Volunteer Service Paid-Time Off
Faculty/ Staff Volunteer Service Paid Time Off
Creighton offers paid time off for volunteer service in support of the Catholic, Jesuit mission of Creighton University.
As faculty and staff discern how to use these hours and who to partner with, employees are encouraged to seek opportunities that embody the Jesuit mission to be "for and with others” and the Catholic Social Teaching principle of a “preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.” Creighton cannot approve of partners that are outside of the priorities of the Catholic Church.
Using Ignatian focus can also narrow our preference to serving for and with those who are most in need of assistance or are on the margins of culture. When possible, there is a preference to make an on-going commitment to an organization to help increase capacity and make a lasting impact. The Jesuit’s Universal Apostolic Preferences may also help guide those who are deciding how they would like to use their time (To show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment; To walk with the poor, the outcasts of the world, those whose dignity has been violated, in a mission of reconciliation and justice; To accompany young people in the creation of a hope-filled future; To collaborate in the care of our Common Home.)
View the complete policy. Eligible employees can volunteer up to 16 hours a year. Hours must be approved by your supervisor and if there are questions on whether a site can be approved, please email Cindy Schmersal, VP of Mission and Ministry.
Schedule ahead of time with the agency you wish to work with, commit, and show up early. Research about the mission and programs of any community partner you are working with. Local Community Engagement is mutual, reciprocal and a partnership. Consider how your service can achieve this. When possible, consistent and regular volunteers are always appreciated by partners.In the Ignatian tradition, it’s important to end each service experience with reflection. This can be with a group you served with or individual reflection on your own. Find some resources to get you started here.
Are you organizing service for a group or would you like more resources on leading reflection? See our Staff handout- Preparing for community engagement.
A Few Suggestions to get you Started
Phoenix
United Way website to search for local partners
Hands On Greater Phoenix provides a list of volunteer opportunities
Hastings
Mentor a youth with TeamMates
Catholic Social Services in Hastings
Give Hastings provides a list of community non-profits
Omaha
Use Creighton Engage to view possible community partners as well as specific opportunities to get involved in service. (Login with your CUnetid@creighton.edu and password).
On the community partners tab you can search by type of service or population served. The opportunities for connecting with a focus area you are passionate about (education, immigration, homelessness, hunger, healthcare, youth) are endless.
More questions? Speak with your supervisor or contact Becca Huju at the Schlegel Center for Service and Justice.
We were created by a loving God to find our purpose by using our gifts in the service of one another. As a community of learning and faith, Creighton university is ever mindful of this responsibility.
— Fr. Dennis Hamm writes in The Union of Minds and Hearts: Celebrating the Spiritual Roots of Creighton University
