Campus Corps Connections Volume 6 Issue 1
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Campus Corps Connections A Montana Campus Compact publication
Volume 6, Issue 1
Fall 2009
BUILDING ENGAGED CITIZENS Participating Campuses: •Blackfeet Community College •Carroll College •Dawson Community College •Flathead Valley Community College •Fort Belknap College •Fort Peck Community College •Miles Community College •MSU-Billings •MSU-Bozeman •MSU-Great Falls College of Tech •MSU-Northern •Montana Tech •Rocky Mountain College •Salish Kootenai College •UM-Helena College of Tech •UM-Missoula •UM-Western •University of Great Falls
Inside this Issue: Building Engaged Citizens…. ..1,4 Team Leader Spotlight……. ..2-3 September 11th …...….…..…....5 Make-a-Difference Day…..….....6 Volunteerism at Great Falls…...7 F.L.A.V.E…………….……… ..7 Service Saturdays….…….…….8 Upcoming Events…….….….….8
Campus Corps is a proud member of the AmeriCorps family of National Service Programs in Montana.
Members from MSU-Bozeman wrap up a meaningful reflection at this year’s BEC
The 9th Annual Building Engaged Citizens Conference (BEC) took place on September 24-26 at the University of Montana in Missoula, marking the swearing in of the 16th class of Campus Corps members! The event kicked off with a Friday evening welcome celebration in the University Center Ballroom with guest speakers Andrea Vernon and Colleen Kane of UM’s Office for Civic Engagement. On Saturday, Campus Corps and MTCC VISTA members broke out into training sessions specific to their service terms. A new member orientation track was
facilitated by Program Specialist Emily Clark and Campus Corps Program Manager Eric Cardella. Second-year Campus Corps members attended a goal-setting workshop, followed by sessions covering leadership styles and team dynamics, led by Sarah Sadowski, Program Director of Young Adult Service Corps. VISTA members participated in a grant writing and sustainability workshop facilitated by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and professional trainer, Michael LaVolpe of Denver, CO. Continued on page 4….
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
THE LEADERS BEHIND THE CORPS Campus Corps has a variety of term options for membership and leadership. There are several choices that members can make to commit to serving their communities. In addition to student members, there are 18 full-time AmeriCorps members that serve on 13 campuses to strengthen and enhance Campus Corps around Montana. These leaders come from all over the U.S., and have dedicated their year to serving at campuses throughout Montana to fulfill the mission of Campus Corps. Leaders work directly with members, coordinators, faculty, student volunteers and anyone interested in getting involved in their communities. Leaders plan meaningful service projects and facilitate reflection activities to put more meaning behind service. Now is your chance to learn where these leaders come from, what they’re doing, and where they’re going after Campus Corps! MTCC Senior Leader
Fort Peck Community College
Carroll College
Chrissy Orangio is from Atlanta, GA currently serving in Missoula, as the MTCC network leader for Campus Corps. She just graduated from Elon University in North Carolina where she was the director of the Service Learning Community. After her time with AmeriCorps she will be moving to Southern Africa to get a Master’s in Conservation. In the mean time, I love playing guitar, volunteering with youth organizations, and learning new things.
Adriann Ricker, a native of Poplar Montana, was very active in community service before her time with AmeriCorps. She is completing a B.S. in Health Promotion and is working towards the betterment of Indian people with chronic diseases. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, playing piano, singing, hunting, and fishing.
Laura D’Esterre was born in Hacketstown, New Jersey where her favorite candy Starburst is made. She lived in Helena, MT for about 21 years and would like to live here for the rest of her life. Her anticipated career path is to have a PhD in Theology and Marriage and Family, in Boston or a University in California. Her passion is in helping people.
University of Montana
Montana Tech Janel Evans is originally from Butte, Montana, and would love to eventually settle in Livingston. She is currently serving her second term as a Campus Corps Leader at Montana Tech and plans to attend the University of Montana in Missoula next year. She loves to camp, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy life.
Salish Kootenai College Joni Bolman is from North Dakota and joined Campus Corps last summer as the Campus Corps leader at Salish Kootenai College as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
Blackfeet Community College Heather SpeakThunder is a member of the Assiniboine tribe, originally from Fort Belknap, and currently serves as the Campus Corps Leader at Blackfeet Community College in Browning. She is the oldest (and shortest) sibling in a large family, Heather plans to go back to school for a Business degree and hopes to start a small business in her hometown of Harlem.
University of Great Falls Nel Sutliff is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado; however, her husband is an active duty Air Force member so she has lived in six states in the past two years. She recently finished her Masters of Science Education degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy. Her future career plans include working as an adjunct instructor in the education department for the University of Great Falls. Her passions are hiking and camping with her two dogs and her husband.
