We believe in the power of community engagement and making a difference. As an institution committed to fostering social responsibility, we offer two exceptional campus-wide initiatives: The Big Event, in the fall, and Macon a Difference Day, in the spring.
These transformative experiences provide our students, faculty, and staff with unique opportunities to unite, strengthen, and empower the vibrant community of Ashland.
The Big Event is a nationwide service day that fosters unity and service by engaging both the campus and the community. The Big Event is not simply about completing jobs or counting participants, it is about creating a united bond between students and community residents. It began in 1982 at Texas A&M University and has become one of the largest, student-run service projects in the nation, spanning over 75 campuses worldwide.
Macon a Difference Day – April 19, 2026
Macon a Difference Day is an annual event just for RMC, that celebrates both Earth Day and Youth Service Day. Each year, students, staff, and faculty join forces with the Hanover Youth Service Group to clean up various areas in the Town of Ashland. Additionally, RMC students will have the opportunity to assist Ashland residents with their job requests.
Forms will be available by February 16, 2026
Tree Planting Ceremony – April 2026
Join the RMC SERVE Committee, Town of Ashland, and the Virginia Arbor Day Foundation in celebrating the Macon A Difference Day Tree Planting Ceremony.
Ashland Resident Job Requests
Are you a resident of Ashland seeking assistance with a job? If you live in zip code 23005, complete our free job request form(Due October 28 for the Big Event), and submit the liability form (October 28 for The Big Event).
El documento debe presentarse antes del 28 de octubre para los residentes de Ashland (código postal 23005).
We welcome a variety of job requests: planting, leaf raking, weeding, fence painting (resident provides paint), sweeping, window washing, hedge trimming, hanging wall décor, and decluttering. Please note that the use of power tools and ladders is not permitted for safety reasons.
Student Volunteer Registration
Are you a student of Randolph-Macon College seeking volunteer opportunities? If you are ready to volunteer in our community please complete our Individual Student Registration Form (Due October 28 for the Big Event).
If you are a member of a student organization at Randolph-Macon College and are seeking volunteer opportunities for your organization in the Ashland area please complete our Student Organization Volunteer Registration Form(Due October 28 for the Big Event).
We will receive a variety of job requests: planting, leaf raking, weeding, fence painting (resident provides paint), sweeping, window washing, hedge trimming, hanging wall décor, and decluttering. Please note that the use of power tools and ladders is not permitted for safety reasons.
Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Information
Faculty, staff, and alumni are also invited to sign-up and participate in service events individually, with your family, or as a group by filling out the Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Registration Form(Due October 28 for The Big Event).
