Monday, August 16, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section C · Page 19
Volunteering proves rewarding for students
By Phil Cauthon Kansan staff writer
When E.J. Reedy rolled up to the nation's largest homeless shelter in a bright white minivan, he felt distinctly out of place.
Reedy, Topea junior, had been taking tests at the University of Kansas less than 24 hours earlier. Suddenly he was standing on a crowded street in Washington, D.C., shocked by the throngs of poor just a few blocks from the Capitol.
But his week at the shelter, where more than 1,200 people sleep every night, developed much like his relationship with an old man who lived there. When the two first sat down to play chess, the man was reserved and the encounter was awkward. By the end of his week volunteering at the shelter, Reedy had established a trusting relationship with the man.
Reedy, as well as 10 other KU students, was participating in one of last year's Alternative Spring Break programs, organized by Student Senate's Center for Community Outreach. Now, as codirector of CCO, Reedy works to put other students in touch with organizations that need volunteers. CCO matches about 5,000 students with Lawrence and KU organizations every year, he said.
"We're all very lucky to go to college," Reedy
said. "Sometimes it's easy to get separated from the rest of the world. I think volunteering can keep you based, seeing some of the things happening outside our college lives."
At 3 p.m. today and tomorrow, CCO will hold informational sessions in Alderson Auditorium, fourth floor Kansas Union. Program coordinators from campus will provide information about positions at more than 50 local organizations.
One of those organizations is the student-run Jubilee Cafe. Tuesday and Friday mornings at 10th and Vermont streets, people in need of free breakfast can order food from the menu. Volunteers prepare and serve blueberry pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit, cereal, juice and coffee. Volunteers are also needed for the fund-raisers that pay for the cost of the food.
Cafe volunteer Chris Hockley said the program not only helps the hungry, but also gives students personal exposure to the homeless problem in Lawrence.
"It's a unique volunteering experience because students have the opportunity to interact with people from the community," said Hockley, Overland Park senior. "It becomes not so much serving food, but coming to check up on people you've met."
In addition to student-run programs, CCO
maintains an archive of community organizations with descriptions of the countless positions available. Reedy said the volunteer opportunities were broadly organized under four categories: educational, environmental, multi-cultural, and hunger and homelessness.
Kris Hermanson, coordinator for the Lawrence Literacy Program, said that KU students were essential to the success of the program.
"The kids really identify with KU students," Hermanson said. "They see them as mentors, which really helps kids learn."
On Sept. 12, the Lawrence United Way will hold its annual Day of Caring to encourage volunteering and to raise awareness about community needs. The event usually draws at least 500 KU participants, said manager Andre Bollaert.
Most volunteer organizations prefer two to six months of commitment for a few hours a week, Reedy said.
"Really, there are all different levels of commitment for everyone who wants to volunteer," he said. "It's amazing once something becomes part of your daily life, it's much easier to do. It may seem stressful at first, but what you are going to gain in the end is more than you lose."
—Edited by Derek Prater
Aug. 18 & 17, 3 p.m.
Alderson Auditorium, fourth floor
Kansas Union
Aug. 16 & 17,3 p.m.—
CCO INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
Aug. 26, 3 p.m. — fifth floor parlor,
Kansas Union
Aug. 31, 8 p.m. — fifth floor parors, Kansas Union
Hawk Week Service Project:
Aug. 21, 9 a.m. — fourth floor
lobby, Kansas Union
Community volunteer organiz-
izations:
Audio Reader Network, 864-
4600 needs readers for textbooks for the blind
Babcock Place, 842-8358 — low income housing for senior citizens
Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Douglas Country, 843-7359
Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence,
841-6854
*Century School, 832-0101— looking for volunteers to teach art, art, or coordinate games for children.*
Center for Community Outreach,
864-4073 or
www.ukans.edu/~CCO, 426 Kansas Union
Ecumenical Christian Ministries,
843-4933 — positions available
for a variety of programs, including
the weekly luncheon lunch
■ EKAN, 841-3357 — drug elimination program
nation program Habitat for Humanity, 832-0777
Roger Hill Volunteer Center (United Wavl) 865 5030
- Habitat for Humanity, 832-0777
- Pelathe Community Resource Center, 841-7202
Saint Lawrence Catholic Center,
843.0357
Youth Friends, 842-5006 or youthfriends@hotmail.com —
needs 200 new mentors for kids of all ages
Links to other community organizations;
http://community.lawrence.com/category/service
Young bird watchers
Four young bird watches steady their gaze in search of campus wildlife. Workshops entertained those children at the Museum of Natural History this summer. Left to right are Pace Leggins, Joseph Odrowski and Ben Sloan, back, Nicholas Pellett. Photo by Lisa John/KANSAN
Follow directions to right path of success
By Lisa John
Kansan managing editor
Starting out on the right foot is important, University of Kansas students say. Their advice on how to succeed in school covers many angles.