After graduating with degrees in Biology and Flute Performance at the University of Montana, Anna Semple has returned as a Campus Corps Leader. She spent her time since graduation travelling, teaching, studying biology and playing music across the US and Latin America. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay she taught Environmental Education. Next year she plans to study youth development and education in graduate school and hopes to return to Paraguay to teach music to local youth. In her free time she can be found in the mountains or tracking down live music around Western Montana.
Fort Belknap College Brenda Sears is originally from California, but moved to Montana at an early age. She has a K-8 teaching certificate and feels called to any service work that involves kids. She has been involved with Boys and Girls’ Clubs of America and Volunteer Action for Youth, and opens her house to all children who just need a place to hang out when they have nowhere else to go. She enjoys living each day to its fullest.
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
THE LEADERS BEHIND THE CORPS University of Montana Western
Montana State University Bozeman
Montana Tech
Jon Stephani is a native of Corvallis, Montana, and is currently serving in Dillon as the Campus Corps Team Leader at UM Western. He plans to teach literature and writing at the university level in the near future. He loves to hunt, fish, hike and enjoy the outdoors, and also enjoys writing poetry and non-fiction. According to his officemate, Jon is a “blue-eyed, free-spirited nomad of knowledge . . . and a corndog!”
Ariel Donohue joins MSU from New York State. She served with AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) in the Southwest and the Gulf region working in disaster response, construction, environmental work, mentoring and youth development. She has a degree in Elementary Education and plans on teaching and incorporating service into the classroom. Her passions are sports, laughing, chocolate, and adrenaline filled activities.
Jenny Wilson is a native of Tula, Mississippi, and is currently serving in Butte. She loves to hike, hunt, fish, camp and ride horses and fourwheelers. . . and she is very excited about going sledding, skiing and snowboarding for the first time this winter. She is currently completing an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and eventually hopes to earn a Ph.D. in a related field.
Flathead Valley Community College Becky Groose- Jones is a 4th generation Kalispell resident. Her work experience includes over 20 years with not-for-profit organizations and schools with a focus on family education, project development and grant writing . In her spare time, she and her daughter like to steal away into the fields and meadows in search of birds of prey for journaling and photography opportunities.
Montana State University Billings Tracy Mouser is a Billings native, though she lived in California for ten years. She plans to use her education award to pursue a masters degree in Student Services at MSU-Billings. She loves anything outside— gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, scrapbooking, hanging out with family and writing music for her church.
Montana State University Northern Delme Mundell-Watson is from Canada, but he went to School at Flathead High, Flathead Valley Community College, and MSU-Northern. He received a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design from MSU-Northern last Summer. His direct service is tutoring at the Student Support Services, as well volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club in Havre. He keeps busy because there is always something to do.
Flathead Valley Community College Wendy Jeschke is a native Montanan who has lived in the Flathead Valley for over 31 years. She enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, boating, scrapbooking, riding horses and spending time with her husband and four kids. Wendy serves her community in varoius capacities, but one of her favorite places to serve is her local community kitchen.
University of Montana Ashley Widtfeldt is originally from Boston. She is in her second Campus Corps term and currently serves at UM’s Office for Civic Engagement. She loves Missoula and would love to stick around after finishing Campus Corps. Her favorite pastimes are gardening, cooking, and making jewelry.
Interested in finding out what it takes to be a Campus Corps Leader? Thinking about possibly stepping into a leadership role in the future? Contact Chrissy Orangio at [email protected] to learn more!
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
BUILDING ENGAGED CITIZENS
FPCC Campus Corps leader Adriann Ricker working hard on Mt. Sentinel
...Continued from page 1. Campus Corps leaders practiced effective leadership and facilitation techniques under the guidance of Montana Conservation Corps Program Manager Shannon Stober. For many members, the highlight of the conference was a Public Lands Day service project on Mount Sentinel. On Saturday afternoon, over 100 MTCC service members collaborated with members of the Montana Conservation Corps to pull invasive nap weed from one of Missoula’s most frequented outdoor recreation areas. Post-service reflection activities focused on discussions of how and why stewardship of the environment is an important aspect of civic engagement.
Following a large group activity and break-out sessions presented by Dean McGovern, Eric Cardella, Emily Clark and Campus Corps Senior Leader Chrissy Orangio, the conference concluded with a small group planning session, during which national service members from each region of the state had the opportunity to meet with their peers and neighbors to discuss possibilities for future collaborative efforts. We would like to extend a special thanks to all members whose leadership and participation made the 2009 Building Engaged Citizens Conference a success! - written by Jenny Wilson, Campus Corps Leader, Montana Tech
Members are sworn into AmeriCorps service at the Building Engaged Citizens Conference
The Governor’s Call to Service: Campus Corps participated in the National Call to Service for first official September 11 National Service Day. Governor Brian Schweitzer recognized the state of Montana for citizens’ commitment to service. Governor Schweitzer asked Montanans to “seek out volunteer opportunities in their own communities that demonstrate our continued commitment to service.” Montana Campus Corps responded to this request with service projects throughout the state. The following are only a few of the projects that touched the lives of Montanans on the National Day of Service & Remembrance. Thanks to all of you who were able to serve on September 11, 2009!
