How To Get Involved In Community Service While In College

This is a podcast done by my classmate, Jena Dean and I. We wanted to give listeners a few options on how they can actively participate in service abroad, and in the community, while in college. We talk about AmeriCorps, Alternative Breaks, Non Profit Organizations, and Study Abroad opportunities, all of which can be made to fit your schedule and are all provided here at Washburn University.

Holiday Fundraisers Coming Up for Three Local Non Profits in Topeka

The holiday season is quickly approaching. In the next two weeks alone, I have 3 events I have committed not only myself, but my Sorority Chapter, to attend. I am very attached to Junior Achievement, of course, but there are two other organizations that I am passionate about as well.

The Topeka Performing Arts Center provides free programming to elementary students, and every year they have a Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays event, in which elaborate houses are made, and people can also make their own! I will be bringing a few women on the 16th and 17th of this month to volunteer at this event to help monitor the gingerbread house-building tables and clean up in-between projects. There are a few women that I admire, who are great volunteers at TPAC and have inspired me to get involved, as well.

TPAC Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays

Shawnee County Court Appointed Special Advocates is probably the non-profit closest to my heart, because it is my Sorority's national philanthropy. They find volunteers to go and speak for children in court, that may not truly have anyone on their side if they did not have their CASA. We support them with a few fundraisers a year at Washburn, but always help with their annual Holiday Home Tour, in which several nice houses in Topeka get decorated and tickets are sold to go through and tour them. Thetas volunteer at one house as "docents" all weekend, monitoring the rooms and mingling with the guests. It is a great way to meet CASAs, Theta Alums, and other influential people in Topeka. This year, we will be helping on the 23rd and 24th for the Holiday Homes Tour.

CASA Holiday Homes Tour

The third event we are partaking in is of course the Junior Achievement Benefit Auction. It will be the evening of the 23rd, and I have gotten several women, along with some men from a few fraternities on campus to come to the auction and monitor the tables, while doing whatever else we need to do to keep the auction running smoothly. The larger items will have to be carried up to the stage, so I imagine that will be part of the job. I am excited to see how it goes, and am also looking forward to how much we are going to raise for JA! This Facebook page has some relevant information to this event:

Junior Achievement "Invest in Success" Benefit Auction

New Responsibilities as an Intern

For the past few months, I have been working mainly as a volunteer, and helped with the Junior Achievement of Kansas "Invest in Success" Benefit Auction, to take place on November 23rd. Recently, I have been given some opportunities to get involved with the volunteer recruiting and programming of JA. I have been finding classroom information from all of the elementary schools in USD 501, finding the teachers, classrooms, grades, and students in each, so that JA can start asking teachers and planning on getting programming into those classes in the spring.

I have also gotten the chance to begin helping with a project for the 2013 Business Laureate Announcement. Every year, JA announces Laureates to be put in the Junior Achievement Business Laureate Hall of Fame for their contribution to Junior Achievement or the Topeka Community. It is to inspire students to go big and try to make a difference out in the world. I think it is not only a great way to recognize great people in our community, but it is great publicity for Junior Achievement, and may even inspire someone in the future to follow in their footsteps.

I, as a neutral nonmember of Junior Achievement, have to administer a survey to the board, because I am evidently unaffiliated with Junior Achievement (a.k.a they don't pay me). I'm a little confused why they are having me do it; I think it is to just get an idea of things they are doing right, and things they could do better. It is good to get feedback, because criticism really does even help good programs improve. It will be interesting to sift through all of the opinions and learn from them to see what works and what doesn't, when running this particular non profit organization.

Why YOU Should Consider Becoming a JA Volunteer

It is safe to say, that if I did  not have this opportunity to be an intern at JA, I would never have become a volunteer. I just filled the spots that they were missing, and am doing anything they ask me to do. I want to encourage and inspire others discover that Junior Achievement is so fun, yet serious. It can make a huge impact in students academics and help them realize the importance of school, goals, and a future career. JA usually finds volunteers from within businesses around time, usually banks or corporations. Normally, they still pay you for the time you spend teaching JA. The time spent, though, is only one hour a week for six weeks. It's pretty simple! Such a small time commitment can really make a huge difference. kansasja.org  has the most current contact information for JA in the Topeka and surrounding areas. Even if you're not sure, give them a call!

