CSN activities foster community service

T he Community Service Network is planning a week and a half of activities (March 22-31) to encourage and increase the recognition of community service activism among students and staff. This marks the first time that students have planned such an event on campus.

CSN, a student organization operating out of the Dean of Students Office, exists to establish and implement programs that foster lifelong commitment to social responsibility and multicultural understanding through dedicated and compassionate service. Currently, CSN coordinates 17 weekly community service activities involving over 200 students and is responsible for the planning and implementation of Wilson Day, an event held during first-year orientation each fall. At Wilson Day '98, over 800 students participated in service activities at some 50 agencies.

CSN's community service efforts were rewarded recently when it won the prestigious $10,000 Goergen Grant for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning in the College. It's the first time a student group has won such an award. The grant will be used to create the Rochester Public and Community Service Fund. Students hope that it will draw the attention of University alumni and friends with a commitment to community service, thereby soliciting their support to increase the scope of community service programming on campus. The new fund will be used to create continuing opportunities for students to do community service, as well as help develop service learning opportunities on campus.

Often, students who are involved in community service follow the example set by an older adult. In recognition of such people, as part of Community Service Awareness Week, CSN is seeking nominations of staff or faculty members who have led by example in their commitment to community service. The recipient of the award will be someone who is involved with members of the student body in some form of voluntarism. Nomination forms are available at the CSN office, Morey 310. The deadline for submissions is April 5.

For information on Community Service Awareness Week planned events available to faculty and staff, see Currents' calendar. Events are sponsored by several University student organizations, including CSN, Hillel, the Newman Community, the Golden Key Honor Society, and the Women's Caucus.