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
9/11: A DAY OF SERVICE & REMEMBRANCE A New Year Begins at UM-Western
Moments of Silence
A well-organized, curbside recycling program coupled with a food drive marked the “welcome back” event for the University of Montana Western Campus Corps, on September 11, 2009. After being out of the picture for many years, the Dillon team wanted to hit the ground running for the year’s first National Day of Service project.
Campus Corps Leaders at MSU-Bozeman, Salish Kootenai College, Fort Belknap College, MSUNorthern, and Fort Peck Community College, had school-wide and community-wide moments of silence in honor of the troops. Many local policemen and firemen came to the events to show support.
Campus Corps member Heather Rubey said, “It was great seeing how much we could help our community by volunteering a few hours of our time, as well as the positive reaction from our community. Without [the community’s] involvement, our day would have been a bust.” Despite the short amount of time allotted for planning and advertising, the UM-Western team successfully received coverage in local media through a story and advertisement as well as coverage on the University of Montana Western website. The team pulled together nearly 40 campus and community volunteers. As the pick-up teams drove around Dillon with high spirits, they searched in anticipation for piles of recyclable materials and food donations sitting on the curbs. Former Campus Corps member Mike Adams, summed up the day by saying “Helping our community is our responsibility as future educators.” By the end of the event, the UMWestern Campus Corps team was able to collect almost 150 pounds of food for the local food pantry, fill the majority of the recycling bins at the local fairgrounds and collect enough plastic to fill a horse trailer. (Not bad for a day’s work!) After a long day, Montana Western Campus Corps Team Leader Jon Stephani looked across the piles of recyclable materials and donated food and said, “the Montana Western Campus Corps is back and ready to serve.” - Written by Jon Stephani, Campus Corps Leader, UM-Western
The Big Roll-Out Campus Corps Leaders Anna Semple and Ashley
Widtfeldt at the University of Montana collaborated with Missoula Aging Services and VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) members in Missoula to host a toilet paper drive at local grocery stores. Volunteers collected over 4,000 rolls of toilet paper from various stores in Missoula, which were donated to the Missoula Food Bank. It was noted that the donations left grocery stores with empty shelves.
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR MONTANANS On Saturday, October 24th, communities all over Montana engaged in Make-a-Difference Day. Campus Corps members teamed up with local organizations to plan events that met community needs and engaged students and community members in service. Many campuses participated in First Lady Nancy Schweitzer’s “One Warm Coat” drive, which is occurring all over the state as part of a collaboration with First National Bank. As winter is approaching, the Governor's office has been doing its part by promoting volunteerism among Montanans with a statewide coat drive. For Make-a-Difference Day, Campus Corps members at MSU-Northern, Fort Peck Community College, Fort Belknap College, , and UMWestern collected coats for families in their communities. Other campuses like MSU-Bozeman planned a “spectacular” Halloween event for children in the community.
The Difference a Day Made
A Mall of Opportunity
UM-Western — Members collected 160 pounds of food during a two week food drive, receiving donations from 17 local businesses.
Campus Corps Leaders Becky Groose-Jones and Wendy Jeschke at Flathead Valley Community College teamed up with MCC (Montana Conservation Corps) and United way to do construction on the Gateway Community Center. Formerly an abandoned mall, the community center will now be using to house 15 non-profit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The new-and-improved mall will now be home to over 30 different programs and will provide a variety of different services to clients in just one space. Campus Corps and Conservation Corps members spent the day painting, pulling carpet, breaking down cabinets, replacing ceiling tiles, and doing physical labor to allow these organizations to be housed under one roof.
Fort Belknap College — Over 200 coats were collected in Harlem, MT and distributed to community members in need.
