tasks early? Our goal is to make sure we serve as many sites as possible, so be prepared to serve more than one project site if needed!
Lastly, after service has been completed, JSLs must return to campus to return any tools provided to them; meanwhile general volunteers can depart from their site.
How do I become a volunteer?
Students, staff, and faculty who are interested in volunteering can sign up through the Volunteer Registration Form! Please note that ALL volunteers must register individually, but don't worry! If you are part of a student organization or team, you can select which group or write your group's name if not listed. Please note that at least one person will need to be designated as the Job Site Leader. Details about being a Job Site Leader can be found below.
Volunteering solo? No worries! We still welcome single volunteers to come out and serve with us. Please be aware, however, that single volunteers are automatically categorized as Day-of Placement (DOP) volunteers, meaning single volunteers are assigned to project sites based on availability and at our discretion.
What is a Job Site Leader and how do I become one?
Job Site Leaders (JSLs) are team leads who serve as the liaison between event staff and the site owner. They are also responsible for managing group members, communicating any needs or concerns to our staff, and transporting tools. Volunteers who plan to be JSLs for their team can select the option in the registration form.
In addition, JSLs are required to attend a mandatory training to go over day-of expectations, safety and risk management, and tool overview. Training dates will be provided by our event staff once finalized.
What kind of work do volunteers do?
Projects vary depending on the tasks requested by our jobsites. This can include (but is not limited to) beautification projects such as washing windows, painting homes, gardening, and more. Whatever the case, we ask all volunteers to come prepared to work hard!
What should I wear?
Show your spirit! Wear a Texas State shirt or your student organization gear. Looking to pick up some Big Event gear as well? Shirts are handed at our Kick-Off event. Supplies are limited, so the earlier you arrive, the better the chances! No matter what, we recommend three things: be cool, be comfy, and don't be afraid to get dirty.
Will transportation be provided?
Transportation is the responsibility of the volunteer. We highly recommend carpooling with others in your group. In addition, volunteers are responsible for transporting the tools provided by our team.
If your site requires a large number of tools, or an excessive amount of large tools, chances are your tools will be dropped off at your site prior to the day of service. Our team will notify the JSL if this is the case.
