One level of involvement the Alternative Spring Break program engages in is empowerment due to the fact that it calls upon students seeking to enact positive change in the world to fulfill these visions of a better future. The program facilitates this by working with community organizations to define societal issues and develop ways in which students may personally aid in working toward a solution. In the process, participants are able to learn about and experience these issues directly, thereby feeling empowered to carry out benevolent processes which assist in addressing the defined issues. Furthermore, the Alternative Spring Break acts as a platform which encourages the empowerment of other students who possess similar aspirations of achieving
There is not much to do during spring break in Smallville except for going out and making your own fun. Now what I mean by that is you can have good fun. For example, you can go bowling, have a party or just chill out with your friends. Then there is bad fun. For example, go egging or buy paintball guns and shoot stuff. My friends and I decided to have bad fun for spring break. When we first started egging it was only six of us. Earl, David, Charles, Brandon, Jerrid, and myself. As the first couple of days went by we realized that other people in the city was starting to form teams of their own to get us back for egging them. Let me tell you a little bit about my crew. Earl is my right hand man. He was giving the nickname cruel intentions for a reason. David is my best friend. He is a cool, laid back type of guy. Charles is my cousin. If u see David, Charles, and I at once people would think we was all brothers. Charles can be quiet sometimes but he also has a wild side to him. Brandon is my other cousin. He is the live wire out of the bunch. Brandon is pretty much ready for anything. If its fun he will join. Jerrid says one word about once every ten minutes. But his action speak louder than words. And then there is me. I go by the name Marcus. Some of my friends in Springfield call me Marc-d or mc. I am a quiet, laid back, live wire type of guy.
As a commuter to McDaniel College, I don’t spend much time on campus outside of classes. Therefore, the relevance of after school activities doesn’t apply to me as much. Keeping current with events happening on campus grounds, is often a daunting task. However in the spirit of class participation, I decided to create awareness that fall break is upon us.
... Reestablishing community goals and encouraging youths to engage in extracurricular activities will greatly improve outlooks on life and help them make the right choices for a better tomorrow.
Instead of a one day counseling seminar, the establishment of a one-stop-shop “resources center” with computers, provided a means to establish student connections, similar to the summer internship afforded to Bennet’s mentee. While not all students availed themselves of these academic assets, student change agents, such as Julissa, became easily identifiable, and evolved into strategic advantages to institutionalize the reform message. These advantages exposed the increased need for specialized course curriculum to accommodate students in limited socioeconomic circumstances; such as those working full time and teen-age mothers. How these individuals perceive themselves directly affects their decisions, such as if or where they go to school, any policy that deviations from their perception will, more often than not, have adverse
...g of the struggle of poverty and subsequent educational barriers. Though extremely grateful for all of the privilege in my life, it was difficult to realize my fortune until working with the teens at RYP who often do not have two parents, have limited adult influences, and live below the poverty line, making education an afterthought. From the perspective of a tutor and mentor, the educational support that the teens require is unquestionable, just like the injustices they face daily. Through service, not only does one gain perspective into the needs of the local community, but also insight into systemic issues of racism, poverty, crime, education and more. By participating in service and trying to counteract the sources of need for others, one will undoubtedly change their perspective of the framework question, knowing that the very least one should help others.
The mission of StandUp for Kids is “to empower teenagers toward lifelong personal growth through on the streets outreach programs.” This mission statement is clear and concise. It guides the actions of StandUp for Kids, spells out their overall goal and provides a path. StandUp for Kids strives to gain the trust of homeless youth in order to achieve its mission statement (StandUp For, 2014). This trust is sought out through programs such as street outreach where volunteers search for homeless youth who are in need of help. The homeless youth are then introduced to outreach centers where they are provided with food, basic supplies, counseling, educational assistance, independent living skills training and referral services for available programs throughout the community (StandUp For, 2014).
