Make a Difference Day
What is Make a Difference Day?
Make a Difference Day stands as the nation's largest single-day volunteering event. Every fourth Saturday of October, millions of volunteers worldwide join forces with a shared goal: to enhance the well-being of others. Annually more than 500 + TAMIU volunteers gather to make a difference in their community.
History
In 2010, Texas A&M International University inaugurated its inaugural Make a Difference event. More than 150 students assembled to serve the Laredo-Webb community, aiming to create positive change. Today, Make a Difference remains entrenched as a cherished tradition among TAMIU students.
Registration Now Open!
Save the Date
10.19.24
- 2023 - Make a Difference at Slaughter Park
- 2022 - Make a Difference at North Central Park
- 2021 - Make a Difference at Las Palmas Nature Trail
- 2020 - Make a Difference at the Hamilton Senior Community Apartments
- 2019 - Make a Difference at the Outlet Shoppes at Laredo
- 2018 - Make a Difference at Paso Del Indio Nature Trail
- 2017 - Make a Difference at the Azteca Neighborhood
- 2016 - Make a Difference at City of Laredo Animal Care Facility
- 2015 - Make a Difference at Volunteer Serving the Need
- 2014 - Make a Difference at Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center
- 2013 - Make a Difference at TAMIU
- 2012 - Make a Difference at Paso Del Indio Nature Trail
- 2011 - Make a Difference at Father McNaboe Park Cleanup
- 2010 - Make a Difference at Habitat for Humanities
The Big Event
What is the Big Event?
The Big Event stands as TAMIU students' premier one-day service initiative. Annually, more than 500+ TAMIU volunteers unite each spring, demonstrating gratitude to the Laredo community through diverse service endeavors like painting, yard maintenance, and litter cleanup, all condensed into a focused four-hour schedule.
History
In 2009, Texas A&M International University students embraced this impactful service endeavor. Since its inception, The Big Event has become a cherished tradition among students, symbolizing their commitment to community engagement.
Save the Date
03.22.25
- 2024 - Canta Ranas Neighborhood
- 2023 - The Big Event at North Central Park
- 2022 - The Big Event at Las Palmas Nature Trail and Los Tres Laredos Park
- 2021 - The Big Event Virtual 5K
- 2019 - The Big Event at the Ruthe B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center
- 2018 - The Big Event at the Santo Nino Neighborhood
- 2017 - The Big Event at the Laredo Housing Authority
- 2016 - The Big Event at City of Laredo Districts II & III
- 2015 - The Big Event at the South Texas Food Bank
- 2014 - The Big Event at the South Texas Bood Bank
- 2013 - The Big Event at the Volunteers Serving the Need (VSTN)
- 2012 - The Big Event at the Eistetter Park
- 2011 - The Big Event at the Slaughter Park
- 2010 - The Big Event at TAMIU
- 2009 - The Big Event at TAMIU
What is a Team Leader?
A Team Leader is entrusted with guiding and coordinating a group of TAMIU volunteers. This leader oversees the planning, organization, and execution of various service initiatives aimed at enhancing the aesthetics and well-being of the local community. They inspire and motivate team members, foster collaboration, delegate tasks effectively, and ensure that projects are completed efficiently and to a high standard. Additionally, a TAMIU Team Leader embodies the university's values of community engagement and service, serving as a role model for their peers and embodying a commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
Serve as a Team Leader for BOTH The Big Event and Make a Difference Day and receive a pin to wear on graduation day!
Mission
The mission of the Student Government Association Leaders Organizing Volunteer Events Committee (SGA L.O.V.E Committee) is to empower and unite the student body of TAMIU through impactful volunteerism. Our committee is dedicated to organizing and facilitating diverse volunteer events that promote civic engagement, community service, and positive social change. We strive to cultivate a culture of compassion, leadership, and collaboration among students, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the betterment of our local and global communities. Through our initiatives, we aim to inspire a lifelong commitment to service and create lasting connections between TAMIU students and the communities they serve.
To join, visit the SGA L.O.V.E Committee’s page on TAMIU Presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
TAMIU students, staff, faculty, and alumni can volunteer with us! Registration Now Open!
The BIG Event and Make a Difference Day are powerful initiatives that mobilize volunteers to make positive impacts within their communities. As participants, individuals are dispatched to various locations where they engage in a diverse array of volunteer activities aimed at addressing local needs. From cleaning up parks to participating in neighborhood beautification projects, activities can consist of painting, trash pick-up, planting, sanitizing, etc. These efforts not only enhance the physical appearance of the community but also foster a sense of unity and pride among residents. By coming together to contribute their time and energy, volunteers demonstrate the profound difference that can be made when individuals unite for a common cause.
You should wear clothes you would not mind getting dirty, closed-toe shoes, and a reusable water bottle. We will provide bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and first aid kits for your team.
The first 300 volunteers to arrive at check-in will receive a free t-shirt until supplies last. Volunteers will also receive 40 community service hours. This volunteer opportunity will also look great on your resume!
You can email us at scce@tamiu.edu or call us at 956.326.2265.
Past Partners
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Contact Us
Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement
5201 University Boulevard, Laredo, TX 78041