The 2013 Make A Difference Day at Oregon State University took place on Saturday October 26th.
Make A Difference Day is coordinated by the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE)/Student Leadership & Involvement.
The event included 86 volunteers, 7 service projects, 6 local non-profit organizations, and 228.5 hours of service.
Projects included crafting and visiting with residents at Corvallis Manor nursing home, building a deck with Habitat for Humanity – Benton County, painting classrooms and book shelves at Corvallis Community Children’s Center, landscaping and garden work at Trillium Family Services/Children’s Farm Home, repackaging squash, hazelnuts, and seeds at the Linn Benton Food Share, and painting at the South Corvallis Food Bank. The painting at Corvallis Community Children’s Center saved the organization $3,000.
OSU participates in Make A Difference Day, the largest national day of service, to provide students the opportunity to explore community engagement opportunities in the greater Corvallis area, learn about needs of local non-profits and the services that they provide, and be part of day when millions across the United States take action to make a positive difference in their local communities.
Civic engagement programming is important because it offers students a chance to better understand themselves, their communities, and their place in the world. The central goal of Center for Civic Engagement’s programs is encouraging and inspiring students to have a heightened sense of responsibility for their communities.
Every OSU student can make a difference and we hope that students will be able to use their time at OSU to identify the ways that their talents, skills, and interests can be utilized to contribute to community well-being. The CCE is located in Snell 158 and we are available to meet with students and student groups for consultations. Learn more about the CCE and our events and programs here: http://oregonstate.edu/cce/.
Emily Bowling is the Assistant Director of Student Leadership & Involvement for Civic Engagement and Sustainability. Emily obtained her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership & Policy (Leadership for Sustainability Education) from Portland State University. She enjoys helping students to realize their leadership potential in working toward a more just, humane, and sustainable world. Striving to motivate students around issues of social and environmental justice is both hugely rewarding for Emily and one of her primary professional passions.
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