'Community service' is more than words
ELISA MENDES
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Opinion
What is a community college?
According to Dr. B.K. Silva, the South Campus adviser to the Student Government Association (SGA), San Jacinto College is our gift to our greater Community - a gift that embodies our Core Values and our collective culture. "Community Service at SJC should stand testament to our Commitment to our Community in perpetuity."
One year into our recovery from Hurricane Ike, San Jacinto College is well on the way to redefining "community service" in the Gulf Coast region. Far too many of our Gulf Coast residents were accustomed to thinking of "community service" as a court assigned punishment rather than an altruistic act. Hurricane Ike reminded us that "pitching in" and "helping our neighbors" are worthy, enriching endeavors. As a Community, we have more than survived the challenge of Ike. We have thrived.
However, during this traditional "time of plenty," we should take care to remind ourselves that serious challenges continue to face our Community. Crime, hunger, unemployment/underemployment, illiteracy, illness, and homelessness are just a few of the issues affecting the quality of life in our Community.
It is time to reaffirm our "gift to our greater Community" by actively engaging in Community Service. Whether you are SJC student, staff, faculty or administration, Our Community needs your time, talents and resources.
Don't know where to start?
Your SGA has invited all members of the SJC family to join to ensure the success of the Houston Food Bank Drive (donation bins on campus until Nov. 22); and the USMC Toys for Tots Campaign (Thanksgiving-December). Earlier this Fall Term, the SGA participated in Student Involvement Day, the South Campus Constitution Day Celebration, the Fall Gulf Coast Regional Blood Drives, the Texas Children's Hospital book drive, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund's "Houston Walk-Run for a Cure" and the South Campus Fall Fest.
The SGA is calendaring Community Service opportunities for Spring 2010.
In the True Spirit of Giving, Answer this Call for Action, by contacting the SGA Adviser, Dr. Silva (Brenda.Silva@sjcd.edu) or the Coordinator of the Student Life Office (Ellie.Meyer@sjcd.edu). You can enroll in the SGA-South via Blackboard under the "San Jac Life" tab's Organization Catalog-Student Organizations.
Volunteering is a selfless act that enriches the heart and sharpens our character. So volunteer and help to strengthen our community. We need you.
According to Dr. B.K. Silva, the South Campus adviser to the Student Government Association (SGA), San Jacinto College is our gift to our greater Community - a gift that embodies our Core Values and our collective culture. "Community Service at SJC should stand testament to our Commitment to our Community in perpetuity."
One year into our recovery from Hurricane Ike, San Jacinto College is well on the way to redefining "community service" in the Gulf Coast region. Far too many of our Gulf Coast residents were accustomed to thinking of "community service" as a court assigned punishment rather than an altruistic act. Hurricane Ike reminded us that "pitching in" and "helping our neighbors" are worthy, enriching endeavors. As a Community, we have more than survived the challenge of Ike. We have thrived.
However, during this traditional "time of plenty," we should take care to remind ourselves that serious challenges continue to face our Community. Crime, hunger, unemployment/underemployment, illiteracy, illness, and homelessness are just a few of the issues affecting the quality of life in our Community.
It is time to reaffirm our "gift to our greater Community" by actively engaging in Community Service. Whether you are SJC student, staff, faculty or administration, Our Community needs your time, talents and resources.
Don't know where to start?
Your SGA has invited all members of the SJC family to join to ensure the success of the Houston Food Bank Drive (donation bins on campus until Nov. 22); and the USMC Toys for Tots Campaign (Thanksgiving-December). Earlier this Fall Term, the SGA participated in Student Involvement Day, the South Campus Constitution Day Celebration, the Fall Gulf Coast Regional Blood Drives, the Texas Children's Hospital book drive, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund's "Houston Walk-Run for a Cure" and the South Campus Fall Fest.
The SGA is calendaring Community Service opportunities for Spring 2010.
In the True Spirit of Giving, Answer this Call for Action, by contacting the SGA Adviser, Dr. Silva (Brenda.Silva@sjcd.edu) or the Coordinator of the Student Life Office (Ellie.Meyer@sjcd.edu). You can enroll in the SGA-South via Blackboard under the "San Jac Life" tab's Organization Catalog-Student Organizations.
Volunteering is a selfless act that enriches the heart and sharpens our character. So volunteer and help to strengthen our community. We need you.
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