Maybe you’re new to UWG and want to know how to get connected to the local community, or maybe you’ve been here awhile and have decided to add some balance to your life by getting more connected outside of work. No matter what your age or background, it can be daunting – sort of like being the new kid in school or trying to figure out how to get someone to dance with you in middle school. Some people can make those first steps into the community by eating & shopping locally, getting to know their neighbors, connecting through their children’s activities, joining a gym, or getting involved in a church, but those may not work for everyone.

2016 User's Guide

These ideas are specific to the Carrollton and Newnan areas –we will expand this to include other communities in the future.

Step One: Learn and Experience
  • Visit the Community Involvement Fair on the Carrollton Campus August 29, 2016
    Community Involvement Fair- Carrollton
    August 29, 2016 between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm

    Every fall the Center for Student Involvement invites local non-profits to set up information tables along the sidewalk between the Library and the TLC, so that students can learn about the community and look for volunteer opportunities. UWG faculty, staff, retirees have always been welcome, but this year we are making a special effort to get you to visit. It is a great way to learn about the many good things going on in our area. You are welcome to invite your family members to visit as well. We expect 30-40 diverse organizations to participate.

  • Visit the Community Involvement Fair on the Newnan Campus September 7, 2016
    Community Involvement Fair- Newnan
    September 7, 2016 between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm

    Non-profit organizations will have information tables for students, faculty, staff, retirees, and their families to learn more about their community and look for volunteer opportunities. This is the first year for this event, and we expect 10-15 diverse organizations to attend.

  • Attend a Community Event
    Community Events

    If you think Carrollton and Newnan are sleepy little towns with nothing to do, you’re wrong! Yes, life here is a little slower, and we don’t have Atlanta’s giant venues and range of events. But we do have a lot of fun and interesting things, including concerts, parades, and arts festivals. To find out what is going on, browse the various websites listed here, or follow the Community Engagement Office on Facebook and Twitter, where we will regularly highlight upcoming community events.

  • Visit a Local Civic Club
    Civic Clubs

    The Community Engagement Office has a list of UWG faculty and staff who are members of local civic clubs, if you want to contact one of them and find out more. We will work on expanding that resource this year.

  • Read the Local Newspaper and Listen to Local Radio
    Local News

    You know how to look for your community newspaper and to use your car radio’s “scan” button to find local stations. You may not be aware of the online City Menus that share information about Carrollton, Douglasville, Newnan, and Villa Rica.

  • Visit the Community Engagement Office
    Office of Community Engagement

    Visit the Community Engagement Office in the Bonner House (the little white house on Front Campus Drive next to Kennedy Chapel), and browse our materials. We keep printed materials from the Chamber of Commerce and local non-profits as well as current copies of the Times Georgian and local magazines.

  • Follow the Community Engagement Office Blog
    Office of Community Engagement Blog

    Follow the Community Engagement Office blog. We publish very short articles a few times a month that focus either on the campus or the community.

 
Step Two: Get Involved

So, now that you know a little more about your community, it’s time to reach out and start doing something. Here are some ideas.

  • Volunteer for a Non-Profit
    Volunteering

    Most non-profits are looking for people with different talents and time commitments.

    • The West Georgia Non-Profit Network is a new organization that brings together the leaders of more than 50 non-profits in Carroll, Haralson, and Heard Counties.
    • JustServe.org is a great, easy-to--use national website that is beginning to build a following in Georgia. Just enter your zip code to find opportunities near you. You can also conduct a more advanced search if you have specific criteria or interests.
    • OrgSync is UWG’s portal for connecting students to volunteer opportunities, but faculty and staff can also use it. Just use your UWG log-in and password. Contact the Center for Student Involvement for more information.
    • If you don’t know where to start, call or e-mail the Community Engagement Office and tell us what you are interested in, and we will help connect you.
  • Join a Civic Club
    Joining a Civic Club

    We will sponsor a Civic Club Information Fair later this Fall. Watch for more information.

  • Special Opportunity for Professionals age 21-35
    >Me (Greater than Me)

    > Me (Greater than Me) is a group of young professionals, ages 21-35, who are interested in networking, socializing, and volunteering in the community. For more information, contact the Community Foundation of West Georgia at 770-832-1482 or www.cfwg.net.

  • Develop a Service-Learning Partnership with a Community Organization
    Service Learning

    Many faculty incorporate community service as learning experiences into their classes. The UWG definition of “service learning” is here. We will be expanding this website in 2016-2017 to offer more resources for faculty who are planning service learning classes. In the meantime, please feel free to contact the Office of Community Engagement, and we can connect you with other faculty or community partners.

  • Develop a Scholarly Relationship with a Community Organization
    Scholarly Relantionships

    If your research can benefit a local organization, that can be a great way to get connected. Feel free to contact our office to learn more about local organizations.