Countless opportunities for community immersion
By Kristina Chiapella
As a member of the Santa Clara community, it is more likely than not that you have heard the university's vision of "competence, conscience, and compassion" many times.
But how often do you stop and think about getting involved in the many activities that promote Santa Clara's philosophy of helping others?
If you are interested and have found yourself having trouble finding where to begin, there are countless opportunities for you to start giving back to the community that is home at least nine months out of the year.
* Start by walking down to Benson Memorial Center basement room 15. Here you will find the headquarters of the Santa Clara Community Action Program, a student-run volunteer organization with dozens of service programs for you to choose from.
"It's as easy as just walking into the office," says Nicole Brand-Cousy, department coordinator for the SCCAP empowerment department.
SCCAP volunteer programs focus on causes such as education and health and disabilities, mentoring, homelessness and empowerment.
Many opportunities are available, from working with the Special Olympics to feeding and tutoring the homeless.
Nothing is mandatory, and there's no pressure to commit yourself to one program. Feel free to try different things out, see what fits for you, and find out where you have a real connection.
"The biggest benefit I see is getting away from Santa Clara and into the outside community," said Mia Stephenson, associate director, on volunteering. "It's a good way to tie real life to the concepts we learn here at Santa Clara."
* The Arrupe Center is a service organization that you might encounter through classes, with programs that foster learning and commitment to community values.
Program placement will probably occur through a course and students participating are expected to commit for a specific period of time.
Arrupe also offers Immersion Programs, allowing you to travel to places like El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico and parts of the United States, and become immersed in a different culture and society.
* Through Campus Ministry, you can join Santa Clarans for Social Justice, a group that focuses on advocacy, education and the promotion of justice and basic rights.
Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Campus Ministry, so stop by and learn about the part that you can play in current issues and events.
* If the environment is your passion, the Environmental Studies Institute is a scholarly group of students and staff who focus on the relationship between humans and our environment.
They are attentive to both local and global community issues, and programs like the GREEN Club, which meets on Mondays at 7 p.m. in Kennedy Commons Room 108, allow you to get involved in service projects such as beach and creek clean-ups, habitat restorations and Earth Day festivals.
* If you're up for some extra work, take the Peer Health Educators training course and become part of the peer network that provides support and advice for Santa Clara students.
By becoming an expert on topics like substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual assault and general wellness, you can help your fellow students through workshops, awareness events, and discussion groups.
More information is available online or through the Wellness Center in the Malley Fitness Center.
* Coming up on Oct. 15 is the annual Walk for AIDS Silicon Valley, which takes place in downtown San Jose.
This 6.2 mile walk raises support and funds for AIDS awareness and local service organizations.
The walk begins and ends at Discovery Meadow near the AIDS Memorial Grove, and while there is no minimum donation requirement, all support is appreciated.
So if you want to get started, just look into any of the programs mentioned here or search out one of the many other organizations that will get you participating in the Santa Clara campus, community and beyond.
Contact Kristina Chiapella at (408) 551-1918 or kchiapella@scu.edu.