Civic Engagement Projects
Collections for Shelters
Project: Support for homeless women and children in Dakota County. Students conducted a campus wide collection of general household items for Lewis House and Dakota Woodlands.
Date: Month of November 2006.
Students made posters, table tents, flyers and sent information and announcements via email and advertized on the campus monitors the event. Students visited classrooms. The students decorated a bulletin board supporting the cause and provided information about the problem of homelessness due to domestic violence in the community. Resource phone numbers were visible for those in need. Reminder messages were sent throughout the month to alert campus that accepting of donations was still going on.
Event: Labeled boxes were distributed to key entrance locations on campus to facilitate donation of goods. Students collected articles from these locations daily. Larger items were brought directly to the department. The students also placed appropriately labeled containers at the cafeteria check out lane in case contributions of cash were given.
Results: Leadership and communication skills within the class were evident as some students assumed the responsibility of visiting class rooms, writing emails and preparing table tents and flyers.
Nineteen boxes of items were delivered to the Community Action Council office located in Roseville by students. The $20.00 collected was also donated.
The students were involved in civic engagement to benefit a population of people in need in their community. It was a first time experience for some to volunteer. All students were encouraged to continue to participate in a volunteer capacity in the future.