UM — A toiletry drive filled a Subaru station wagon with much-needed items such as toilet paper, razors, and shampoo, benefiting over 40 people. In addition, 135 dollars were donated to purchase materials for 111 meals that members served at the Poverello Center. MSU-Billings — Trick or Eat proved to be a success due to the over 800 pounds of food
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
PUT A LITTLE F.L.A.V.E. IN YOUR LIFE F.L.A.V.E., the First-year Leadership and Volunteer Experience, was created this year at the University of Montana as a way to introduce first-year students to the Missoula Community through service. Missoula has such a large number of non-profits that individuals first coming in to the community can often be overwhelmed. F.L.A.V.E. students serve with different community organizations, then gather back at the university to discuss the experience. Students from each of the sites compare and contrast their experiences to figure out differences in the organizations and understand themes present in all types of service, regardless of the where the service is performed. The relationship between service and leadership is also explored during these discussion. The two agencies F.L.A.V.E. volunteers served with this year were Garden City Harvest’s Orchard Homes Garden, a small community farm that provides fresh produce for low-income individuals, and the Poverello Center, Missoula’s largest soup kitchen and shelter. At Orchard Homes Garden, students harvested and sorted car-
rots, onions and tomatoes that were divvyed up into community shares. At the Poverello Center, students prepared and served the day’s lunch as well as organized rooms full of donated items. Many of the students who attended F.L.A.V.E. have continued to be involved in other Campus Corps sponsored service events and have shown an incredible ethic for community service. - Written by Ashley Widtfeldt, Campus Corps Leader, UM
F.L.A.V.E. Volunteers at Orchard Homes Garden
Volunteerism at the University of Great Falls At the University of Great Falls, much of our service is centered on education. This year, we have several ongoing service-learning projects, including academic tutoring in all subjects. Most of our student volunteers have committed to providing over 60 hours of tutoring to students in low income K-12 schools each semester. Another project is Spookaroo! This project provides trick-ortreaters with a place to play games and win prizes on Halloween as a safer alternative to regular Trick-or-Treating in surrounding neighborhoods. Closer to Christmas time, the Student Montana Educators Association at the University of Great Falls is doing a Book Bag giveaway. Money from various grants will be used to purchase developmentally appropriate books for children, age birth to five years. These books will be put together to make book bags that will be donated to low income preschools and Head Start programs in Great Falls. In September, volunteers from the University’s Cheerleading squad helped with a blood drive, and in October, a food drive was held at the University, with the help of MTCC VISTA member Pamela Hoffmann, to benefit the Great Falls Community Food Bank. Additionally, a Volunteer Fair will take place in our Student Center where Campus Corps hopes to make contact with enough interested students to begin a Service Saturdays program where we will collaborate with various community agencies so that we may provide assistance in the capacity they need. Finally, the University of Great Falls is currently a member of the Early Childhood Coalition. This coalition is embarking on a comprehensive program to house various agencies dedicated to the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of pre-school aged children as a means to alleviate many of the problems educators, parents, and support personnel see once children have begun primary school. Once the center is up and running, Campus Corps volunteers and members will be needed to provide much needed help in a variety of areas. - Written By Nel Sutliff, Campus Corps Leader, University of Great Falls
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
UPCOMING EVENTS
PROMOTIONAL TIPS FOR SERVICE EVENTS:
January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
ADVERTISEMENTS STUDENTS CAN’T IGNORE
February 14: Donate Life Today Organ Donation Drive Kick-Off April 16-18: Spring Summit Training Event April 23-25: Global Youth Service Day
♦
Advertise in advance — The more time you have, the more students you can inform.
♦
Contact the campus newspaper — However students find the news is where you want your event to be. (Be sure to ask for a non-profit discount!)
♦
Use technology — If your campus has an online events calendar, blog, or social networking page, post your Campus Corps events on the Web.
♦
Connect with the local radio station — Getting involved with the campus radio station could get your events announced on-air.
♦
Collaborate with other student organizations — Greek Life, student government, and various leadership groups are excellent venues for reaching a variety of engaged students.
♦
Put a banner in your Student Center — If there is a main center on campus where you know students go, figure out how to get your event advertised where students walk by it daily
Our Mission: Montana Campus Corps is an AmeriCorps program that engages college students in meeting community identified needs through meaningful
Service projects and special events are being planned all over Montana’s college campuses, and we want students to notice them. Try some of these advertising tips next time you want to recruit volunteers for a major service project.
service.
SERVICE SATURDAYS Want a way to engage students in service monthly on your campus? Join University of Montana, MSU-Bozeman, and MSUBillings for Service Saturdays. These three campuses plan service projects for at least one Saturday every month. So far this year, some projects include: working with the Poverello Center and Missoula Urban Demonstration Project in Missoula; Friendship House, Montana Rescue Mission and Billings Family Services in Billings; Montana Rescue Mission, Children’s Museum and Campus Clean-Up in Bozeman, to name a few! These projects are open to anyone and have already engaged over 150 student volunteers to act in their communities.
REPORTING TIPS Campus
Corps
Members:
Make sure to keep track of the volunteers you recruit and the beneficiaries you serve! The first Member Progress Report is due on March 8, 2010. In the meantime, you should have a system in place for tracking your impact in a measurable way. Don’t forget: Volunteer Surveys and Team & Special Project Reports must be submitted online at http://mtcampuscorps.org
MSU—Billings Student Volunteering for a Service Saturday
For more information about Service Saturdays, contact the Office for Civic Engagement at UM-Missoula or Offices for Community Involvement at MSU and MSU-Billings.