Today, I gave my second session at Landon Middle School, and a first session at Eisenhower Middle School. I encountered some bumps along the way, but all in all, they were good sessions. The Eisenhower class was in the morning, and it was a smaller class than I had at Landon. There were only 12 students present, so it was easy to keep their attention. It wasn't as good as my first run at Landon, but I think I got across to some of the students, at least. For the last 10 minutes I shared my experience so far in college (academically), and they asked me questions about school. Mrs. Arnold, the class teacher, was very helpful in this area. We talked about how the foundations learned in middle and high school really help you later on.

At Landon, my class was extra rowdy. It was hard to keep their focus, and their teacher had a headache and was communicating with them through the projector screen with Microsoft Word. I would try to talk, and see everyone's eyes shift toward the screen, look back, and discovered that he was just adding his own commentary. Safe to say, we made it through about half of the activities that were planned for that session. Oh, did I mention, half of the class left in the middle of the session because of an honor roll assembly. So the rowdiness did commence at that point.

Just another day as a Junior Achievement Volunteer.

Networking with Non-Profits

The Westboro Ride Against Hate was a success! People of all ages met up at the Washburn bell tower earlier this evening, decorated their bikes with glow sticks, and else off into the night. We had a few stops on the way, one of which was the Equality (Rainbow) House across the street from the Westboro Baptist Church.

We talked to a member of the organization, Planting Peace, who actually painted the house. This organization raises awareness and funds programs for everything from same-sex marriage to environmentally friendly endeavors. It was interesting to hear the things Planting Peace did, and members of our group were interested in doing more. Sometimes there are connections made between different organizations, and that makes it so easy to hear about events, have a supportive group, and to also publicize each other's events. 

It's safe to say that being a member of a non profit has some perks. You get to hear about a bunch of other awesome organizations that are very inspiring and give you something you want to share with others. You get to be "in the know" of more things happening in the community, by other non profits. 

First JA Press Conference

Okay, so it wasn't an exclusively JA press conference, but it was definitely exciting! This past Wednesday, I went with the JA of Kansas President, Amy, to the Topeka Country Club. There, we met many other leaders of prominent non-profits from the Topeka area. 

The big news was being announced by Topeka Gives, an organization that fundraises as Topekans, for Topeka non-profits. Last summer, Topeka Gives had a huge fundraiser where $189,000 was raised in one day thanks to Topeka donors.

Evidently, the fundraiser was such a success that they have decided to have it again next summer! It is set for June 3, 2014 and that made Amy very excited. I still don't know how successful the event was for JA individually, but I am interested to hear how preparation works for an event like this! 

I'm still learning about the ways of these non-profit organizations over here, but I am literally learning and experiencing new things every day! 

Cyclists at Washburn: The Ride Against Hate

Cyclists at Washburn started as a club a few years ago at Washburn. Currently, it is an organization on campus that is not very active. But, this week, CAW is hosting a ride, but not just any bicycle ride; it is called the Westboro Ride Against Hate, to advocate tolerance in our community and support people of all sexual orientations.

The ride is to begin at the Washburn Bell Tower, at 7 p.m. this Friday, October 25th. The club is teaming up with members of the Topeka Community Cycle Project for this event. This ride will go through the Westboro neighborhood and past the Equality "Rainbow" House. The ride will end at College Hill's Pizza Pub, where riders can fuel up and hang out for as long as they wish. 

As a member of CAW, I would like to see more rides like this in the future, to not only advocate healthy living and bicycling in Topeka, but to also show support for deeper causes within our community. It gives me joy to do multiple things it love in the same organization. 

JA Economics for Success

Friday is almost here! That is when I will be teaching my first Junior Achievement Session at Landon Middle School. I am ready to introduce myself to the students and try and make a good first impression.

The program, Economics for Success, is about learning practical information about personal finance and the importance of education and possible future careers based on individuals' skills, interests, and values. As a student, it is important to learn about these because they help us find a profession that we can be passionate about. Some people are interested in sports, reading, math, serving, selling, fixing, and all sorts of other skills and activities. Any or all of these  could be a key part of who or what we will be in the future.

 I think these lessons are a very fun way to learn about educational goals, and a great way to see what kinds of careers these young people might be interested in doing one day.

