Dear members of the Temple Community, 

As we’ve shared previously, the purpose of the new Office of Community Impact and Civic Engagement is to mobilize Temple’s resources—especially its people, programs and partnerships—to improve education, health and economic opportunities for our neighbors here in North Philadelphia and across the city at every stage of life, and we are always looking at ways to expand this vision.  

Today, we are excited to introduce the latest way we are deepening our commitment to our city: a new initiative we proudly call Owls for Philly. Through this program, eligible Temple staff members will be able to use up to eight hours of Civic Engagement time each year to volunteer with nonprofit organizations across Philadelphia through the Office of Community Impact and Civic Engagement. Faculty will also be able to volunteer during nonteaching hours, and opportunities will be available as well for students and alumni. 

As Philadelphia’s public research university, we now have the opportunity to integrate civic engagement more deeply into our mission. Each of you bring exceptional talent to support Temple’s work each day, and Owls for Philly offers a meaningful way to extend that impact beyond campus by using your skills to serve and strengthen our community.  

A list of volunteer opportunities will soon be available through the TUportal homepage and will be updated regularly. For support or questions, please contact owlsforphilly@temple.edu. 

At Temple, volunteering is a deep expression of our values and our identity. Thank you for continuing to live out that mission with care and purpose. 

Sincerely, 

John Fry 
President 

Valerie Harrison 
Vice President for Community Impact and Civic Engagement 

Sharon Boyle 
Vice President for Human Resources