Volume 6, Issue 1
Fall 2009
BUILDING ENGAGED CITIZENS Participating Campuses: •Blackfeet Community College •Carroll College •Dawson Community College •Flathead Valley Community College •Fort Belknap College •Fort Peck Community College •Miles Community College •MSU-Billings •MSU-Bozeman •MSU-Great Falls College of Tech •MSU-Northern •Montana Tech •Rocky Mountain College •Salish Kootenai College •UM-Helena College of Tech •UM-Missoula •UM-Western •University of Great Falls
Inside this Issue: Building Engaged Citizens…. ..1,4 Team Leader Spotlight……. ..2-3 September 11th …...….…..…....5 Make-a-Difference Day…..….....6 Volunteerism at Great Falls…...7 F.L.A.V.E…………….……… ..7 Service Saturdays….…….…….8 Upcoming Events…….….….….8
Campus Corps is a proud member of the AmeriCorps family of National Service Programs in Montana.
Members from MSU-Bozeman wrap up a meaningful reflection at this year’s BEC
The 9th Annual Building Engaged Citizens Conference (BEC) took place on September 24-26 at the University of Montana in Missoula, marking the swearing in of the 16th class of Campus Corps members! The event kicked off with a Friday evening welcome celebration in the University Center Ballroom with guest speakers Andrea Vernon and Colleen Kane of UM’s Office for Civic Engagement. On Saturday, Campus Corps and MTCC VISTA members broke out into training sessions specific to their service terms. A new member orientation track was
facilitated by Program Specialist Emily Clark and Campus Corps Program Manager Eric Cardella. Second-year Campus Corps members attended a goal-setting workshop, followed by sessions covering leadership styles and team dynamics, led by Sarah Sadowski, Program Director of Young Adult Service Corps. VISTA members participated in a grant writing and sustainability workshop facilitated by Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and professional trainer, Michael LaVolpe of Denver, CO. Continued on page 4….
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
THE LEADERS BEHIND THE CORPS Campus Corps has a variety of term options for membership and leadership. There are several choices that members can make to commit to serving their communities. In addition to student members, there are 18 full-time AmeriCorps members that serve on 13 campuses to strengthen and enhance Campus Corps around Montana. These leaders come from all over the U.S., and have dedicated their year to serving at campuses throughout Montana to fulfill the mission of Campus Corps. Leaders work directly with members, coordinators, faculty, student volunteers and anyone interested in getting involved in their communities. Leaders plan meaningful service projects and facilitate reflection activities to put more meaning behind service. Now is your chance to learn where these leaders come from, what they’re doing, and where they’re going after Campus Corps! MTCC Senior Leader
Fort Peck Community College
Carroll College
Chrissy Orangio is from Atlanta, GA currently serving in Missoula, as the MTCC network leader for Campus Corps. She just graduated from Elon University in North Carolina where she was the director of the Service Learning Community. After her time with AmeriCorps she will be moving to Southern Africa to get a Master’s in Conservation. In the mean time, I love playing guitar, volunteering with youth organizations, and learning new things.
Adriann Ricker, a native of Poplar Montana, was very active in community service before her time with AmeriCorps. She is completing a B.S. in Health Promotion and is working towards the betterment of Indian people with chronic diseases. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, playing piano, singing, hunting, and fishing.
Laura D’Esterre was born in Hacketstown, New Jersey where her favorite candy Starburst is made. She lived in Helena, MT for about 21 years and would like to live here for the rest of her life. Her anticipated career path is to have a PhD in Theology and Marriage and Family, in Boston or a University in California. Her passion is in helping people.
University of Montana
Montana Tech Janel Evans is originally from Butte, Montana, and would love to eventually settle in Livingston. She is currently serving her second term as a Campus Corps Leader at Montana Tech and plans to attend the University of Montana in Missoula next year. She loves to camp, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy life.
Salish Kootenai College Joni Bolman is from North Dakota and joined Campus Corps last summer as the Campus Corps leader at Salish Kootenai College as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.
Blackfeet Community College Heather SpeakThunder is a member of the Assiniboine tribe, originally from Fort Belknap, and currently serves as the Campus Corps Leader at Blackfeet Community College in Browning. She is the oldest (and shortest) sibling in a large family, Heather plans to go back to school for a Business degree and hopes to start a small business in her hometown of Harlem.
University of Great Falls Nel Sutliff is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado; however, her husband is an active duty Air Force member so she has lived in six states in the past two years. She recently finished her Masters of Science Education degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy. Her future career plans include working as an adjunct instructor in the education department for the University of Great Falls. Her passions are hiking and camping with her two dogs and her husband.