TCCP: Topeka Community Cycle Project

The Topeka Community Cycle Project is a non-profit that was started about 5 years ago. It is near 5^th and Kansas Avenue, downtown. Unlike some other non-profits, it runs entirely on volunteering and donations. People donate used bikes, parts, and donations to continue the shop’s success. Anyone can come in and work on their bicycle, using the shop’s parts, or come in simply to volunteer. For every hour volunteered, you earn a shop credit, which can be used towards parts and even an “Earn-a-Bike” or EAB. EABs cost 5 volunteer hours. After volunteering 5 hours, you can go to the back and pick out a bicycle to work on and fix up (and then take home!)

What’s the catch? Why would people be giving away bikes left and right? The answer is, sustainability, health, and the love of bicycles. I know personally, I want more people to have access to bikes. It is a way to enjoy the outdoors, save money on gas, get exercise, and have fun! Plus, there are quite a few people that have a bicycle as their only mean of transportation. It is awesome to be able to support a diverse population like that, and help people who need it.

Bicycles are available to children under 13 for free, if they come in with a parent. There is a steady stream of bicycles coming in and out, constantly filling the needs of the many children that want to have a bicycle. Topeka Community Cycle Project is a great organization that does more than have open shop hours. It has a great mission and vision. Check it out at:

 www.cycleproject.org

Olivia Marshall: Newest Junior Achievement Volunteer

I’m excited to say that I am officially a Junior Achievement Volunteer! Last week, Tracey (our volunteer organizer) “trained” me. It consisted of talking about my experience with children and topics like that. I have had quite a bit of experience at after school programs throughout the past few years, and feel quite comfortable in a classroom of children. I got assigned my school, schedule, and got the teacher contact info, so I can coordinate some pre-program items before the classes begin.

Tracey handed me a kit and a program book, and I started looking at all of the activities I will be teaching and running at the sessions. It consisted of a bunch of fun activities and tools to play games, take surveys, and learn more about how to make good financial decisions and think about what one may be interested in doing professionally, later in life.

I remember when Junior Achievement Volunteers came to visit my elementary classrooms. It was always such a fun break from the normal class schedule, and I always had fun. Those little name tents, the finance games, and the discussions always excited me. The people who came to teach the classes always seemed so well-prepared, dressed nicely, and just seemed like nice, genuine people. I’m excited to be that person and help inspire children to dream big and start thinking about all the possibilities of their future. 

JA Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

Junior Achievement is having a Grand Opening and a ribbon cutting for their new location on Wanamaker Road! They moved from their offices in the Ramada Downtown, to the new offices,  July 2013. I have made a media advisory and alerted the media about this event, in hopes that they will come to cover it. I looked up all of the local magazines, newspapers, and TV stations in the Topeka Area, to see who the contact person would be for each place.

Junior Achievement of Kansas is more than ready to start anew in their snazzy new location. They have more space and less clutter, and this open space will hopefully create new ideas and motivation to continue bringing the best programs and volunteers into the Topeka and surrounding school districts.

As a non-profit, they need all the positive publicity available, and I think the Grand Opening is a great way to do it. By contacting the community of this positive change, it will help Junior Achievement continue to grow, with greater support.
 
The Grand Opening is taking place this Thursday, October 3rd, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.

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The First Few Days as a Junior Achievement Intern

A few weeks ago, I began my experience as a Junior Achievement of Kansas Intern! I have been learning about JA's vision, mission, programming, events, and much more. Junior Achievement is a national organization that helps children and teens plan for their futures as part of the global economy by inspiring them to succeed and think about their part in the professional world.

So far, I have done mostly fundraising efforts. The organization is having a Benefit Auction in October, and I have been calling local businesses to donate items. I get to go pick up the items, as well, and meet the Presidents, CEOs, and Owners of the companies. It is a good way to make connections, and learn about different professional areas.

 The most interesting day I had was when we went to KSNT (Channel 27 News) to film the Commercial for their Bowl-A-Thon happening in October. It was a unique experience being in a news studio, with anchors recording news clips, and seeing the young children getting to be in a commercial and remember lines. It was great seeing how the camera people and anchors interacted, and all of the work that goes into news production. I even got to test out the camera and sit in the news anchor chair. It was a great day. I learned about broadcasting in person, and was able to support a wonderful cause at the same time.

My Non Profit Experiences

This blog is dedicated to my new discoveries in the Non-Profit community in Topeka. I am involved with several organizations in Topeka, and am going to share my experiences in all of them as they occur. The main organizations I will be covering are CASA, the Topeka Community Cycle Project, and Junior Achievement of Kansas. I am so excited to start sharing my involvement with each of these wonderful organizations!