As defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, volunteerism is the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service. Many college students are familiar with this term due to required service hours and personal motivations. At Kean University, students have acquired new skills and experiences as a result of volunteering.
Helping Younger Hands is a service organization that focuses on educating and bringing awareness to students about the prevalent issues that today's youth are challenged with. They prioritize community service projects and events in order to expand their positivity beyond the campus. This club is open to students of all majors, especially those interested in working with children, teaching, or educating.
Helping Younger Hands Club often collaborates with Bernice's Place in Elizabeth, NJ. In the past, they've organized holiday parties and events for the children that frequent this facility. Last year, the club raised enough funds to make the holidays special for 50 families.
Another club on the rise at Kean is the newly recognized Students Against Animal Cruelty Club (S.A.A.C.). The mission of S.A.A.C. is to inform the Kean community about animal cruelty and cruelty prevention.
S.A.A.C. works hard to provide members with volunteer opportunities. The organization holds fundraisers, and food and toy drives to assist animals and their owners in need of assistance.
“I find that volunteering is a part of what teaches us to have compassion and allows us to slowly learn that we can make a difference even if it is in someone else’s life or an animal’s life,” said Evelio Calderon, president of S.A.A.C.
Save Our Animals Bake Sale is the S.A.A.C.’s first ever fundraising event. The sale will be held in the Miron Student Center Atrium at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 31.
The organization hopes all, especially interested members, can come out to support their event. To be a part of S.A.A.C, students can go to their Cougar Link page and make a request to join.
The National Council Of Negro Women, Inc (NCNW) Kean University Section is another organization that is rooted in volunteerism. Their mission is to lead, develop and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. The NCNW participates in community service both on and off campus.
On Monday, October 31, the Center of Leadership and Service will be hosting their volunteer-based event, Harvest Day in Linden. The NCNW is seeking volunteers and, if interested, students can email keanncnw@kean.edu to participate.
These are just some of the clubs at Kean that provide consistent volunteer opportunities. To learn more about volunteerism and discover additional clubs, students can visit Cougar Link.
