About the SVC

The Student Volunteers Council is the largest student-run organization at Princeton University. Heir to a long tradition of student volunteerism at Princeton, the SVC dates back to the establishment of the Philadelphian Society in 1825, affiliated with the Office of Religious Life. In 1967 the SVC adopted its current organizational structure and since then has adapted and reshaped itself at various junctures in response to an ever-changing campus and community, joining the Pace Center in 2007 in an effort to streamline initiatives for civic engagement at Princeton.

The SVC is led by a student board of directors who are supported by the Director, Dave Brown. While the SVC continually modifies and improves its projects, the organization also takes time to reflect on why its members serve on the other. Rather than view themselves as eliminators of needs - a child's need for instruction, a senior citizen's need for companionship, an ailing community's need for outside help - SVC volunteers also endeavor to act as builders of assets - a child's sense of pride, a senior citizen's lessons for life, a vital community's call for volunteers to join in its improvement. The SVC believes in working with real people in real neighborhoods, which is a great learning experience for all its volunteers.

Becoming an SVC volunteer is easy - there are dedicated project coordinators who will match you with a program of interest and provide you with the transportation to get you there! Check out the extensive list of projects on this website, or stop by 201D Frist Campus Center, or call us at (609) 258-5557. Make a difference - join us - volunteer!