STORIES, NEWS, AND IDEAS
Get inspired by tales of what other students are doing, keep up with the latest news about student involvement, and find some ideas for projects you could start yourself.
AED Launches Ophan Support Pack Project
The Academy for Educational Development (AED), has launched the AED Orphan Support Pack Project to provide the caregivers of children under five orphaned by AIDS in Kenya with urgently needed services and care items. Campus Compact encourages its members to support this project. Interested school communities may consider integrating the initiative into fundraising efforts, service-learning activities, or holiday charitable projects.
URI adopts European model of bike-sharing
(excerpt:) "They kicked off the new bike-share program, URIde, that lets students and faculty grab free bikes and use them on campus and then drop them off at bike racks. An honors lecture two years ago on environmental sustainability inspired Alli Fong, a senior marine biology major, to start the program after she heard of similar ventures in Europe and on other college campuses."
Turn your great ideas into action!: THE ACTION FUND
The Action Fund provides grants to Macalester students. It is an endowed fund of Macalester College that was established to provide financial support to student-initiated and student-led community service activities. The Action Fund was established in 2001 by alumni who valued their community service experiences while attending the college and wanted to leave a legacy of service and action for students at Macalester for years to come. The Fund continues to actively solicit additional gifts from alumni of the college and other supporters. Current students may apply to The Action Fund to initiate new community projects or strengthen existing community programs at Macalester. Using a grant proposal process, The Action Fund will make funds available for important projects focused on both education and action, designed in collaboration with community members. Students may apply for approximately $100 - $500.
Moving Ideas Network, a project of The American Prospect, Special Report on Youth and Politics
A summary of the essential needs of the next generation and what is required of the political system to enhance the chances that our youth will fully participate in American life. For example, "A Contract with America's Youth" indicates that neither major political party in the United States pays enough attention to the young. Additional articles include:
- "New Generation, New Politics: As generation Y steps into the polling booths, how will political life change?" by Anna Greenberg
- "Virtual Politics: How the Internet is transforming democracy" by Garance Franke-Ruta
- "Schools of Thought: The liberal-conservative divide on college campuses" by Richard Just
- "Daughters of the Revolution: Today's young women have profited from feminism, but will they defend it?" by Noy Thrupkaew
- "Doing Disservice: The benefits and limits of volunteerism" by Drake Bennett
- "The Students' Rep: Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin knows how to represent - and turnout - young people" by Heidi Pauken
Ohio Lawmaker Is Dean Of Kiddie Caucus
by Kathleen Murphy, stateline.org, May 6, 2003
"Ohio lawmaker Derrick Seaver, 21, has the distinction of being the youngest state lawmaker in the country. He and other twenty-something state lawmakers say youth works to their advantage."
Free Curriculum from "Teaching with the News" on The CHOICES Program web site
"IRAQ AFTER WAR" and "NORTH KOREA AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS" - FREE CURRICULUM FROM THE WEB - These lessons, developed by The CHOICES Program at Brown University's Watson Institute for International Studies, explore a range of contrasting policy options on these issues. The lessons can be printed at no charge from The CHOICES Program web site (see above). Links to other resources are also provided.
Take The Youth Challenge Quiz: Participating In Democracy
Carnegie Corporation of New York, April 2, 2003.
An online survey aimed at giving young people between the ages of 15 and 24 an opportunity to let their voices be heard. This informal, interactive poll has five key questions about youth interest in civic engagement and political participation. The survey keeps a running tally of answers, enabling respondents to see the results immediately.
"Students Cut Class to Protest War"
CBS News, March 5, 2003
( --> CBS News website)
"Students look beyond the beach for spring break"
By Eleni Berger, CNN, March 3, 2003
30,000 likely to choose community service trips this year. ( --> CNN website)
"At Stanford, engagement transcends service"
By Michael Miller, Stanford Daily, February 18, 2003.
( --> Stanford Daily website)
"Perspectives on civic engagement"
Stanford Daily, February 18, 2003
"The Daily asked students from a range of groups and interests to write about the importance of student civic engagement." ( --> Stanford Daily website)
"Students ponder fasting for peace"
By Kristen Bell, Stanford Daily, February 18, 2003
“Whether it’s calling a congressman, e-mailing a senator, praying and fasting . . . do what you can, where you are — that’s how I started,” she said." ( --> Stanford Daily website)
Young Voters' Disengagement Skews Politics, Graying Electorate's Issues Predominant, Fueling Trend
by Amy Goldstein and Richard Morin, The Washington Post, October 20, 2002
"The underrepresentation of young voters is becoming more acute: If current trends continue, the number of people 65 and older who vote in midterm elections is likely to exceed that of young adults by a 4 to 1 ratio by 2022." (--> Washington Post website)
"Homeless advocates try opening more doors"
By Brenda J. Buote, Globe Staff, October 17, 2002.
COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT: "Civil Society and Community Building"
Princeton Project 55, in association with the Alumni Council, is pleased to announce a new on-line course entitled "Civil Society and Community Building." The course explores both the theory and practice of building "social capital." The course is designed for anyone interested in strengthening communities and community institutions, whether as a professional, a volunteer, or a concerned citizen. We hope that the course will continue to develop a community of Princeton alumni and friends committed to building a robust civil society. (--> Project 55 website)
"Civics Lessons Beyond the Classroom: Volunteering May Not Teach Students About Problems' Roots"
NPR carried a report about the connections between civic education and community service. This report, based on K-12 projects in Philadelphia and Princeton, is part of a larger series called "citizen students" about helping students become civically engaged. ( --> NPR website)
THESIS: "Is GSU Apparel Made in Sweatshops?": The Student Anti-Sweatshop Campaign at Georgia State University (pdf file)
By Takamitsu Ono
Abstract: "This thesis is a sociological study of a student campaign against sweatshops at Georgia State University (GSU) as a part of United Students Against Sweatshops and transnational anti-sweatshop movement. The GSU campaign attempted to raise awareness of the sweatshop problem in relation to the GSU-licensed apparel........"
Afghan Children School Supplies Campaign - AED Launches The BluePack Project
The Academy for Educational Development, one of the world’s foremost international development organizations, is mounting a campaign to raise $2 million to provide 200,000 BluePacks, backpacks filled with basic school and hygiene supplies and a few toys, to Afghan children.
"Anti-war Agitator"
"An interview with 21-year-old Eli Pariser, who has rallied hundreds of thousands in protesting US military action in Iraq, speaking about politics, the anti-war movement and youth activism." ( --> Wiretap magazine website)
"Are Young People Too Smart to Vote?"
"Perhaps young people don't vote because they have a better sense than adults that our political system truly is broken."( --> Wiretap magazine website)
The Youth Vote (On WBUR 90.9 - Boston)
"This year might be a record low for the number of 18-25 year olds hitting the polls. Although volunteerism remains high for this age group, many Generation Ys are feeling apathetic and disenfranchised to the political system. With political platforms covering social security, Medicaid and prescription drugs, many of our youngest voters don't know where they fit in and are choosing to stay home on Election Day. What's behind this phenomenon and what can be done to get our future leaders to the polls?" ( --> WBUR website)
Some project ideas from Oxfam's Guide to Advocacy & Activism
AND:
Oxfam America toolkit for students who want to pursue Buy Local Campaigns on their campus. These actions support the work of small farmers as well as providing an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to sample fresh, local produce in their communities. If you are interested in the toolkit, you can download a version at www.oxfamamerica.org/advocacy/art2567.html or at www.oxfamamerica.org/pdfs/food_farm_toolkit.pdf
Contact: xbenavides@oxfamamerica.org.
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