After graduating with degrees in Biology and Flute Performance at the University of Montana, Anna Semple has returned as a Campus Corps Leader. She spent her time since graduation travelling, teaching, studying biology and playing music across the US and Latin America. As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay she taught Environmental Education. Next year she plans to study youth development and education in graduate school and hopes to return to Paraguay to teach music to local youth. In her free time she can be found in the mountains or tracking down live music around Western Montana.
Fort Belknap College Brenda Sears is originally from California, but moved to Montana at an early age. She has a K-8 teaching certificate and feels called to any service work that involves kids. She has been involved with Boys and Girls’ Clubs of America and Volunteer Action for Youth, and opens her house to all children who just need a place to hang out when they have nowhere else to go. She enjoys living each day to its fullest.
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
THE LEADERS BEHIND THE CORPS University of Montana Western
Montana State University Bozeman
Montana Tech
Jon Stephani is a native of Corvallis, Montana, and is currently serving in Dillon as the Campus Corps Team Leader at UM Western. He plans to teach literature and writing at the university level in the near future. He loves to hunt, fish, hike and enjoy the outdoors, and also enjoys writing poetry and non-fiction. According to his officemate, Jon is a “blue-eyed, free-spirited nomad of knowledge . . . and a corndog!”
Ariel Donohue joins MSU from New York State. She served with AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) in the Southwest and the Gulf region working in disaster response, construction, environmental work, mentoring and youth development. She has a degree in Elementary Education and plans on teaching and incorporating service into the classroom. Her passions are sports, laughing, chocolate, and adrenaline filled activities.
Jenny Wilson is a native of Tula, Mississippi, and is currently serving in Butte. She loves to hike, hunt, fish, camp and ride horses and fourwheelers. . . and she is very excited about going sledding, skiing and snowboarding for the first time this winter. She is currently completing an M.F.A. in Creative Writing and eventually hopes to earn a Ph.D. in a related field.
Flathead Valley Community College Becky Groose- Jones is a 4th generation Kalispell resident. Her work experience includes over 20 years with not-for-profit organizations and schools with a focus on family education, project development and grant writing . In her spare time, she and her daughter like to steal away into the fields and meadows in search of birds of prey for journaling and photography opportunities.
Montana State University Billings Tracy Mouser is a Billings native, though she lived in California for ten years. She plans to use her education award to pursue a masters degree in Student Services at MSU-Billings. She loves anything outside— gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, scrapbooking, hanging out with family and writing music for her church.
Montana State University Northern Delme Mundell-Watson is from Canada, but he went to School at Flathead High, Flathead Valley Community College, and MSU-Northern. He received a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design from MSU-Northern last Summer. His direct service is tutoring at the Student Support Services, as well volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club in Havre. He keeps busy because there is always something to do.
Flathead Valley Community College Wendy Jeschke is a native Montanan who has lived in the Flathead Valley for over 31 years. She enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, boating, scrapbooking, riding horses and spending time with her husband and four kids. Wendy serves her community in varoius capacities, but one of her favorite places to serve is her local community kitchen.
University of Montana Ashley Widtfeldt is originally from Boston. She is in her second Campus Corps term and currently serves at UM’s Office for Civic Engagement. She loves Missoula and would love to stick around after finishing Campus Corps. Her favorite pastimes are gardening, cooking, and making jewelry.
Interested in finding out what it takes to be a Campus Corps Leader? Thinking about possibly stepping into a leadership role in the future? Contact Chrissy Orangio at [email protected] to learn more!
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
BUILDING ENGAGED CITIZENS
FPCC Campus Corps leader Adriann Ricker working hard on Mt. Sentinel
...Continued from page 1. Campus Corps leaders practiced effective leadership and facilitation techniques under the guidance of Montana Conservation Corps Program Manager Shannon Stober. For many members, the highlight of the conference was a Public Lands Day service project on Mount Sentinel. On Saturday afternoon, over 100 MTCC service members collaborated with members of the Montana Conservation Corps to pull invasive nap weed from one of Missoula’s most frequented outdoor recreation areas. Post-service reflection activities focused on discussions of how and why stewardship of the environment is an important aspect of civic engagement.
Following a large group activity and break-out sessions presented by Dean McGovern, Eric Cardella, Emily Clark and Campus Corps Senior Leader Chrissy Orangio, the conference concluded with a small group planning session, during which national service members from each region of the state had the opportunity to meet with their peers and neighbors to discuss possibilities for future collaborative efforts. We would like to extend a special thanks to all members whose leadership and participation made the 2009 Building Engaged Citizens Conference a success! - written by Jenny Wilson, Campus Corps Leader, Montana Tech
Members are sworn into AmeriCorps service at the Building Engaged Citizens Conference
The Governor’s Call to Service: Campus Corps participated in the National Call to Service for first official September 11 National Service Day. Governor Brian Schweitzer recognized the state of Montana for citizens’ commitment to service. Governor Schweitzer asked Montanans to “seek out volunteer opportunities in their own communities that demonstrate our continued commitment to service.” Montana Campus Corps responded to this request with service projects throughout the state. The following are only a few of the projects that touched the lives of Montanans on the National Day of Service & Remembrance. Thanks to all of you who were able to serve on September 11, 2009!
