Program Description
As part of the national Bonner Leaders program, Cal Corps Bonner Leaders serve as social change agents across campus and in the community. By leading other students in programs designed in collaboration with community partners, Bonner Leaders gain practical hands-on leadership skills. In the process, they transform their own lives while taking action aligned with their values.

Bonner Leaders lead Cal Corps programs like Alternative Breaks, Cal in Local Government (formerly Cal in Berkeley), Cal in the Capital, and Magnolia Project, and they serve as Volunteer Managers at more than 15 nonprofits and schools in Berkeley and Oakland.

The wider Cal campus benefits from the service of Bonner Leaders as they provide UC Berkeley students the opportunity to provide not only direct, hands on service, but also to serve as interns and conduct community-based research.

The Bonner Leaders program is generously supported by the Bonner Foundation, Corporation for National and Community Service, Campus Life and Leadership, Shinyo-en Foundation, and our community partners.

Read more about the Bonner Leaders program

Requirements
Bonner Leaders must have a passion for serving others and a desire to develop their own professional and leadership skills.  The minimum commitment is one academic year serving 6-8 hours each week from September-May.  There is no cost to participate; students serve as AmeriCorps volunteers and earn education awards of $1000 for one-year positions.

How to Get Involved
Participate in an existing Bonner-led program, as we normally draw Bonner Leaders from program volunteers.  Visit 505 Eshleman or during February to March attend an info session or look for our table on Upper Sproul or in the dining halls.

Important Dates

Student Leaders

• Applications available: Friday, February 13, 2009
• Applications due: Rolling basis
• Info sessions: All info sessions have passed
• Bonner Leaders are selected by mid-April and begin their service at a two-day orientation the week before classes begin in the fall.

Community-based Organizations Seeking Student Volunteer Managers

• Our proposal deadline for 2009-10 has passed
• RFP is normally released mid-December and due back to Cal Corps in mid-January

Program Contact
Minh Dang at (510) 642-3916 or mdang@berkeley.edu