SETU Volunteer Award

Volunteering - Why bother?

A pessimist, they say, sees a glass of water as being half empty; an optimist sees the same glass as half full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty. Volunteering is not about ideology, but it is about doing. Volunteering gives you opportunities to enrich your personal development and employability skills, have a fun experience, meet new people and give back to your community.

The SETU Carlow President’s Volunteer Award has been established in association with Carlow Volunteer Centre to harness, acknowledge and support the contribution that students at the University make to their communities here in college, its environs or within their own local community. For students in Carlow, the Carlow Volunteer Centre can help you to find a volunteering role that will suit your talents interests and availability. See www.volunteercarlow.ie for information on over 200 Voluntary organizations and the voluntary roles you may be able to take up. Students in Wexford can find information about local volunteering opportunities at www.volunteerwexford.ie.

The awards recognise volunteering work done during the current Academic year.

The main aims of the awards are:

·        To develop active citizenship and civic engagement amongst the student population.
·        To create joint projects with our volunteer communities.
·        To support the contribution that our student volunteers make to our communities.
·        To create civic and leadership skills amongst students. 

Applying for the SETU Carlow Volunteer Award

Decide what award you are applying for:

BRONZE: 20 hours of volunteering in the year
SILVER: 40 hours of volunteering in the year
GOLD: 60 hours of volunteering in the year

Register your intention to volunteer and the organisation with which you are volunteering by completing an application form.

On approval of your application you will receive your Portfolio/Log Book in which you record the hours and a brief description of the voluntary work undertaken.

Completed portfolios will be reviewed and validated by the Volunteer Award Selection Committee prior to receipt of the appropriate award.

Volunteering is a really great way to meet other people with similar interests and to get experience.


"Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time."

- The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children & Yours by Marian Wright.


"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

- Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, physician and Nobel Prize winner.