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Read: Civic Engagement Fair

Walking to the Civic Engagement Fair, I had the feeling of joy and curiousity - much like I would if I had just stepped into The Strawberry Fest or the State Fair. People were everywhere! Talking, eating, smiling, laughing...

I also felt intimidated when it came time to find a non profit organization to question. Although I am a journalist and am used to asking questions, I felt like I would hog up the spot light for other students interested, so I decided to walk around and see what impressions I got from the way the organizations presented themselves without talking. Did their table have color, pictures, freebies? Were any students or civilians approaching their table? Did they seem happy to be there?

Surprisingly, I didn't find many representatives who tried to get my attention. No one seemed to make their cause worthy. Where was the enthusiasm? The sense of pride they had for who they worked with? I felt very discouraged. So, I approached the Habitat For Humanity table, and looked at their brochures, their board, and listened to the guy talk to a peer.

I have to say, I think this would be a great organization to consider to donate to if we could find out more about it. Javier's post reminded me of this because although the people who qualify for these homes are not completely homeless, they are people from all different backgrounds who are in a crowded home, have unsanitary conditions, and have a reasonably steady job. Find out more here.

Not only does it help people create a home for themselves, it gets the community involved and it also uses environmentally friendly ways.

This is exactly why I joined LLS. After reading what the program sought to do, I knew I had to be apart of it my first year in college because I knew it would lead to a better life for myself. I know I, as one person, can make a difference simply by speaking on behalf of organizations and causes I believe in, and making others care too. Words are powerful, and can persuade anyone to do anything.

As I research what non-profit I feel deserves the grant, I see how others have made a difference. Creating a foundation is a big step toward making a difference. They are all leaderss - people who act, not just talk.

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You churned up some memories I made at the CEF.  

RE: freebies.  While I was talking to one of the non-profits, a student came up and stuck their hand in a bow full of candy, grabbed a handful, and just walked away.  They didn't even attempt to make conversation, say hi, or even say thank you.  I rolled my eyes and apologized on behalf of all students.  The rep said it happens all the time.

RE: lack of enthusiasm.  In another class I have, we discussed the CEF today.  One of the points made was how many non-profits packed up early.  Our teacher said that when everything is taken into consideration, the CEF doesn't really recruit long standing volunteers.  Folks may show up once or twice, get their required hours or information, and disappear.  I'm not defending the non-profits for a lack of energy on their part, but I do understand it.

As for Habitat for Humanity, I'm a big fan.  Talk about paying it forward.  It reminds me of  when folks used to do a ‘barn raisings’ for their neighbors. ~Boda

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Check this place out ----> Vincent House It was started by a man whose daughter was Bipolar and has grown to be a tremendous success although smaller in terms of volume they are much more successful than Northside Mental Health in my opinion. Its a tremendous example of paying it forward.--Javier

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RE: I like this idea, although, I'm not sure whether it deals more with homelessness or the environment. I think that before we set our hearts on something it's important to know exactly what they do. I think we should look more into habitat for humanity and see what it's really all about. I know that you said that you would also like to know more about the organization. We should most definitely look into this and find out more information. -ALY B :D

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Andrea, you make several good points and your essay is well written.  I can tell you have a journalism slant to your writing - which is a good thing.  I think maybe what it might lack is either an emotional anecdote or hook just to warm it up a bit.  It doesn't necessarily need be a tear jerker, but something to allow your reader to empathize with the HFH cause.  Perhaps you can research a local resident that received a house through HFH.  ~ Jay Boda

Pirate Pad results:

The feelings of joy and curiousity came across me as I entered the civic engagment fair. It was a feeling much like if I would I had just stepped into The Strawberry Fest or the State Fair. People were everywhere! There was talking, eating, smiling, and laughing.   WHAT'S DUE ON FRIDAY??? look online!!  

  n it came time to find a non profit organization to question I froze. I thought to myself what should I ask?  Although I am a journalist and I am used to asking questions, I felt like I would take the spot light away from other students interested, so I decided to walk around and see what impressions I got from the way the organizations presented themselves without talking. Did their table have color, pictures, freebies? Were any students or civilians approaching their table? Did they seem happy to be there?

 Surprisingly, I didn't find many representatives who tried to get my attention. No one seemed to make their cause worthy. Where was the enthusiasm? The sense of pride they had for who they worked with? I felt very discouraged. So, I approached the Habitat For Humanity table, and looked at their brochures, their board, and listened to the guy talk to a peer. 

homework:

1. feedback

2. drafts will reach 3,00o words minimum

3.portfolio

4.  mixmaster blogs

The feelings of joy and curiousity came across me as I entered the civic engagment fair. It was a feeling much like if I would I had just stepped into The Strawberry Fest or the State Fair. People were everywhere! There was talking, eating, smiling, and laughing.   WHAT'S DUE ON FRIDAY??? look online!!  

  n it came time to find a non profit organization to question I froze. I thought to myself what should I ask?  Although I am a journalist and I am used to asking questions, I felt like I would take the spot light away from other students interested, so I decided to walk around and see what impressions I got from the way the organizations presented themselves without talking. Did their table have color, pictures, freebies? Were any students or civilians approaching their table? Did they seem happy to be there?

 Surprisingly, I didn't find many representatives who tried to get my attention. No one seemed to make their cause worthy. Where was the enthusiasm? The sense of pride they had for who they worked with? I felt very discouraged. So, I approached the Habitat For Humanity table, and looked at their brochures, their board, and listened to the guy talk to a peer. 

homework:

1. feedback

2. drafts will reach 3,00o words minimum

3.portfolio

4.  mixmaster blogs

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Uh oh... Am I looking in the wrong place?  I'm looking for the ultra-3000word-remix version of your excellent essay.  Help! ~ Boda

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Andrea - hope this isn't too late to help you.  Possible ideas to explore to get your essay more expansive might be to:

1) talk about a lack of housing available to low-wage earners in the area to bolster why you believe in HFH

2) speak to the history of communities helping each other (barn raisings, beach clean ups, blood drives, etc)

3) provide a story of someone helped through HFC or similar program? what kind of road were they going down before being helped?  where are they now? 

4) show how federal/state/city money helping poor families are being cut

Hopefully this with some of the ideas provided earlier can help you flesh out your WTE piece.  Again, I meant to get this to you yesterday.  Sowwy.  ~ Boda