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Campus Corps Connections, Volume 6, Issue 1
9/11: A DAY OF SERVICE & REMEMBRANCE A New Year Begins at UM-Western
Moments of Silence
A well-organized, curbside recycling program coupled with a food drive marked the “welcome back” event for the University of Montana Western Campus Corps, on September 11, 2009. After being out of the picture for many years, the Dillon team wanted to hit the ground running for the year’s first National Day of Service project.
Campus Corps Leaders at MSU-Bozeman, Salish Kootenai College, Fort Belknap College, MSUNorthern, and Fort Peck Community College, had school-wide and community-wide moments of silence in honor of the troops. Many local policemen and firemen came to the events to show support.
Campus Corps member Heather Rubey said, “It was great seeing how much we could help our community by volunteering a few hours of our time, as well as the positive reaction from our community. Without [the community’s] involvement, our day would have been a bust.” Despite the short amount of time allotted for planning and advertising, the UM-Western team successfully received coverage in local media through a story and advertisement as well as coverage on the University of Montana Western website. The team pulled together nearly 40 campus and community volunteers. As the pick-up teams drove around Dillon with high spirits, they searched in anticipation for piles of recyclable materials and food donations sitting on the curbs. Former Campus Corps member Mike Adams, summed up the day by saying “Helping our community is our responsibility as future educators.” By the end of the event, the UMWestern Campus Corps team was able to collect almost 150 pounds of food for the local food pantry, fill the majority of the recycling bins at the local fairgrounds and collect enough plastic to fill a horse trailer. (Not bad for a day’s work!) After a long day, Montana Western Campus Corps Team Leader Jon Stephani looked across the piles of recyclable materials and donated food and said, “the Montana Western Campus Corps is back and ready to serve.” - Written by Jon Stephani, Campus Corps Leader, UM-Western
The Big Roll-Out Campus Corps Leaders Anna Semple and Ashley
Widtfeldt at the University of Montana collaborated with Missoula Aging Services and VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) members in Missoula to host a toilet paper drive at local grocery stores. Volunteers collected over 4,000 rolls of toilet paper from various stores in Missoula, which were donated to the Missoula Food Bank. It was noted that the donations left grocery stores with empty shelves.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR MONTANANS On Saturday, October 24th, communities all over Montana engaged in Make-a-Difference Day. Campus Corps members teamed up with local organizations to plan events that met community needs and engaged students and community members in service. Many campuses participated in First Lady Nancy Schweitzer’s “One Warm Coat” drive, which is occurring all over the state as part of a collaboration with First National Bank. As winter is approaching, the Governor's office has been doing its part by promoting volunteerism among Montanans with a statewide coat drive. For Make-a-Difference Day, Campus Corps members at MSU-Northern, Fort Peck Community College, Fort Belknap College, , and UMWestern collected coats for families in their communities. Other campuses like MSU-Bozeman planned a “spectacular” Halloween event for children in the community.
The Difference a Day Made
A Mall of Opportunity
UM-Western — Members collected 160 pounds of food during a two week food drive, receiving donations from 17 local businesses.
Campus Corps Leaders Becky Groose-Jones and Wendy Jeschke at Flathead Valley Community College teamed up with MCC (Montana Conservation Corps) and United way to do construction on the Gateway Community Center. Formerly an abandoned mall, the community center will now be using to house 15 non-profit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). The new-and-improved mall will now be home to over 30 different programs and will provide a variety of different services to clients in just one space. Campus Corps and Conservation Corps members spent the day painting, pulling carpet, breaking down cabinets, replacing ceiling tiles, and doing physical labor to allow these organizations to be housed under one roof.
Fort Belknap College — Over 200 coats were collected in Harlem, MT and distributed to community members in need.
