Community Service – What’s in it for Young People?

Service is a big part of the Madonna University mission statement…”a commitment to serving others through a liberal arts education …” and other institutions of higher education. It often argued that community service or volunteer work should come from the heart. Although it is universal, heart language is a very hard language to learn or comprehend. Arguably, it is understood by all once spoken, the challenge is tremendous.

Heart language can be both negative and positive. It is never neutral. Students at Madonna University are asked to learn, speak and understand heart language all the time – service to others is a direct expression of heart language.

Outside of this, there are other benefits in serving. According to some statistics, 65% of new job creation in the US is in the non-profit or service sector. Most of the major employers in the US encourage and require community service. Some have whole departments dedicated to community relations and community service.

How good will it be if a list of service activities is included in your resume? A consistent record of service or service learning classes is sure to impress. So it is not all points in heaven or the hereafter, after all! Service is also points for after graduation – employment opportunities. In this highly globalized and competitive employment market, service could just be the edge the employer is looking for.

Service leadership provides the students with ways to improve time management skills, problem solving skills, decision making skills, organization skills, resource identification skills, interpersonal skills, intrapersonal skills, networking skills, skills in working with diverse populations and communication skills. These skills may not be offered anywhere in the students' plan of study for graduation.

“Awareness is the First Step toward Change..." - the tagline for Heifer International's "Hope for the Future Capital Campaign." I could not agree more. Several awareness or consciousness raising events are held at Madonna University throughout the year - from health issues such as addictions and HIV/AIDS, to Fair Trade, Internally Displaced People and Refugees, homelessness and hunger, domestic violence. The list goes on.

"Action is eloquence." I can't remember who said that but action gives credibility and integrity to any program. Our students are offered travel opportunities not only in the US but to Mexico, Italy and other places to learn and to serve. We also serve at local soup kitchens, local school districts, Gleaners' Community Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and the annual; Christmas for Kids Project.

Don’t just sit there and get bored! There is always something exciting you can do something that needs doing and something to be excited about when you are serving. The examples I have given are actions and results based mostly on the language of the mind.

Advocacy is service, too. The Michigan Nonprofit Association offers free or low cost training to those who are interested. Passion for a cause? Let us connect to places where your voice is heard, such the US Congress to speak out for the health of American Rivers, children’s health and global justice. Or you can work with members of the Michigan legislature and senate in efforts to make life better in Michigan. One of our student groups had a law passed in Michigan in 2007 that will help save children’s lives as well as improve their quality of life. How cool is that?

Most students miss out on opportunities for fellowships, internships, scholarships and travel dollars by not staying informed. Taking advantage of the service opportunities offered by various corporations and non-profits: such as Farmer’s Insurance, Allstate, the National Wildlife Federation, Habitat for Humanity, Michigan Campus Compact, Learn and Serve, Michigan Service Commission, American Association of University Women… Again the list goes on; a lot of college scholarships require service components.

Community service in any form, help educate the whole person and promote growth. Service – community service/service learning is a bridge connecting the intellect and the heart, connecting ideals and values to action, connecting theory to practice. Let your heart speak and come, find out more about connecting your head to your heart.

Children at Christmas - Expectations

TV ads abound of consumer goods and merrymakers shopping at the malls. Reaction to a gift of matching luxury cars = Priceless!

So is the reaction of the children in metro-Detroit who have nothing to open in Christmas morning - let down can lead to hopelessness - after all the hype and the images of new clothes,food,toys and trinkets.

The implication that one has not been good enough or have not worked hard enough is crushing. So can overspending with credit card debt.

Fuel for the economy or fuel for the stake that is burning away at so many families in the Detroit area.

And what are you going to do about it? Can you spare a dime or a gift?

To sponsor a child - Madonna University Christmas for Kids project:

1 – You can pick your child by asking for a list of unsponsored families by calling Madonna University (734) 432 5427 or e-mail: erankine@madonna.edu

2 – Put Your name alongside that child’s name to update the list and let me know the family # and the child ID – boy, 3 years old, Size 5 T

3 – Shop for 1 article of clothing, age appropriate book and toy for child – about $21.00

4 – Buy a jar of Peanut Butter, a jar of Jelly and treats like cookies for the child – about $4.00

5 – Wrap the gifts

6 – Drop off gifts at Room 1001 – Office of Student Life by December 15 to give Santa’s helpers a chance to find gifts for the left behind children.

7 – Celebrate the Season with gladness and joy in your heart!

Have a very Merry Christmas!

On behalf of the children – I thank you very, very much!