For the past week, we have been talking about the benefits of membership to student organizations. We have glossed over nationally recognized organizations and major-based organizations, and today we will be looking at student organizations that are based on interest. These organizations can take many forms, from religious in nature based on a love of nature, and all are a great way for you to get involved with the student community at your college or university. While there are a myriad of organizations available, today we will look at some of the most popular types of interest-specific groups that exist on virtually every campus.

Humanitarian Groups: The thrust of these groups are–you guessed it–humanitarian efforts. This can take the form of Habitat for Humanity, in which groups of students work together to build housing for lower socio-economic members of their community, Anti-Racist Groups, Soup Kitchens, Women’s Shelters, Books for Prisoners, etc. Most of these student groups initiate contact with the national umbrella non-profit, but there are also groups that see a need in their community and create a group to fill that need (such as inner-city literacy programs).

Religious Groups: Members in these groups share a common religious identity and come together to create a community within their college or university for people who practice that religion. It is a safe bet that almost every religion represented on your campus has a student group of some sort.

GLBT Groups: Membership in these groups is based, but often not limited to, sexual preference. The aim of these groups is usually to create a safe community for people that identify as GLBT (Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transexual) and to raise awareness within the university setting.

Political Groups: These groups focus on a common political ideology and exist for all of them: from uber-conservative to radically liberal and everywhere in between. These groups tend to be very involved in student politics, but also in national and international policy, as well.

There are many other sorts of interest-specific groups on campuses around the world. If you have an interest, chances are you can find a group that shares your interest. Get involved!