Post-Break Update

[Emily Dillon]

(Notice the rhyme in the subject? I did!)

Hey guys!

Welcome back from break.  Although we are all sad to be back at school doing work, let's make the most of our time here and do some service.  TIME SENSITIVE INFORMATION IN THE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AREA so pay attention to that.

Remember: 

(1) Little Friends for Peace tomorrow, meet at 3:30 at stamp bus stop.  I won't be there- Lauren Houser is taking the lead.  Any questions or commitments to come go to lauren...@gmail.com.

(2) Also, we are doing a food drive for St. Marks.  They are super low on food right now.  Bring non-perishables to CSC.

Other Service Events or Opportunities in the Area

(1) From our own Charles Ferry- information for graduating seniors and/or animal lovers:

Do you know a young Catholic who would like a Peace Corps-like experience?  Someone who loves animals and would enjoy helping instill a love of animals and a love of learning in kids as they spend a year living in a spiritual community?  

PAL is happy to have formed a partnership with the Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps. CAP Corps volunteers spend are young adults live in house together and share a spiritual community for a year.  Each household members goes forth daily to work in social justice organizations.  Youth receive a stipend, transportation and housing.

Beginning in the Fall of 2010, a CAP Corps volunteer will be working as the site assistant for PAL Club at Stanton Elementary.   They will help with creating curriculum, planning events, ensuring classrooms are stocked and prepared, leading classroom activities and… introducing PAL kids to lots of animals!   If you know a young adult who would be interested, please encourage them to visit this website:   http://www.capuchin.com and contact re...@peopleanimalslove.org for a job description.

(2) Via Ann Gradowski- information on working with the visually impaired

Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, a nonprofit organization serving people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired living in the Washington metropolitan area, is recruiting volunteers to serve as Readers and Friendly Visitors.

Participants in the Readers & Friendly Visitors program are adult volunteers who are matched one-on-one with blind or visually impaired adults.  Volunteers arrange weekly meetings with consumers at their homes to assist with activities, such as reading mail, grocery shopping or running errands.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Jocelyn Hunter at 202-454-6422 or jhu...@clb.org to register for an upcoming orientation.

(3) Capital Area Association for Peace Studies Announces its 23rd Annual Student Conference, Peace and Justice for Our Planet. Hosted by Georgetown University on Saturday April, 10th 

WHO:  Attention students in DC, Maryland and Virginia.  You are invited to present your best intellectual, academic, artistic or activist work on peace, justice, social change, and the survival of the planet in a supportive setting at Georgetown University on Saturday April 10^th.  Be part of a vibrant community of peace educators and students to enhance your learning and build a regional network.  This free conference is a welcoming and hospitable environment for young people to gain professional experience presenting or moderating, inviting feedback on their work, sharing activism, and networking for internships or jobs.  Students will hear speakers, interact with representatives of non-profit organizations, and join in collective activities (meals, music, movement, etc.).  Diverse visions and definitions of peace and justice are welcomed.  There are NO fees to attend or exhibit.  It is free.

WHAT:  Students submit a proposal to the faculty person at their school by March 22nd for the following:   

A Paper.  Papers with similar themes or topics will be organized into sessions featuring 2 or 3 presenters. Each person will have15 to 20 minutes to present, followed by commentary and questions-and-answers.  We are looking for students to present and moderate.

A Roundtable.  This is a more informal session among several participants, each of whom gives a 3-4 minute summary of his or her ideas on a common theme or issue, before opening up the discussion for everyone to comment.   Student moderators keep track of time and ensure everyone has a chance to speak.

A Workshop.  These are designed to be experiential or practical in nature. Workshop presenters share their expertise with participants, provide practical exercises, or lead demonstrations of skills. Past workshops have been organized around topics such as career and professional development, conflict resolution skills, action and reflection for social justice, lobbying, teaching tolerance, among many other skills.

Contact: University of Maryland, Dottie Chicquelo, Assistant Director and Instructor, Office of Multi Ethnic Students: chi...@umd.edu

Ok that's it for now.  Have good time in classes tomorrow! :)

Emily