New web site to help students volunteer

A new web site developed by the ESU Student Organizations and Activities office will connect students with service projects in the community.

With a mid-August launch date, the "Connecting Through Service" site will list organizations that need help, specific projects and contact information. The site will also list student groups with community service missions.

According to Associated Student Government President Christina Kerns "Connecting Through Service" will replace an old system that fell into disuse.

"In the past, ASG had a position called the Community Service Coordinator. That person acted in the same kind of way this project will. But any time you have a program that large, it's hard to keep it going with a student employee."

"There was one card file with all the organizations in it and another with different student names, and people had to come down to our office to sign up."

The web site will be continually updated and service organizations will be able to submit their information using online forms. Blythe Eddy, assistant director for programs and community service at the Memorial Union, will serve as a permanent staff advisor.

According to Kerns, the site will help students discover the benefits of volunteering their time.

"Some people think education happens only in classrooms, but the best education comes from going out and making the community a better place. "You see how world's bigger than you. So many times people our age are focused on themselves, and don't see whole community and world they live in. Community service helps you see the whole picture."

Each fall during Hornet Days, student organizations conduct a day of community service events. This year on August 23, Kerns says students will focus their efforts painting at the Emporia Senior Center.

ESU Associated Student Government requires all ESU student groups to contribute at least 10 hours of community service in order to receive funding from student fees.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>