Volunteering is a great way to develop your skills and can be a positive addition to your CV. With over 250 student societies at the University, students are sure to find one to develop their skills and interests, with many focusing on social responsibility and sustainability issues. VolunteeringFind out about volunteering at the UniversityJoin a student societyStudents can sign up to societies at any time throughout the academic year. Below is a list of student societies focusing on social responsibility and sustainability issues: Image Dirty Weekenders working on conservation Campaigning and social issuesAmnesty International SocietyEconomics for ChangeGirlUp EdinburghHands-On! A STEM Outreach SocietyHomelessness and Inclusion Health SocietyMedAIDMental Health and Wellbeing SocietyModel United NationsMultiracial and Cultural Society Oxfam Edinburgh ActivistsPeople & PlanetPrideSoc - The Edinburgh University LGBTQ+ SocietySlurp: Students for Action on HomelessnessSTAR (Student Action for Refugees)Conservation, environment and natureCommunity (BEES)Conscious ChangeConservation Biology SocietyDirty WeekendersFashion Society (sustainable fashion)Food Security and Sustainability SocietyKings Buildings permaculture gardenOcean AdvocatesOrnithological Society (BirdSoc)Plant SocietySustainable Development AssociationTechnology, development and businessBuchanan InstituteEdinburgh Global PartnershipsEdinburgh Sustainable Projects Abroad (ESPA)Energy and Sustainability SocietyEngineering for ChangeHypEDView all student societiesStudent cooperativesThere are a number of student cooperatives, with many offering opportunities for students to get actively involved. Image SHRUB Coop swap shop SHRUB cooperativeSHRUB Coop was registered as the UK’s first student-led community cooperative.It is now a community-led Edinburgh cooperative working towards a world without waste. The Zero Waste Hub on Bread Street houses a vegan cafe, food sharing section and swap shop. The Wee Spoke Hub bike shop and bike repair workshop are on Guthrie Street. SHRUB run events throughout the year in their spaces, online and around the city.SHRUB are always keen to welcome more volunteers, so check out their website for more information.Shrub websiteHearty Squirrel cooperativeHearty Squirrel is a student- and volunteer-run food cooperative at the University of Edinburgh. They strive to provide healthy, local, ethical, organic and Fairtrade food to students and staff, as well as a unique and informative experience for volunteers. Their goals also include promoting and educating on food sustainability, running food workshops, and supporting other groups.Hearty Squirrel websiteEdinburgh student housing cooperativeEdinburgh student housing cooperative Other opportunitiesProsperProsper is the first student-run social investment fund in the UK; founded and run entirely by students at the University of Edinburgh. All students are welcome to join, regardless of year or degree specialisation.Prosper websiteEnactus EdinburghReal, profitable businesses working alongside vulnerable people with a variety of needs, aiming to positively impact their lives through the power of social enterprise.Enactus Edinburgh Instagram2050 Climate GroupA youth-run and volunteer-led Scottish charity empowering young people to take action against the climate crisis. Through their award-winning Young Leaders Development Programme (YLDP), they equip hundreds of young people between the ages of 18 and 35 in Scotland with the skills to take action on climate change in their personal, professional and civic lives. The programme is open to all young people and is free to take part in.The University is a supporter of the group.2050 Group websiteContact usIf you think we missed any societies, cooperatives or other opportunities out, please send us an email to let us know. General enquiries Social Responsibility and Sustainability Contact details Social media: @edsust Work: +44 (0)131 651 3000 Email: SRS.Department@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2024-10-01