UM — A toiletry drive filled a Subaru station wagon with much-needed items such as toilet paper, razors, and shampoo, benefiting over 40 people. In addition, 135 dollars were donated to purchase materials for 111 meals that members served at the Poverello Center. MSU-Billings — Trick or Eat proved to be a success due to the over 800 pounds of food
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PUT A LITTLE F.L.A.V.E. IN YOUR LIFE F.L.A.V.E., the First-year Leadership and Volunteer Experience, was created this year at the University of Montana as a way to introduce first-year students to the Missoula Community through service. Missoula has such a large number of non-profits that individuals first coming in to the community can often be overwhelmed. F.L.A.V.E. students serve with different community organizations, then gather back at the university to discuss the experience. Students from each of the sites compare and contrast their experiences to figure out differences in the organizations and understand themes present in all types of service, regardless of the where the service is performed. The relationship between service and leadership is also explored during these discussion. The two agencies F.L.A.V.E. volunteers served with this year were Garden City Harvest’s Orchard Homes Garden, a small community farm that provides fresh produce for low-income individuals, and the Poverello Center, Missoula’s largest soup kitchen and shelter. At Orchard Homes Garden, students harvested and sorted car-
rots, onions and tomatoes that were divvyed up into community shares. At the Poverello Center, students prepared and served the day’s lunch as well as organized rooms full of donated items. Many of the students who attended F.L.A.V.E. have continued to be involved in other Campus Corps sponsored service events and have shown an incredible ethic for community service. - Written by Ashley Widtfeldt, Campus Corps Leader, UM
F.L.A.V.E. Volunteers at Orchard Homes Garden
Volunteerism at the University of Great Falls At the University of Great Falls, much of our service is centered on education. This year, we have several ongoing service-learning projects, including academic tutoring in all subjects. Most of our student volunteers have committed to providing over 60 hours of tutoring to students in low income K-12 schools each semester. Another project is Spookaroo! This project provides trick-ortreaters with a place to play games and win prizes on Halloween as a safer alternative to regular Trick-or-Treating in surrounding neighborhoods. Closer to Christmas time, the Student Montana Educators Association at the University of Great Falls is doing a Book Bag giveaway. Money from various grants will be used to purchase developmentally appropriate books for children, age birth to five years. These books will be put together to make book bags that will be donated to low income preschools and Head Start programs in Great Falls. In September, volunteers from the University’s Cheerleading squad helped with a blood drive, and in October, a food drive was held at the University, with the help of MTCC VISTA member Pamela Hoffmann, to benefit the Great Falls Community Food Bank. Additionally, a Volunteer Fair will take place in our Student Center where Campus Corps hopes to make contact with enough interested students to begin a Service Saturdays program where we will collaborate with various community agencies so that we may provide assistance in the capacity they need. Finally, the University of Great Falls is currently a member of the Early Childhood Coalition. This coalition is embarking on a comprehensive program to house various agencies dedicated to the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of pre-school aged children as a means to alleviate many of the problems educators, parents, and support personnel see once children have begun primary school. Once the center is up and running, Campus Corps volunteers and members will be needed to provide much needed help in a variety of areas. - Written By Nel Sutliff, Campus Corps Leader, University of Great Falls
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UPCOMING EVENTS
PROMOTIONAL TIPS FOR SERVICE EVENTS:
January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
ADVERTISEMENTS STUDENTS CAN’T IGNORE
February 14: Donate Life Today Organ Donation Drive Kick-Off April 16-18: Spring Summit Training Event April 23-25: Global Youth Service Day
♦
Advertise in advance — The more time you have, the more students you can inform.
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Contact the campus newspaper — However students find the news is where you want your event to be. (Be sure to ask for a non-profit discount!)
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Use technology — If your campus has an online events calendar, blog, or social networking page, post your Campus Corps events on the Web.
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Connect with the local radio station — Getting involved with the campus radio station could get your events announced on-air.
♦
Collaborate with other student organizations — Greek Life, student government, and various leadership groups are excellent venues for reaching a variety of engaged students.
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Put a banner in your Student Center — If there is a main center on campus where you know students go, figure out how to get your event advertised where students walk by it daily
Our Mission: Montana Campus Corps is an AmeriCorps program that engages college students in meeting community identified needs through meaningful
Service projects and special events are being planned all over Montana’s college campuses, and we want students to notice them. Try some of these advertising tips next time you want to recruit volunteers for a major service project.
service.
SERVICE SATURDAYS Want a way to engage students in service monthly on your campus? Join University of Montana, MSU-Bozeman, and MSUBillings for Service Saturdays. These three campuses plan service projects for at least one Saturday every month. So far this year, some projects include: working with the Poverello Center and Missoula Urban Demonstration Project in Missoula; Friendship House, Montana Rescue Mission and Billings Family Services in Billings; Montana Rescue Mission, Children’s Museum and Campus Clean-Up in Bozeman, to name a few! These projects are open to anyone and have already engaged over 150 student volunteers to act in their communities.
REPORTING TIPS Campus
Corps
Members:
Make sure to keep track of the volunteers you recruit and the beneficiaries you serve! The first Member Progress Report is due on March 8, 2010. In the meantime, you should have a system in place for tracking your impact in a measurable way. Don’t forget: Volunteer Surveys and Team & Special Project Reports must be submitted online at http://mtcampuscorps.org
MSU—Billings Student Volunteering for a Service Saturday
For more information about Service Saturdays, contact the Office for Civic Engagement at UM-Missoula or Offices for Community Involvement at MSU and MSU-Billings.
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