Living quarters matter, said Erin Kriss,
Overland Park sophomore.
"Live in a dorm. It keeps you on campus 24-7." she said. "It keeps you right there always thinking about school. When you get out in your own apartment you have a lot more things to worry about."
Another tip from Kriss: "Don't bite off more than you can chew."
n Mark Ashbrook, Glenview, Ill., graduate student, said it's important to set priorities.
Bear in mind, he said, that students need to have fun, too.
"They should have a balance between partying, social activities and academics," he said. "You don't want to have too much of any one thing."
Ashbrook suggested that students find out what KU has to offer, including clubs, Lied Center programs, intramural sports and museums.
"Determine what's most important to you and build your schedule to manage things so that your priorities stay intact," Ashbrook said.
"Take advantage of how great, how incredibly diverse our campus is," he said.
- Jason Gray, Wichita freshman, said the most important thing to do is attend every class.
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"Even if you don't have the assignment done, go to class because you'll probably pick up some information that will help you," he said.
Bart Baldwin, Ottawa graduate student, said it's important to be familiar with the surroundings, and to get involved in whatever interests von
Duane Bruce, Chillicothe graduate student, has well-defined rules for academic success: "Get to know your professors and grad assistants. Don't miss any more than three days of class during a semester."
KIEF'S Audio/Video
24th & Iowa, Lawrence, KS. 842-1811
taking," he said. "It's also a good idea not to go out partying so much at first."
tings, and to get involved in whatever interests you.
"Also, class attendance is important, as is note
Two students finishing up Freshman Summer Institute also had suggestions.
Sarah Hanson, Dallas freshman, advised getting to know the campus before school starts. "FSI helped me a lot in that way — I've been here for a month and now I know the campus, some of the professors and some students," she said.
Todd Stoeber, Garden City freshman, said to minimize the amount of time spent partying. "And then, make a master plan and stick to it because that will give you extra time to go out and party."
- Edited by Rachel Johnson
We're back for the fall and we want to welcome you back to the Kansan classified where you can find the bargains you need and can sell your unwanted items.
The Etc.
Shop REVO
928 Mass. 843-0611
Take advantage of the resources your peers have to offer
Fall Officers co-directors- secretary-student advisor-
(Organization of Adult Knowledge Seekers)
Get Involved Community service Fundraising for Hannah's House Habitat for Humanity Opportunities for involvement
Dennia Hardie Karen Boyd Vicky Michele Laura Morgan
Scholastic Support Comprehensive test Advisor from student development center
une unification
NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS:
Socialize Halloween party Thanksgiving party End-of-semester party Twice weekly Brown Bag luncheons with guest speakers
For more information call Oaks office at the Union 864-7317
THE WRITER'S ROOSTS
Still think writers foil away alone in front of their notebooks or computers? Hey, we know that writers need feedback, sounding boards, and other people who support their work while they compose.in short, writers need other writers! At the Roosts, we encourage all students to
WRITE WITH US.
Let the trained tutors at the Writer's Roosts help you brainstorm, draft, or edit your writing...at absolutely no charge! Bring in your ideas or drafts of papers for any class; your resumes or cover letters; or any other kinds of
writing you like to talk about. Call 864-2399 for an appointment, or drop in anytime at the campus locations listed on our website.
or drop in anytime at the campus locations listed on our website (www.ukans.edu/~writing). At the Roosts, you'll find a quiet place to study; computers and printers for writing, printing, e-mail, and Web surfing; and, most importantly, the other writers who are ready to listen, read, respond, question, and work on writing with you!
WWW.UKANS.EDU/
~WRITING
Our website is open twenty-four-seven!
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