Community and Volunteer Handbook
You may have arrived at Harvard with a partner who already has a department, a timetable, and people to meet. Finding your own friends and routines can take time. HSSPA is a place to begin.
Whether you arrived yesterday or have lived here for years, this guide helps you find activities, meet people, and discover ways to contribute. The downloadable handbook provides more detail about membership, volunteering, Board roles, and community expectations.
A community built by generations of families
HSSPA’s history began in 1896 with the Society of Harvard Dames. For more than a century, members and volunteers have helped Harvard spouses and partners find friendship and belonging.
Today, people from many countries, languages, and backgrounds continue that work. Every welcome at the door, shared activity, and helpful reply makes a difference. A gathering does not need to be large to matter.
Start with something you enjoy
You do not need to know anyone or volunteer before joining an activity. Choose a group or event that interests you and introduce yourself to the organizer.
Our groups offer opportunities to share interests, try something new, exchange practical information, and get to know familiar faces. You do not need to be an expert or attend every meeting.
A simple message is enough: “Hello, I’m new to Cambridge and would like to join your next activity.”
Joining and verification
Membership is free and open to spouses and partners of Harvard students and other recognized current Harvard affiliates. Former student spouses and partners who remain connected to HSSPA can also be members.
Harvard affiliates themselves, children, family members, and invited guests may attend suitable activities. Check the invitation and ask the organizer before bringing someone.
Some private spaces and opportunities require verification. HSSPA will explain what is needed and how to provide it safely. An HUID is a Harvard University identification number; it may belong to your Harvard-affiliated spouse or partner and must be shared with their permission. Never post it in a group chat or public message.
You do not need to be legally married. A short statement from your partner and additional confirmation may be needed. A new academic year alone does not require repeating the full verification process, but please tell HSSPA if your Harvard connection changes.
For quick answers, read the HSSPA Member FAQ.
Before your first activity
Check the time, meeting point, registration instructions, and whether children or guests can attend. Tell the organizer about access, language, food, or other needs that would help you take part.
If you cannot attend after signing up, cancel as soon as you can so someone else can use the place.
HSSPA group activities are free. Group leaders do not charge attendees or collect contributions. When places or funding are limited, HSSPA follows its governance documents and explains the arrangements.
Have an idea for a group?
Any eligible member can suggest a group or activity and offer to lead it, alone or with someone else. You do not need a Board title.
First, check whether an existing group could welcome your idea. Then contact HSSPA and ask for the Groups Manager. Tell us:
- What you would like to do and who might enjoy it.
- How much time you can offer and who could help.
- What a first gathering might look like.
- Whether you need a venue, supplies, funding, or publicity.
- Any access, age, family, or safety needs to consider.
The Groups Manager helps develop the idea and arrange Board review. Wait for approval before launching an official HSSPA group, using HSSPA’s name for a new activity, or promising funding.
Volunteer in a way that fits your life
You can help at one event, welcome newcomers, share a skill, support communications, or help lead a group. Skills gained through family life, study, work, and community service are all valuable.
Agree on the task, time commitment, and person you can turn to for support. Volunteer roles are unpaid; approved expenses may be reimbursed through the agreed process.
If your availability changes, speak early about sharing the work, taking a smaller task, pausing, or arranging a handover.
Visit the Volunteer page to explore ways to help.
Leadership means caring for the member experience
Serving on a team or the Board brings responsibility for helping others feel welcome, heard, and informed. A title does not place anyone above other members.
People arrive with different cultures, family responsibilities, and ways of communicating. Listen before making assumptions. Ask what someone means, allow time for an answer, and explain decisions kindly.
Appreciation and feedback both matter. Thank people for their contributions, including quiet work behind the scenes. Be willing to hear concerns and make changes. A correction does not erase the value of someone’s service.
Harassment, bullying, intimidation, and retaliation have no place in HSSPA. Volunteers should also feel able to ask for support and set reasonable boundaries.
Interested in joining the Board?
Applications are welcome from all eligible membership categories. The process includes a written application, a conversation with existing Board members, confirmation of eligibility, and a selection decision under the bylaws.
Share your interests, relevant experience, reasons for applying, and realistic availability. Ask about the work, time commitment, and support available.
Board members attend monthly meetings, report their contributions, follow through on agreed tasks, and maintain shared records. Responsibilities may be shared, with a clear division of work and backup arrangements.
Before starting, confirm your responsibilities, term, voting status, and support contact. The full handbook and Board Responsibilities Guide explain the roles in more detail.
What you can expect from HSSPA leaders
Group leaders and Board members should acknowledge messages within two calendar days and provide a useful reply or progress update within one week.
The Board meets monthly, so requests needing a Board decision may take about a month. Urgent matters may be considered sooner through the appropriate process. If more time is needed, the person handling your request should explain the next step and when you will hear from them again.
Leaders must obtain the appropriate approval before promising funding, partnerships, new programs, or exceptions. They must protect private information and keep agreed records up to date.
When representing HSSPA, leaders serve the whole community. Personal political or partisan views must not be presented as HSSPA’s position.
Questions, concerns, and suggestions
For an ordinary concern, contact the organizer or relevant lead if you feel comfortable. For a recurring or serious concern, approach the President or another appropriate Board member. If that person is involved, speak with someone who is not involved.
Concerns should be handled privately and fairly, with an opportunity for the people concerned to be heard. Good-faith feedback must not lead to retaliation. For immediate danger, call 911.
You can also suggest improvements to activities, communication, or these guides. Explain what would help and why. HSSPA’s guidance can evolve as the community’s needs change.
Email info@hsspa.harvard.edu with questions or ideas. The bylaws and applicable HSSPA policies govern formal decisions.