During the first Days of Philanthropy event, I’m sure all of you have been asking yourselves, “How do I get involved in all these cool community service events?” I bet you would be surprised at just how many Cal Poly Students have wondered the same thing and acted upon their notion.
Cal Poly has earned a yearly spot on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, since its creation in 2006. This honor roll, which only 700 colleges found themselves on in 2009, recognizes universities that exhibit exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.
In the 2007-2008 school year at Cal Poly, an estimated 9,500 students performed 223,525 hours of volunteer work in and around San Luis Obispo. The state’s official estimate for the value of one hour of volunteer work in the community is $21.97, putting Cal Poly students’ 2007-08 efforts at $4.9 million.
If you are looking for ways to get involved and give back around campus and the community, Associated Students Inc.’s Student Life and Leadership (SLL) is a fantastic starting point. SLL is a host of student clubs and programs on campus, which give Cal Poly students a way to provide service to the community while developing leadership skills.
The Community Center, a part of SLL located upstairs in the University Union, houses Student Community Services, Alternative Breaks, Days of Service, Service Learning, Global Service Learning and Volunteer SLO.
Alternative Breaks provides Cal Poly students the opportunity to serve their global community while exploring outside their positions of privilege. Days of Service are one-day opportunities for students and community members to engage in service that benefit their community. Service Learning courses involve Cal Poly students providing direct service to local non-profit agencies. Global Service Learning aims to bridge the gap between the classroom and global service experiences. Volunteer SLO is a comprehensive database of volunteer opportunities in San Luis Obispo County managed by the Community Center at Cal Poly.
Student Community Services (SCS) is host to 10 student volunteer programs ranging from Best Friends to Poly Paws. Best Friends pairs a student with a developmentally disabled adult and has the duo partake in activities throughout the year, building a friendship. Students participating in Poly Paws offer companionship to animals at local shelters while raising awareness of animal rights and raising funds for animal protection efforts. The easiest way to get involved in SCS is to go to their website scs.calpoly.edu and fill out the volunteer interest form.
The Week of Welcome orientation program has been doing its part by welcoming new students to philanthropic and community service efforts through Days of Service and St. Jude’s Letter Writing Campaigns. The program works closely with SCS to participate in Days of Service. During these days, Cal Poly students can be found donating time and labor at charities such as the Paso Robles Boys and Girls Club, or to Pismo Beach, participating in beach cleanups.
Week of Welcome team leaders take part in a Day of Service in the winter, and leaders in training participated in one this past Saturday, May 15. During the actual Week of Welcome, September 15-19, there will be multiple opportunities for leaders to take their WoW participants to a Day of Service.
Participants will be asked to bring in five addresses for a St. Jude’s Letter Writing Campaign. The program implemented the campaign last year and is excited about continuing it in the future.
Each year, Cal Poly gives President’s Community Service Awards to highlight specific achievements in service. These awards are presented to students, faculty and staff for their contributions to the quality of life in San Luis Obispo and their spirit of civic engagement. The different categories awarded are Serving Learning Faculty, Significant Contribution, Greek Community Contribution and Outstanding Campus/Community Collaboration.
Giving is one more thing Cal Poly students do well, and Cal Poly is a place that offers many opportunities to do well. None of us own our education outright, and our service shows our thanks for the generosity of those who help us along the way.
Brett Edwards is a environmental management and protection freshman and a Mustang Daily guest columnist.