Building Robust & Inclusive Democracy

Leonard Carmichael Society

About LCS

The Leonard Carmichael Society (LCS) is the largest student-run community service organization at Tufts University. LCS operates as an umbrella group for more than twenty service-oriented sub-groups. We also work alongside the Tisch College of Civic Life and our neighboring communities of Medford, Somerville, and Greater Boston to challenge students to adapt a meaningful view of service and become civically engaged with the world around them.

About LCS

The Leonard Carmichael Society (LCS) is the largest student-run community service organization at Tufts University. LCS operates as an umbrella group for more than twenty service-oriented sub-groups. We also work alongside the Tisch College of Civic Life and our neighboring communities of Medford, Somerville, and Greater Boston to challenge students to adapt a meaningful view of service and become civically engaged with the world around them.

How to Get Involved

  • Our sub-groups typically accept new members at the start of each semester. Some of our sub-groups recruit new members through an application process. Reach out if you have any questions, we can direct you to each sub-group’s primary point of contact. Challenge yourself to meet new people!

  • The Executive Board oversees the logistics, publicity, and budget of our sub-groups. We do all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the successful execution of our subgroups and their amazing service. Applications to join the LCS Executive Board are released at the beginning of each semester. There are spots reserved for first-years; you do not need prior LCS experience to apply!

  • If you are an organization or non-profit looking for volunteers, reach out to us! We are always looking for new service opportunities to share with our students. We are open to all and any feedback about what we can do better! Check out the contact us page to message us with anything. Or come to a club meeting to meet us in person.

  • Check out our Google Calendar to see our events open to Tufts students and come connect with us! 

LCS Subgroups

  1. Legacy Project 
  2. Tufts Animal Aid 
  3. Project Linus 
  4. Food Rescue
  5. Giving Camp 
  6. Tufts ESL
  7. Best Buddies 
  8. ACTION
  9. Project sunshine 
  10. Junior Jumbos
  11. Thirst Project
  12. TASTE
  13. Trunk
  14. Cancer Outreach 
  15. Kids In Nutrition
  16. Strong Women Strong Girls (SWSG) 
  17. DREAM
  18. Period
  19. Girl Scouts 
  20. College Access Mentoring Initiative (CAMI) 
  21. LCS Tutoring 
  22. Habitat for Humanity

 

History

Founded in 1958 by Richard Dorsay, the idea of the Leonard Carmichael Society emerged from a group of students who would make regular visits to Metropolitan State Hospital in Waltham. During the 1960s, LCS flourished with over 1,000 volunteers, and was featured on the cover of Life Magazine. In the 1970s, membership dwindled to 15 members. However, the organization began to regain popularity in the 1980s and even more so in the 1990s. Today, more than sixty five years since its founding, LCS has expanded its programs, services, and opportunities to a point never before seen in its history with our 20+ subgroups. 

Two Past LCS presidents posing while cleaning up a garden
Group of past LCS board members pose on Tufts campus

Through community service, we challenge ourselves to see the world through different perspectives, engage with our local communities, and actively commit to building a more equitable, kind, and just world for all. As part of LCS, students are able to pursue a diverse range of community service projects (or even, create their own!) on both a local and regional scale. Whether it be stitching blankets, fundraising for water quality, operating mentorship and tutoring programs, or putting on theater shows for children, we hope to make community service more accessible and achievable for everyone. 

LCS logo depicts a dark blue elephant with a pink heart on a yellow background

Contact LCS

Barnum Hall LL35
163 Packard Ave, 
Medford MA 02155

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For more specific concerns, please reach out to the appropriate E-Board member.