Commitment to social responsibility has been a large part of Grinnell's history. In addition to personal satisfaction, contributions to volunteer organizations provide students with opportunities to see public-policy change in action. The Office of Social Commitment, along with the College's Community Service Center, encourages students to link community service to their academic interests. These volunteer activities combined with liberal arts skills can open job opportunities in the private, nonprofit sector, including citizen advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, VISTA, and the Peace Corps.