Civic Café: “All In: The Fight for Democracy” Film Screening and Discussion

_{Wednesday, April 2, 5:30 - 7:45 p.m., Stix House}

"All In: The Fight for Democracy" is a documentary that highlights the battle to protect voting rights in the United States. Directed by Lisa Cortés and featuring voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, the film explores the history of voter suppression, the impact of marginalization, and the importance of voting as a pillar of democracy. "All In" traces the roots of systemic disenfranchisement and highlights the tireless efforts of activists and advocates protecting the right to vote. 

Join us at Civic Café for a screening of this powerful film and a short discussion on the fight for democracy. RSVP here. 

Make Your Voting Plan for the April Elections

_{In-Person Absentee Voting lasts from March 27 to April 7, 2025}

Missouri offers no-excuse, in-person absentee voting before Election Day. Voting early allows for the possibility of shorter lines, provides flexibility if you're busy on Election Day, and ensures that a last-minute emergency won't keep you from voting! Be sure to bring either a Missouri or federally-issued ID to the polls. Check for polling locations in St. Louis County and St. Louis City. Learn more and make your voting plan.

NEW! Volunteer with Campus Life's Annual Day of Service

_{Saturday, April 12, 9 a.m. - noon}

Campus Life's Annual Day of Service is back! Join us on April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon for a morning of engagement and service with St. Louis community organizations working to make our community better for all. Service sites include Peter and Paul Community Services, Greenwood Cemetery Preservation Association, College Bound, Welcome Neighbor STL, and more. Transportation will be provided, as well as a free a t-shirt and warm breakfast, while supplies last. Please reach out to Adam Brok or Ethan Miller with any questions. Register here.

Apply to be a Facilitator for "The Date" Fall 2025 

_{Apply by Monday, March 31 on Handshake}

The RSVP Center is hiring passionate undergraduate students to help facilitate their relationship and sexual violence prevention program during the 2025 fall first-year student orientation. Learn more and apply on Handshake. 

Non-Profit Symposium

_{Tuesday, April 1, 4 - 6 p.m., Emerson Auditorium}

Join Olin Business School's Center for Experiential Learning for an engaging conversation on the nonprofit sector, covering funding, careers, and personal experiences. Hear from inspiring speakers, connect with professionals, and gain insights into a future career path in the nonprofit world. Guest speakers include: Julia Clark, Specialist at the Missouri Historical Society; Emma Lembke '25, Founder of the Log Off Movement; and Charlyn Moss BSBA '20, Founder of Working Within. Learn more and register.

NEW! Campus Y Blood Drive 

_{Tuesday, April 1 - 2, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Holmes Lounge}

Campus Y is excited to host another blood drive with the American Red Cross. Campus Y invites the WashU community to donate blood or to volunteer. Volunteers will help set-up, break down, and run the check-in table, and shifts are available in one-hour increments. Schedule an appointment or sign up for a shift.

NEW! "Centerpiece" Performance Art Installation

_{Thursday, April 3, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Brookings Quadrangle}

There’s more to Midwestern and Southern cuisine than casseroles. Taking aesthetic cues from rural interior decoration, this installation and performance piece celebrates the power of receptivity. The artist, Madison Brown '25, has tasked a set number of guests from the Midwest and South with bringing a dish that reminds them of home.

The invitees will share a meal at the artist’s dining table, transplanted into Brookings Quadrangle and set with a quilted tablecloth. The work allows participants to learn about each other while pushing back on negative stereotypes about the surrounding region. Centerpiece refuses alienation by encouraging earnestness and generosity, both for participants and passers-by. Viewers are welcome to witness the lunch unfold and take an accompanying zine. Learn more about this installation and the Atkin Residency in the Art of Democracy.

NEW! Blueprint for Longevity: Implementing Blue Zones Principles in Our Communities

_{Friday, April 4, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., Emerson Auditorium}

Over the past two decades, research on Blue Zones has helped to identify how the world's longest-living populations achieve better health and vitality. Join the Harvey A. Friedman Center for Aging as they host a dynamic discussion on the strategies for integrating the principles of Blue Zones into local communities to enhance overall well-being and longevity. The 24^th Annual Friedman Lecture and Awards will feature keynote speaker, Kimberly C. Porter, Transformations Director for Blue Zones, and a panel of experts and community leaders who have experience integrating these practices. There will also be breakfast, a presentation of awards and audience Q&A. Learn more and register.

