Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Fri, 2017-09-29 15:40
During your time at the University of Cambridge you will have an opportunity to experience so many things, to develop as an individual and to make this world of ours a better place. Student societies play a pivotal part in all of this good work and this month we would like to profile a few of the societies that you can get involved in.
Cambridge University Wildlife Conservation Society
Cambridge University Wildlife Conservation Society (CUWCS) focuses on raising awareness of global and local conservation issues through a combination of events and hands-on conservation. In term time we hold a number of events – particularly talks – concerning various aspects of conservation and wildlife, as well as a range of fundraising campaigns throughout the year. Through these campaigns (an example being our annual photography competition) we raise money towards a charity dedicated to conservation. This year we will raise money for Soralo.
In terms of hands-on conservation, CUWCS is establishing a conservation research project in conjunction with a local community organization in Kenya to reduce human-wildlife conflict and protect some of Africa’s iconic predator species – cheetahs, lions, leopards and wild dogs. We had our second trip to Kenya just this year – see the blog on our website for more information.
CUWCS always welcomes new members and it would be great to see as many people as possible at our talks and campaigns, all of which are open to the public. We are also hoping to focus more on local conservation in the coming year. You don’t have to be a practicing conservationist or studying sciences to get involved! See our website, Facebook page, or contact Shanna Hart (sh816) for more information.
80,000 hours: Find a fulfilling career that does good
You have 80,000 hours in your career. Make the right career choices, and you can help solve the world’s most pressing problems, as well as have a more rewarding, interesting life.
With our free online careers guide and planning tool, you'll find the information you need to find that fulfilling, high-impact career. At our regular Cambridge events, you will receive insights, support and opportunities that will have the largest possible positive impact on the world, starting here in Cambridge.
Our tailored advice and global community will help you find a high-impact, ethical career, achieve your personal best, and leave your stamp on the world.
80,000 Hours is part of the thriving Effective Altruism community, which aims to use reason and evidence to do the most good. Despite our limited money, time and resources, each of us can have a significant and lasting positive impact on the world. Our Cambridge societies, events and online resources will help you answer the simple question: how can we use our resources to help others the most?
You can speak to 80,000 Hours at the Freshers Fair and you can like us on Facebook to keep up to date on all of our events. Our events include; presentations and advice from high-impact individuals, career workshops to help you plan your own career, and regular social events - co-hosted with Effective Altruism Cambridge - where you can discuss and find out more about the topics which interest you.
Cambridge University Vegan Society
Cambridge University Vegan Society gives students a space to learn more about veganism and the surrounding environmental, ethical and social issues. Run by vegan students with a love of food and a passion for animal rights, environmental sustainability and human health (in varying degrees from person-to-person), our activities range from fun social events like potluck dinners to trips to vegan festivals to educational initiatives like documentary film screenings and talks from academics on food sustainability. Our events are attended by a wide range of people, certainly not all vegans, and our policy is of education not alienation. So even if you are a dedicated meat-eater but are curious about egg-free cake, or are interested in sustainability but have never considered the environmental impact of animal agriculture before, we would love you to come along! To connect with us and keep on top of all our events and campaigns, follow our Facebook page, join our Facebook group and our mailing list.
Cambridge Hub
Cambridge Hub is a student-powered charity and student society, offering practical volunteering, skilled placements, project incubation and events to help you shape a better world. We support you to learn about issues, connect with each other and tackle social problems. We run programmes covering everything from mentoring disadvantaged school children, to creative writing with the homeless, to a community garden and a charity consultancy programme. We also support our 'Ethical Network' of over 60 student societies and over 100 local organisations, and work with students to help their projects become enterprises, societies, and world-changing initiatives. Last year, we worked with over 1,500 students, and 100% of our volunteers felt more employable following their volunteering, consultancy or internship placement.
Keep a special eye out for 'Volunteer for Cambridge', 21st October 11-4pm at the Guildhall, where 90 local organisations and societies are sharing volunteering opportunities.
We will continue to profile student societies in our October edition of Greenlines, be sure not to miss it!
To find out what is being done at a University level, please see our Annual Environment Report and our Environmental Sustainability Vision, Policy and Strategy. The strategy is a blueprint for how the University intends to improve its environmental performance.
* The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the societies involved and may not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Cambridge.