Cavaliers Care Worldwide is a volunteer service initiative, through which alumni, parents, and friends expand on the University's tradition of service by serving their communities in the month of April to celebrate the anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth.

2010 Kick Off

Each year the Cavaliers Care Worldwide service initiative gets bigger and better. As many clubs have chosen to serve their communities throughout the year, Cavs Care will now be a year-round initiative with a marketing focus in April, timed with Mr. Jefferson's birthday and National Volunteer Month. Last year 49 clubs performed service projects. We’re hoping to see many more clubs participate around the world this year, and we need your help to make that happen.

This year, we're making Cavaliers Care even easier. Connect your alumni, parents, and friends to service projects in your community using these three simple steps:

Step 1: 'Hoo is already connected? Examine your constituency list and membership roster to find out who works for a non-profit organization in your area. Talk to your club members to determine who gives her or his time and energy on a regular basis to a worthy cause. Reach out to that person to see if she or he would be willing to facilitate a project in April…or any time of the year.

Step 2: 'Hoo knows what’s happening? There's only one way to connect volunteers to projects. Provide the what, when, where in the Project Details Form and your UVaClub Communications Chair and Regional Engagement Team will do the rest. They will provide an RSVP page and friendly link for every communication. The sooner you register your project, the sooner your club can start advertising it.

Step 3: 'Hoo volunteers? It takes just one person to make the world a better place. Encourage every individual, club leader, teenager, older alum, or anyone with an affinity for the University and commitment to service to join in the fun. Think about providing doughnuts and coffee, gloves if working outside, sunscreen, water, and other amenities, and your volunteers will feel appreciated and cared for. Consider adding an after-project social event, like a pizza party or happy hour as a way to acknowledge everyone’s hard work and celebrate the success of the project.

And there is one more little step: Send photos, a project recap, and an attendance list to your club website webmaster and REO after the event. Let us share the excitement and build on Cavs Care for next year.

We hope your club will plan a service event and be part of Cavaliers Care 2010. Consider doing some initial research and planning to secure a project sooner rather than later.

As always, thank you for time, energy and commitment to the University.