2008 Woodie Awards
Helping Hands
For some UVM students, giving back to the community that we call home is just what they need
Colin Constantine
Issue date: 4/8/08 Section: Features
There are so many ways for a student to spend his or her time at UVM. Some find part-time jobs, others study excessively and of course, many fall prey to partying just a little too much.
Still, there is one way in particular that students choose to spend their time, and that is doing volunteer work. But what motivates these students to help out on Saturdays, or even their entire spring break, instead of simply doing something else? Is there some underlying reason for this selflessness, or are these students truly acting out of the kindness of their hearts?
And why do other students choose not to take action? Is it because they simply cannot, or are there other factors involved?
"I know how important and fun it was to have someone old to look up to. I wanted to do that for others, help them learn and experience new things away from home," Janet MacDonald, the program coordinator for DREAM (Directing through Recreation Education Adventure and Mentoring) said. "I mean, who doesn't want to be a little kid every once in a while, right?"
DREAM is just one of the many examples of student-run volunteer programs at UVM. Founded by college students, the program aims to empower disadvantaged children through mentoring, and helps kids work toward achieving their goals.
According to the DREAM Web site, "Each week, students bring the children in the program to their college campus for a combination of group and one-on-one activities. Group activities are age-appropriate, and the individual activities are tailored to the specific needs and interests of each child in the program."
VIA (Volunteers In Action), which is also a student-run organization, acts as a hub for a variety of volunteer programs like the Prison Project, Alternative Spring Break and Pets Helping People, according to their Web site.
"I think it's a great model because it is student-run," VIA Director of Programs, Carrie McLane, said, "It's all planned out by students and run by students, and people have so much fun doing it."
Still, there is one way in particular that students choose to spend their time, and that is doing volunteer work. But what motivates these students to help out on Saturdays, or even their entire spring break, instead of simply doing something else? Is there some underlying reason for this selflessness, or are these students truly acting out of the kindness of their hearts?
And why do other students choose not to take action? Is it because they simply cannot, or are there other factors involved?
"I know how important and fun it was to have someone old to look up to. I wanted to do that for others, help them learn and experience new things away from home," Janet MacDonald, the program coordinator for DREAM (Directing through Recreation Education Adventure and Mentoring) said. "I mean, who doesn't want to be a little kid every once in a while, right?"
DREAM is just one of the many examples of student-run volunteer programs at UVM. Founded by college students, the program aims to empower disadvantaged children through mentoring, and helps kids work toward achieving their goals.
According to the DREAM Web site, "Each week, students bring the children in the program to their college campus for a combination of group and one-on-one activities. Group activities are age-appropriate, and the individual activities are tailored to the specific needs and interests of each child in the program."
VIA (Volunteers In Action), which is also a student-run organization, acts as a hub for a variety of volunteer programs like the Prison Project, Alternative Spring Break and Pets Helping People, according to their Web site.
"I think it's a great model because it is student-run," VIA Director of Programs, Carrie McLane, said, "It's all planned out by students and run by students, and people have so much fun doing it."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Mark
posted 4/11/08 @ 10:22 PM EST
I would really like to tip my hat to the folks of the UVM Dream program. As a father to 5 kids that are in or have been in the program, they have been a great addition into the lives of our kids. (Continued…)
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