Join Our Committees
Education and advocacy are key to effectively addressing the issues of the lack of low-income housing and the issues of homelessness in our country and in our community. The Education and Advocacy Commitee works to educate the campus about these issues, and thus about why Habitat is needed, how we effectively address these problems, and how anyone can get involved. We plan awareness and advocacy events on the quad during National Hunger and Homelessness Week in November and during Act Speak Build Week in April. Along with these big events, we develop materials and give presentations on campus to promote awareness of poverty housing and the solution that Habitat for Humanity offers.
National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week - This national awareness week usually falls the week before our Thanksgiving break. We join a movement of students and volunteers across the country in bringing awareness to the issues of homelessness, hunger, and poverty housing in our country and across the world. Past events have included awareness displays on the quad, donation drives, educational movie showings, and co-sponsorship of awareness events with Teach for America and OxFam.
Act Speak Build Week - This week falls in April and includes informational events such as speakers and presentations, awareness events, and fundraisers. In addition to getting Habitat’s name out on campus, Act Speak Build Week also functions as a fundraiser. Coordination between Education and Fundraising is important to an effective Act Speak Build Week.
Fundraising is one of the most fundamental aspects of Habitat for Humanity. In order to build a home, there must be financial means of doing so. The average house in Champaign County costs approximately $65,000 to build. Our goal is to raise that amount over the course of two years in order to fund a home-build every other year. It is the role of fundraising directors to create and organize fundraising events throughout the semester in order to meet the obligations of the present house and plan for a future one. Fundraising will run about 5-8 events per semester.
Fundraising directors work closely together and are in charge of all internal fundraising events for Habitat for Humanity. Responsibilities include planning and making preparations for events such as canning, Assembly Hall, Bergner's Community Day Sale, and other events.
We are always looking for new fundraising opportunities. If you have any ideas or would like to get involved in planning for events, please email or see either fundraising director during office hours.
The Outreach Committee is a new part of the Habitat family, being only a couple years old. It is our responsibility to create and maintain relationships with outside organizations that consists of RSOs, Greeks, community organizations and Alumni. We will work together with these groups to spread the word about Habitat and collaborate on events that with benefit all those involved. We are always looking for more opportunites to collaborate with other organizations, so feel free to e-mail us any suggestions or ideas. So drop in on our office hours and we look forward to meeting you!
The Publicity Committee is responsible for publicizing all Habitat events by working with other members that are planning their upcoming events. Students involved on the Publicity Committee work with the Publicity Committee Chairs throughout the planning process. Publicity is responsible for flyers, chalking, press releases, and web announcements as well as using creativity to think of new ways to let people know about Habitat. Whether you have artistic ability and creativity, or can't draw a straight line but just want to get involved in a vital part of Habitat, Publicity is a great committee to join!
This committee helps organize social events for Habitat.
The Special Events Committee is responsible for planning the chapter's big fundraisers and events. We are responsible for the Spikin' for Homes Volleyball Tournament, A Day Without a Home, Homecoming, Habitat Spring Break Trips, and Race the Roof 5-K Run/Walk.
Spikin' for Homes: This volleyball tournament in late August or early September brings together approximately 200 players for a fun day of sand volleyball to support Habitat. It's our chapter's first fundraiser and awareness event for the year. Committee members are responsible for planning the schedule and logistics, obtaining donations for food and prizes, and making the event fun for all!
A Day Without a Home: A Day Without a Home (occurring in early October) is the chapter's largest awareness event. Shanties are built on the quad to draw attention to the presence of poverty housing in our nation, information is given to passers-by, and guest speakers are brought to the quad to talk about these issues.
Homecoming: Every year Habitat for Humanity is involved in the University's Homecoming festivities. In 2005, we won Best Float for the shed that we built, used as a float, then donated to a family with a Habitat house! This year, we won 3rd place for the playhouse we built and auctioned off as a fundraiser for our chapter!
Race the Roof: An annual Mom's Day Weekend Event (in April), Habitat draws 300 runners and walkers out to Crystal Lake Park for a 5K Run/Walk to support our chapter. Our committee is responsible for organizing the race, including planning logistics, obtaining donations of food and prizes, coordinating registration, and more.
Spring Break Trips: Every year, our chapter participates in the Collegiate Challenge program sponsored by Habitat for Humanity International. We take two trips, of around 12 students each, to build with a Habitat Chapter in a different part of the country. The Special Events Committee is responsible for planning and facilitating these trips.
A typical build day is from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM on Saturday. Transportation is provided to and from the Union, and all tools are provided. No construction experience is necessary - a construction manager from the County Chapter and our own student Steering Coordinator, as well as volunteer skilled team leaders, are always present to provide instructions and guidance. Building is a great way to get involved in the heart of Habitat's work.