Spirit of service MCC, UNO students unite during monthly volunteer events
I
t doesn’t take much to move college students to action. Offer them a free T-shirt, and they’re usually on board. Throw in a free lunch, and it’s a done deal. In a new philanthropic partnership with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, students get both of these things, but they walk away with even more. MCC recently joined forces with UNO for the Days of Service initiative, offering students and community members the chance to give back during monthly service activities. The partnership is a natural fit, said Kathleen Oleson Lyons, director of UNO’s Office of Civic and Social Responsibility. “Core to our mission is community stewardship and collaboration.”
Upcoming events Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 20
Spring Volunteer Fair
Feb. 25
Dance Nebraska TBD Seven Days of Service
March 22, 24–29
Global Youth Service Day
April 11–13
Get involved! Visit www.unomaha.edu/serve to volunteer.
Learn more about the partnership on YouTube.
Sixteen events are planned through April 2014, focusing on a variety of social issues. Participants gather at UNO and ride buses to local nonprofits, working on projects that make an immediate difference. “Our nonprofits know we’re looking for projects of substance,” Lyons said. “The volunteers know that they’re making a significant contribution to that nonprofit or to the community.” During 9/11 Remembrance Day, students volunteered at veteran support organizations, Habitat for Humanity and food banks. In addition to helping others, students also reap rewards — making friends, building their résumé and even discovering new career pathways. “It builds the holistic student,” said Maria Vazquez, MCC’s associate vice president for student affairs. Using talents to help others can boost self-esteem and also enhance tolerance and acceptance of others, she said. “Positive things happen when students are engaged in the community.”
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