Volunteers

VOLUNTEER WITH BOBCAT BUILD

Since 2003, Bobcat Build’s BIG Event has become a tradition of pride, unity, and selfless service at Texas State University. It’s our way of giving a big “Thank You” to our surrounding community for their continuous support in our successes. 

 

This year’s BIG Event will take place on April 6, 2024!

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Registration to be a volunteer at Bobcat Build's BIG Event is NOW CLOSED.

Get ready for a day of service, gratitude, and fun! Any member of the Texas State University community can be a volunteer - students, faculty, and staff. Below are some details and tips about what you could expect as a volunteer.

Volunteer Expectations

What should I wear?

We always advise volunteers to wear the following: comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes. This can be a t-shirt, pants or leggings, and sneakers. Volunteers will also be able to get a free t-shirt after checking in that they can change into! *Supplies are limited, so arrive on time to get yours!

Keep in mind that we live in Texas and the spring days can get warm. In addition, some jobsites will involve dirt, so we recommend wearing clothing you wouldn't mind getting dirty!

Do I have to be part of a team to volunteer?

No! All volunteers must sign up individually, regardless if you are part of a group or volunteering alone. If you are volunteering with a grouup, be sure to put your affiliation (i.e., student organization or department). This helps our team assign volunteers easier while also giving you the chance to meet new people!

For group signups, please make sure all members of your team register. If they are not signed up, they can register on-site but will be placed based on availability as our team sees fit. Please keep in mind that while we will do our best not to split groups, we cannot guarantee large groups will be placed in the same jobsite depending on the jobsite's capacity. We will notify you in the event we need to reassign you to a new jobsite.

How do I become a jobsite leader?

If you would like to be considered for the role of Jobsite Leader, you will be able to select that option in your registration form.

For context, a jobsite leader (JSL) is the person who will be the primary point of contact with the Bobcat Build team. They are also responsible for managing their group members, as well as communicating information about the jobsite including tool needs, location, tasks, and other necessary information. If selected, our team will contact you via email to provide further instructions and mandatory training dates.

What kind of work will be involved?

Jobs normally involve beautification projects such as weeding a community garden to washing windows to painting a house, but projects are not limited! Whatever the case, come prepared to work hard!

How long will the day be?

Prior to arriving at your jobsite, volunteers will check in at our Kickoff event taking place at the West Athletic Field (across from Speck Street Garage). There you will be able to gather with your jobsite team, hydrate, pick up a t-shirt, and hear a few words of thanks from our team.

After the Kickoff event, volunteers will head to their assigned jobsite and complete a maximum of four hours of service. We ask all teams to stay at their jobsite until the job is complete. If you do not feel that you will be finished within a reasonable time, jobsite leaders can call our staff for assistance. In the event your team completes all assigned tasks in less than the four hours, we ask you to be prepared to assist at another jobsite if needed.

What if I want to switch my jobsite?

Unfortunately there will be no changing or switching jobsites. Once you have been assigned, please remain with the group you have been assigned with.

Volunteer dumping leaves out of wheelbarrow
Volunteers sitting on the pavement at Kickoff.
Volunteer sorting through objects
Student kicking foot at the 19th Annual Kickoff event.
Volunteer doing service at jobsite