What is the Yale Day of Service?

Yale alumni have an unparalleled tradition of service. From Dwight Hall’s student-led community based programs to the highest levels of government service, Yale alumni have risen to the challenge to ‘change the world,’ and indeed many are doing just that as volunteers for Yale, or in their professional lives in the nonprofit sector, or by serving on boards of foundations, or as elected officials, or by giving of their intellect and creative energy to volunteer community projects.

The fourth global Yale Day of Service will be held on May 12, 2012, with the goal that Yale alumni around the world will come together on or around that day to serve their local communities. As in the past, this Day of Service will also serve as a celebration of ongoing service by alumni and local Yale clubs as well as a catalyst for new service commitments. It is just one of a number of service opportunities offered by the AYA.

I already volunteer in my community.  Why should I participate in the Yale Day of Service?

We recognize that many alumni are actively involved in service in their local communities.  The Yale Day of Service is a means for alumni and friends to come together in service, to connect with each other and their communities through service.  And of course the Yale Day of Service provides the singular opportunity to participate in an historic day for Yale as we collectively embody Yale’s great tradition of service to others.

Who should I contact with a question about a particular service site?

Please contact the Day of Service Club Coordinator listed for each site on the site description page.

What if there is no service site listed in my area?

If you would like to suggest a local service organization for the Yale Day of Service or organize a service activity at a local non-profit, there are several people you can contact.  First, if there are already other sites in your club area, contact the Club Coordinator for the Yale Day of Service who is listed on the site description for your other local sites.  He or she will be able to advise you on next steps.  Second, if you do not have other sites in your area, contact your local Yale club president; you can also contact the Regional Director for your area. Finally, if there is not an opportunity to create a club-sponsored site for the Yale Day of Service, you might consider planning an independent service project for May 12th. 

Who can participate in the Yale Day of Service?  Are children welcome?  What about my friends who are not Yale alumni? 

Everyone is welcome to be a part of the Yale Day of Service!  Many sites specifically note if they are family friendly and the registration form provides a space to indicate the names and ages of children you are registering.  The Day of Service is a wonderful activity for families to share together.  And we are happy to have members of the extended Yale community join with us as well, so bring your friends and register them as guests, too. 

What if I need to register more guests than the registration form allows?

Please contact Alisa Masterson of the AYA at alisa.masterson@yale.edu or by phone at 203-432-1947 to add guests beyond those provided for in the registration form. 

What if I need to cancel or change my Day of Service registration?  

On-line registrations cannot be edited via the web. Please contact Alisa Masterson of the AYA at alisa.masterson@yale.edu  or by phone at 203-432-1947 to cancel your registration or make any changes. 

What if the site I want to register for is full? 

We hope you might consider registering for another Day of Service site in your area, but if you feel a strong connection to a particular site which is full, please contact the Club Coordinator listed in the site description.  Sites may have wait lists in case of cancellations, or in some cases, there may be the opportunity to expand the scope of the project if there is enough interest. 

How do I get specific information for my service site such as meeting time and location? 

You will receive a confirmation for your registration from the local Yale club shortly after you register.  The confirmation will include specific logistical information for your site as well as information on other Day of Service related activities that may be taking place locally on May 14th.  If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact the Club Coordinator for the Day of Service listed on the site description on this website. 

What if the service activity I registered for takes place outside and the forecast is for rain?  Who do I call with questions or for information on the actual Day of Service? 

Your Club Coordinator should provide you with information related to weather challenges for the Day of Service activities as well as a number to call on May 12th should you have questions about the weather or other items on that day. 

Who should I contact with other questions about the Yale Day of Service?

The contact page of the website lists a number of people you can contact with questions about the Yale Day of Service.