News
Briefly
Calendar of Events
Commentary
Opinions
Sports
Diversions
One time, one night
Special Section
World News
Classifieds
Login
Letter Submission
Search
Archive
Publishing Policy
Mail Subscriptions
St. Cloud State University
College Publisher
Home
>
Diversions
Fair offers options for SCSU students
By Chris Campion
Published:
Tuesday, January 28, 2003
Atwood Center's main lobby played host to yet another Volunteer Fair Thursday.
Thirty-four non-profit organizations were on hand to provide information and recruit students to volunteer for their cause. The central Minnesota offices of many nationwide organizations had set up booths, such as the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and Catholic Charities USA.
Many local, and perhaps less known, organizations were on hand as well, such Project A.S.T.R.I.D.E. (Adapted Specialized Training and Recreation Involving Disabled Equestrian) and the Youth Resiliency Program.
Project A.S.T.R.I.D.E., based in St. Joseph, is a member organization of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). They provide recreational horseback riding opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.
The Youth Resiliency Program is an after school program for kids with severe emotional disorders. They aim to provide youth with social, independent living and anger management skills, which will help them stay out of institutions and remain in their homes.
While the program can be run without volunteers, the children greatly appreciate and admire college students. Tracy Murphy, a member of the organization, thinks that college students should take advantage of volunteering.
"Volunteering provides, "a way to test the waters," Murphy said.
This point was also brought up by Lissa Staples, the Volunteer Link coordinator in charge of the volunteer fair. Volunteer Link is the college's community service center, and they had a table set up as well.
"(Volunteering is) fun, and provides a chance to learn new skills, and give back to the community." Staples said. "(The purpose of the Volunteer Fair is) to make it easy for St. Cloud State students to volunteer, so having organizations right here in Atwood is hopefully convenient," Staples said.
Many organizations rely heavily or completely on volunteers.
"(Volunteers) are very important. We would literally not be able to do what we do without them," said Jennifer Rausch, volunteer coordinator for Catholic Charities, an organization with over 45 volunteer programs.
Many students visited tables throughout the day, talking to organizations and getting information on volunteer opportunities. Most students seemed like they wanted to help, but other motivations included mandatory volunteer hours and scholarship requirements.
Volunteering can also lead to future employment or internships, another reason to explore volunteering opportunities. Cindy Elifrits, a 2000 SCSU graduate, is currently the community impact manager for Catholic Charities.
Volunteering is an aspect of life from which both the campus and general community can reap benefits. This fair proved that fact and will continue doing so in the future.
Privacy Policy
Network Advertising
Article Syndication