Jefferson City Day with WashU Votes

_{Wednesday, April 16, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.}

Join WashU Votes on a trip to Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City! Speak with your state representatives, learn about the statehouse and Missouri politics, observe legislative proceedings, and ask questions about policies affecting our communities. Participants will leave WashU around 7 a.m. and return around 5 p.m. the same day. Transportation and lunch are provided by the Gephardt Institute. Learn more and register.

NEW! Apply for the Heartland Journalism Residency Fellowship

_{Applications accepted on a rolling basis.}

Established by WashU and the River City Journalism Fund, the Heartland Journalism Fellowships support development of aspiring minority and underrepresented writers. During their yearlong residency, fellows will work with WashU faculty as well as staff of The Common Reader, a journal based at WashU, to produce long- and short-form journalism. The Heartland Journalism Residency Fellowship’s aim is to encourage more interest among our student population in long-form, creative, and investigative journalism dealing with the important cultural, social, economic, and political issues of our time. They offer one undergraduate fellowship of $6,000 for the academic year and one graduate fellowship worth $8,000. For more information, contact Ben Fulton at The Common Reader. Learn more and apply.

Apply to be a Graduate Assistant in Community Engagement 

_{Applications accepted on a rolling basis.}

The Gephardt Institute is hiring a Graduate Assistant in Community Engagement! This role will assist with the operations and logistics of various community-facing programming opportunities for WashU students, with a primary focus on the St. Louis Fellows Program. The assistant will work with Gephardt staff to plan logistics for several key events, such as St. Louis-based immersion experiences, retreats, community events, and student presentations. This role is paid with a minimum of 10 to 15 hours per week during Spring and Summer 2025, and the option to renew for the 2025-2026 academic year. The ideal candidate will be able to commit to the role through May 2026. Learn more and apply.

FIND YOUR BALLOT

ABSENTEE VOTING BY STATE

REGISTER TO VOTE

MISSOURI VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS

Upcoming Elections in the St. Louis Region:

Missouri No Excuse, In Person Absentee Voting (Early Voting):

Two weeks before each Missouri election, voters may cast their ballot at a variety of locations in their voting jurisdiction. St. Louis City voters may find locations here; St. Louis County voters may find locations here.

Elections in Other Counties and States:

If you vote outside of St. Louis, you may have upcoming elections. Click here to see what elections are scheduled in your home state.

NEW! Volunteer with the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation

_{Thursday, March 27 - April 2, The Little Bit Foundation Warehouse, 2446 Schuetz Rd., Maryland Heights}

The St. Louis Public Schools Foundation is looking for volunteers for their book packing and distribution project. This initiative distributes Home Library kits for over 1,200 students, helping to ensure students have additional resources to read, learn, and grow beyond the classroom. This year, the Foundation is partnering with the District in piloting this initiative at: Ashland Elementary School, Hickey Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Carr Lane Visual & Performing Arts Middle School, and Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School. Learn more and volunteer.

Sarah Kendzior: "The Last American Road Trip" Launch Event

_{Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland Ave.}

Join Left Bank Books & Left Bank Books Foundation as we welcome bestselling author Sarah Kendzior PhD '12 for the launch event for her part memoir, part history, and wholly unique book The Last American Road Trip! There will also be an informative audience Q&A portion of the evening where Sarah discusses parts of all of her important books. Kendzior will be in conversation with St. Louis Public Radio's Political Correspondent Jason Rosenbaum. Learn more and RSVP.

Volunteer for the Greater St. Louis Marathon Expo

_{Various dates and locations.}

Volunteer to help make the 25th Anniversary Greater St. Louis Marathon a success! This is the signature race that celebrates St. Louis and its iconic landmarks. Volunteer opportunities are available on April 5, 8, 9, 24, 25 and 26. The two-day Race Expo is on April 24 and 25. The marathon and related races take place on Saturday, April 26. Learn more and register for various volunteer opportunities. 

Gateway Arch Riverfront Clean-Up

_{Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Gateway Arch National Park}

In the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative's 2021 Science Report, approximately 28,540 litter items were logged in St. Louis with 74 percent of that being plastic. This has a huge impact on our waterways, community, and region. Gateway Arch National Park Foundation, Beyond Plastics, St. Louis Aquarium Foundation, Missouri River Cities and Towns Initiative, and many more local organizations have partnered to organize a community trash pick-up event during National Park Week. Team up with your friends and family at Gateway Arch National Park Riverfront to clean-up our Mississippi River! Learn more and participate.