As any school-aged child can tell you: spring break is almost here! As any parent of a school-aged child knows: planning a spring break with the kids can be hard! Before deciding on specific things to do in Canton, TX, consider a few ideas to help your family prioritize and make the most out of your spring break time together.
I began by tutoring at the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) and eventually became a teacher at the boys and girls club. The focus of my continued volunteer work was to enrich the children’s after school experience whether they needed help with homework or busy work. During my volunteer work the issue that stuck out in my mid continuously was social class or classism. The BGC emphasizes many different issues and points such as “creating aspirations for the future,” “Helping youth become responsible, caring citizens and acquire skills for participating in the democratic process is the main thrust of these programs and also to develop leadership skills and provide opportunities for planning, decision-making.” BGC encourages kids to engage in healthy and positive behavior as well as to help the youth build and discover creativity in the arts “Club programs help develop fitness, a positive use of leisure time, reduction of stress, appreciation for the environment and social and interpersonal skills.” (bgca.org)
...oined a busyness club that tough him a bunch of new communication skills, helping him talk to employers in interviews. Time Magazine states that managers say that “today’s applicants can’t think critically and creatively”, this is a perfect example of why students should join an extracurricular activity. The problem with this is that students don’t know that this is the problem and most students don’t know where to go to sign up for an internship or an extracurricular activity that’s going to teach them these skills. According to a survey that I hosted 74.28% of students at Arroyo High School feel that our community is lacking offers in extra-curricular activities and internships. A way to fix this problem to implement a segment in our classes that informs students about all the information they need be a part of a successful internship/extra-curricular activity.
As a whole, Alternative Spring Break has radically changed my perception of myself. If not for the physical labor, I would not know how strong I was. If not for the knowledge imparted upon me by people like Abbey or Jessica, I would not be as wiser as I am now. If not for the teamwork needed to get the job done, I would not have made as many friends as I did. Furthermore, if I had not taken this opportunity I would not have made any effort to reach any of the six outcomes that were accomplished throughout this experience.
A service learning experience is designed to enhance a student 's growth in personal and social development and to obtain an understanding of community involvement. For my service learning experience, I volunteered at Change Point Center. In this reflection paper, I will discuss in depth information about the services that Change Point provides, my goals while I was there,and what I ultimately learned from this experience.
Kim, in the United States, grades are not the only factor in evaluating school applicants and job candidates. From Rhodes Scholar selections to college applications, excellence in other areas such as leadership, volunteer activities, sports and arts is equally important (p82-90). In American schools, students are encouraged to do volunteer work. So much so that many schools have guidelines for how much time students are expected to spend serving in the community. Children learn the value of giving from an early age. Volunteer activities is one way Americans feel a part of things and share the goal of serving and contributing to build their communities. From neighborhood watch programs to environmental issues, Americans do not wait for the government to initiate action: they take action to bring about the changes they desire. Therefore, Americans view volunteer work as a way to teach children and young adults values such as cooperation and teamwork, dedication and work ethics, equality and social justice, leadership, generosity and compassion for
Taking time to volunteer at the many nonprofit organizations, homeless shelters, advocacy centers, philanthropic fundraisers, local schools and child care facilities in the inner city is not always at the forefront of young people’s minds while navigating through their college experiences. But, with a little push from student organizations, local nonprofits and passionate individuals, volunteerism and community change can start to take a front seat and become not just an opportunity, but also a priority in the lives of young people.
There are certain types of people that go out of their way to keep others happy. They influence and help others when they need it. While in this unique period of time, it can seem quite uncommon to see someone try to make a difference in their community. Most adolescents are much too absorbed in video games, cell phones, or other technology that comes into their lives to look at the bigger picture around them. This “bigger picture” consists of the community they live in, the school, church, and friends that mostly influence who they are if they so choose.
Raising community awareness to students will teach them the importance of being involved in the community. Students being able to give back to the community will prepare them for their journey to being a positive role model or servant leader.