Service Student Organizations

Call Student Affairs at 614-823-1250 for information about how to contact these organizations.

Animal Care Enthusiasts - ACE
The Otterbein College Animal Care Enthusiasts is an organization dedicated to the education of all students about issues concerning animal well-being. The organization, which is overseen by Dr. Maria Calderone, meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 9:00 p.m. or as posted in the Science Building.

CardinalCorps Leaders
Giving back to the Westerville and Columbus communities continues to solidify the relationship between Otterbein and the community. Drop by the Center for Community Engagement to learn more about Community Service programs and learn how you can get involved with service at Otterbein. There are many ways to a make a difference in your community!

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International, Inc., a Georgian non-profit corporation, is an ecumenical Christian housing organization that works in partnership with people in need to improve the conditions in which they live.

America Reads
America Reads is a nationally renowned tutoring program that offers after school help by developing reading skills with Avalon Elementary 2nd-grade students. Otterbein students volunteer once a week to tutor their 2nd grade partner in vocabulary, grammar, and reading fluency.

Circle K International
Circle K is a Kiwanis-sponsored collegiate service organization, and Otterbein now has its own local chapter. Circle K focuses on leadership and personal development as volunteers serve their campuses and communities, often with an emphasis on helping children.

Club Whittier
Club Whittier is an after-school program for 4th and 5th grade students at Whittier Elementary School. Here, Otterbein Volunteers have the opportunity to give homework help to elementary students and participate in fun activities and games designed to develop academic curiosity, leadership abilities, community awareness, creativity, and teamwork.

Troop 1847
Troup 1847 is a burgeoning service organization at Otterbein College intended for members of the Girls Scouts' Bonds Beyond Bars program, which is designed to nurture the bond between parent and child when a parent is incarcerated. The girls, who range in age from 6 to 11, currently visit their mothers every other weekend at two different correctional facilities in the Central Ohio area. Beginning Winter Quarter at Otterbein, the girls will be invited to attend various events through Troop 1847 on the alternate weekends. The purpose of these events is to establish positive relationships, allow the girls to experience the life of a college student and provide alternative pathways for success.

Campus Girl Scouts
Campus Girl Scouts is an active chapter of the Girl Scouts organization currently comprised of female Otterbein students, though both males and females are welcome to become members. Members of the Campus Girl Scouts are enthusiastic volunteers who want to make a difference in their community and in the lives of young girls. In order to accomplish these goals, the members act as facilitators and mentors in a biweekly program designed for teenage girls at the Scioto Juvenile Correctional Facility. Through various badge earning activities, the Campus Girl Scouts strive to help the girls cultivate their full potential and prepare them to become confident, courageous and compassionate young women.

Grandma's House
Grandma's House is a new service organization that will link volunteers with shut-in elderly neighbors in the Westerville community. Otterbein volunteers can visit these neighbors and share hospitality through activities and chats.

Indianola Mentoring Program
Through this program, 7th and 8th grade students are bussed to Otterbein's campus every week where they meet with their college mentors. During their visit, the mentoring pairs work together on activities that encourage academic achievement, personal development and future aspirations. After the activities, both college and middle school students enjoy dinner together in the Cardinal's Nest cafeteria.

The Otterbein Animal Coalition
This is the newest of our weekly service programs. Formed by our own students' interests, this program partners with a local animal shelter, Citizens for Humane Action. Student volunteers will have the opportunity to visit the shelter during evenings to care for abandoned pets. Website.

Plan-It Earth
This organization focuses on developing environmentally friendly practices on campus and in the community. Each week, Plan-It Earth members meet to discuss how to encourage others to reduce their ecological footprint. This group also plans activities that give back to our earth such as picking up litter, planning recycling projects and initiatives and volunteering at Otterbein Lake.

Raise Your Voice
Raise Your Voice also a national program based out of Campus Compact. Student participants are active in encouraging civic participation among both students and community members. This organization sponsors "coffee-talks" on current issues and is involved in several events that highlight the importance of being a responsible citizen.

Rotaract
Rotaract is an active chapter of the Rotary International campus-based organization at Otterbein College. The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their communities, and to promote better relations between all people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service. Members of Rotaract range in class rank from freshmen to seniors and benefit from diverse areas of study. Rotaract meets on a biweekly basis to develop ongoing projects as well as plan major events for the quarter.

Sports Pals
This organization offers Otterbein students the opportunity to teach and encourage good sportsmanship and responsible actions through fun and games. During this after-school program at Avalon Elementary School, volunteers work together with elementary students on activities that build character and friendship.

United Methodist Children's Home
UMCH volunteers extend friendship and compassion to teens in transition from unstable home lives to foster care. At UMCH, Otterbein students build relationships with the teens and work on activities that provide encouragement for a bright future. Website.