_{Wednesday, March 19, 5:30 - 7:45 p.m., Stix House}

In the film "Join or Die," follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to concerns about our nation's democracy. Following the screening, join a short debrief and discussion with staff from the Gephardt Institute. This event was originally scheduled during our Civic Action Week series, and was rescheduled due to winter weather. Learn more and RSVP.

NEW! Apply to be a Graduate Assistant in Community Engagement 

_{Applications are rolling}

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.

Apply for WUSTEPS: WashU's Political Science PhD Pipeline Program

_{Apply by Friday, March 7}

Are you an undergraduate student interested in political science PhD programs, but don't have access to research opportunities? The WUSTEPS program offers an opportunity for prospective graduate students to train with leading political scientists at WashU as they prepare for their own graduate school journey. WUSTEPS is a free six-week summer research program where students will be paired with faculty mentors to explore their research interests and contribute to active and meaningful projects. Students will also receive introductory training in research methods as well as participate in professionalization seminars to prepare them for graduate school. Learn more and apply.

NEW! Media and Social Change: Film Workshop 2025

_{Saturday, March 15 - 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.}

WashU Promoting Science Policy, Education, and Research (ProSPER), and the Center for the Environment are hosting a film workshop open to graduate and professional students, post-docs, and post-baccs. This workshop will be facilitated by Emmy award-winning director, Chris Schueler. Our goal is to support trainees who are interested in using film to communicate science and explore social issues. We are partnering with local organizations focused on environmental issues who are interested in working with attendees to plan and share these videos. Attendees will work in small teams to develop short videos for local non-profit organizations. Learn more and sign up.

Apply for the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity & Equity Fellowships

_{Apply by Tuesday, March 18}

Apply for the CRE2 Graduate Fellowship or the CRE2 Race and Ethnicity Scholars fellowship, supporting both incoming and advanced PhD students interested in the study of race and ethnicity.

The CRE2 Graduate Fellowship is a legacy program for outstanding doctoral students, newly admitted to WashU, who are interested in the study of race and ethnicity. The CRE2 Race and Ethnicity Scholars fellowship is offered annually to three graduate students whose works aligns with race, ethnicity, and equity. Based on a review of good-standing as fellows and progress towards the degree, the fellowship is renewable for an additional year. Learn more and apply.

Civic Café: Healthcare Policy and Advocacy with Leann Chilton, MBA ’99

_{Wednesday, March 26, 5:30 - 7 p.m., Stix House}

Looking to understand how healthcare policy comes to be? Who are the major players and how do they work together to shape healthcare policy? Whether you’re a future physician or an engaged community member, we invite you to join us on Wednesday, March 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. as we hear about healthcare policy advocacy in Missouri from Leann Chilton, MBA ’99 Vice President of Government Relations, BJC HealthCare. Leann will speak to her extensive experience in advocating for healthcare policy changes and help us understand what current proposed bills mean for healthcare in Missouri. Learn more and RSVP.

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. 

FIND YOUR BALLOT

ABSENTEE VOTING BY STATE

REGISTER TO VOTE

MISSOURI VOTER ID REQUIREMENTS

Voter Registration Deadline: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

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.

Volunteer with the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation

_{Feb. 27 - March 7, various locations}

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 and Performing Arts Middle School, and Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School. Learn more and volunteer.

Volunteer for the Crossing Delmar Collaborative Project

_{Tuesday, March 4 - April 1, various locations}

YourWords STL is seeking volunteers for "Crossing Delmar," a collaborative project bringing together students from Ritenour Middle School and St. Louis Priory. More than 80 seventh graders will participate in a friendly STEAM competition and creative writing workshops, culminating in a presentation, in order to develop empathy among individuals and the community. Volunteers are needed as teaching assistants. There are multiple opportunities to support this program, and locations include COCA, Ritenour Middle School, and Priory. Learn more and register.

NEW! Volunteer for Penrose Neighborhood Cleanup

_{Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Penrose Neighborhood}

A senior in the Penrose neighborhood reached out to the Penrose Neighborhood Community Association and North Newstead Association for help addressing alleyway dumping and private property damage. Volunteer for an alleyway clean up to support this senior and care for the Penrose community. All tools will be provided, and closed-toe shoes are required. Learn more and sign up.

A Volunteer Visit Makes a Difference: VITAS Healthcare

Various dates and locations

VITAS Healthcare is looking for volunteers who can share their time with hospice patients residing in nursing homes and their own homes. Volunteers visit VITAS patients to provide specific, non-medical care through socialization and friendly visits. Patient care volunteers offer companionship, play music and games, read to patients, and help in other meaningful ways. This volunteer position would involve visiting a patient around one to two hours a week, and days and times are flexible according to your availability. Learn more about VITAS Volunteer Services, and contact Emily for more information about the program.

Volunteer with Urban City Services: St. Louis Winter Outreach

Various dates, 711 Allen Ave.

Volunteer with Urban City Services, a local, grassroots nonprofit, to support their Winter Outreach Programs. Programs include their winter emergency pop-up shelters, which activate when temperatures are 25 degrees and below. Volunteers welcome and register guests, serve dinner, and help with clean-up. Learn more and volunteer.

Apply for a Museum Collections Internship at Jefferson Barracks

_{Applications accepted on an ongoing basis}

Jefferson Barracks Historic Site is seeking a Museum Collections intern to begin in May 2025! The position will assist our curator in collection management and care. The position is unpaid and can fulfill course requirements for any prospective professional. Undergraduate and graduate students are both welcome to apply. If you have any questions, contact Jeffrey Edison. For those interested in being part of our summer team, please contact the JB staff at JBHistory@stlouiscountymo.gov.

NEW! Apply for the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center Internship

_{Apply by Wednesday, March 12, 10:59 p.m. CT}

Founded in 1961, the Atlantic Council is a nonpartisan organization that galvanizes US leadership and engagement in the world, in partnership with allies and partners, to shape solutions to global challenges. The Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center (GEC) develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions. They are seeking upperclassmen interns to provide important research and logistical support to the Center. Learn more and apply.

NEW! 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.

NEW! 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. 

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.