MCC volunteers serve community, earn credits
The Community Involvement Expo took place Thursday, September 6 and 7. The expo was coordinated by the Center for Service-Learning and several organizations seeking volunteers participated.
Many students attending the expo were there as part of a class assignment for service learning in order to receive academic credit.
Service-learning is different than traditional volunteer work, as it is a teaching-learning experience, meaning it focuses on what one can learn from serving the community.
Over twenty organizations participated, including Save the Family Foundation of Arizona, which assists homeless families, the United Food Bank, All-Star Kids Tutoring, and the Mesa Arts Center.
Organizations of particular interest to young adult volunteers were V.I.K. (Very Important Kids), an after school day care program for those who love working with children, and Gabriel’s Angels, an organization for people and their dogs to play with children of domestic violence.
“I’m doing this for Americorps and to begin volunteer work with children,” said Desiree Stuebe, 18, an elementary education major.
Irene Lopez, 19, also attended the expo for school and to get more involved in her community.
According to many students, service-learning is very enriching. It benefits those being helped and has tremendous benefits for the volunteer as well.
“Volunteer work is a great opportunity to get involved outside school activities. I find it very fulfilling to help the under-privileged,” Ricardo Leon-Guerrero, 23, said.
The options for service-learning are endless. With so many services available, there is sure to be one to fit every interest.“We have to do a minimum of thirteen hours of service learning for REC120. There is a variety of service-learning opportunities available,” said Maggie Reber-Wynn, 20.
To find out more about service learning or becoming a volunteer, visit the Center for Service-Learning, located inside the Kirk Student Center.
Volume
44, Issue 3. Today is
Lee Kauftheil/Mesa Legend
U.S. Bank works closely with MCC students through service-learning projects through non-profit organizations in the Valley.