Race for Refugees: 5K and One Mile Fun Run

_{Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m., Tower Grove Park}

For more than 100 years, the International Institute of St. Louis has welcomed immigrants and refugees from around the world to our city. The Race for Refugees began in 2017 by community member Heather Heuwe in response to the initial federal travel ban on seven Muslim-majority nations. The Race for Refugees brings people together to celebrate multiculturalism in our region and raise funds that help support first-touch services for refugees and immigrants. Register to participate in the chip-timed 5K or the one mile Fun Run! All skill-levels are welcome. Learn more and sign up. 

Apply to Camp Miniwanca Summer Camp

_{Applications accepted on a rolling basis.}

Help kids discover and develop their authentic, best selves at Camp Miniwanca on the shore of Lake Michigan! Miniwanca is a summer camp that invites everyone to discover their own best selves, the richness of living a balanced life, and the power of creating inclusive, caring communities. Miniwanca is operated by the American Youth Foundation, which has administrative offices in St. Louis. We're currently hiring staff for many roles, including camp counselors, adventure trip leaders, facilities and food program team members, and many more.

Staff training is on June 15, and Summer camp runs from June 29 to Aug. 8. Housing and all meals are provided. All seasonal staff roles can be used for internship credit, if needed. Learn more and apply.

Apply for the Voyager Scholarship

_{Apply by Tuesday, April 1, 11:59 p.m. CT}

The Voyager Scholarship is a two-year, leadership development and scholarship program created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, the Co-Founder and CEO of AirBnB. Through a transformational combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors, the Voyager Scholarship is designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders and equip them with the tools and resources they need to launch their careers in public service. The program identifies students in their third year of undergraduate studies who have a passion for public service. Learn more and apply.

Apply for the Illinois Prison Project's Legal Support Internship

_{Apply by Tuesday, April 1, 11:59 p.m. CT}

The Illinois Prison Project (IPP) is a nonprofit organization in Chicago that seeks to reduce mass incarceration by providing legal services to individuals incarcerated in the Illinois Department of Corrections. They are seeking a dynamic, energetic Legal Support Intern to join us for summer 2025. The Legal Support Intern will provide programmatic and administrative support to the IPP team in an effort to reduce mass incarceration. This internship is ideal for junior- or senior-year students interested in pursuing careers in social work, lawyering, and advocacy. Learn more and apply.

Important Note: This year, IPP will only consider summer interns who have their own independent funding and/or will be receiving school credit for the internship. Applying for the Center for Career Engagement's Summer Internship Fund may be a good option for students pursuing unpaid internships such as this one. 

Apply to Council on Foreign Relations' Summer Internships

_{Apply by Sunday, April 6}

In an ever-changing world, the Council on Foreign Relations' work as a leading nonpartisan resource for information and ideas about foreign policy is more important than ever. Through the Blavatnik and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Programs, interns participate in one of the foremost paid internship programs in the foreign policy arena. With positions based in both Washington, D.C., and New York City, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a wide range of internship opportunities interacting with both the public and private sectors. Learn more and apply. 

Watch the "In the Lou" video
Online, anytime. 

The “New In the Lou” initiative invites you to explore St. Louis. Whether you’ve just arrived at your dorm room via Lambert International Airport, or you are a lifelong resident currently residing in University City, by way of Maplewood but originally from Collinsville, Illinois, there is much to learn and understand about this city and region. Watch it now. The video is complemented by New in the Lou: A Guide to Being and Engaged Member of St. Louis, brought to you by the Gephardt Institute. It introduces our values, key concepts of civic engagement, and opportunities to engage in St. Louis. Print copies are available. Learn more. 

United Way St. Louis Volunteer Center
Navigate local volunteer opportunities by date, location, passions, professional skills, and more. Learn More. 

Low Impact Dining at WashU
The pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, including the way we eat. Dining Services and the Office of Sustainability are doubling down on programs that enable and encourage low impact dining. These efforts include the re-introduction of reusable to-go containers, eco2go, and the distribution of free utensil sets, among others. Learn More.

Brown School Webinars
Join Brown School faculty, alumni and community members for free webinars. You will receive Zoom meeting information by email the morning of that Open Classroom event. Learn More.

For the Culture Black-Owned Business Map
Find Black-owned businesses near you by exploring this interactive map.