MEC STUDENTS VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

Katherine Henriques

The American Democracy Project (ADP) offered me the opportunity to participate as a panelist in a discussion of civic engagement. Initially, I found this to be challenging for I did not consider myself to be civically active. After a little research, I realized that I partake in a large array of civic related activities. Participating on the panel broadened my knowledge and definition of civic engagement. I am now aware that this can take place on several levels, and does not only include voting on Election Day. Activities such as community service, volunteer work, and any other activity geared toward the advancement of one’s community are all aspects of civic engagement. The seminar also forced me to conceive possible ways of increasing the number of civically involved first generation American born students. Being the first-born United States citizen of a West Indian family, I am more aware of current events overseas as opposed to the happenings in this nation. I believe unawareness is one of the causes of the lack of civic participation among first generation American students. Students need to be more informed of the important roles they play in their communities. Those who are aware may be hesitant or uncertain of how to get involved. The American Democracy Project offers this information to students in a manner that is most beneficial to them, and makes it easier for them to understand the importance of their voice in civic activity. Participating in the seminar was a wise decision. I plan to continue my involvement with the American Democracy Project.

Cheryl McMeo

“Whatever you do will come back to you; in life one must give in order to receive.”

My name is Cheryl McMeo. I am presently a volunteer at the New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. I started volunteering from Monday, January 7, 2002 to the present. I choose to volunteer in the Labor and Delivery Department because my ultimate goal is to earn a Masters of Art Degree in Midwifery and become a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).

As a volunteer, my job entails assisting with the triaging of patients, visiting with and comforting patients during all stages of delivery, observation of births, transportation of patients to the Mother/Baby Unit, and assisting with non-medical ancillary tasks when necessary, light clerical duties, and so much more.

Volunteering together with my great academic standing enables me to receive many benefits such as scholarships and awards. I received the Dr. Cecil Gloster Memorial scholarship consecutively in 2002 and 2003, The Mayor Owens Congressional Black Caucus scholarship and the SGA scholarship in 2002. I was also one of the recipients of The United Hospital Fund Volunteer Service Award and received the 150 Lifetime Hour Award at the annual volunteer recognition celebration in May, 2003.

I strongly believe that going to college is not about getting good grades. Students should volunteer, be very active in their college by joining one of the many clubs at MEC and maintain a good grade point average (GPA). Volunteering makes one a well-rounded individual. In the recruitment of new employees, organizations look for well rounded individuals.

Every Monday I look forward to going to the hospital to do my volunteer work. Volunteering enables me to learn more about my field and to receive the hands on training I need. I feel a sense of achievement whenever I volunteer. I encourage everyone to volunteer. Volunteering is giving back to your community and to yourself.

Volunteering is the sharing of love and the receiving of merit.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ACCOUNTANTS (NABA)

MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE CHAPTER

The National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA) for the people of the community, faculty, staff, and students free of charge. Student members, alumni, and friends of NABA-MEC chapter usually conduct this program during the month of January to April. This service is available on Saturdays from 10:00 – 2:00 pm. Services provided are: Federal and State done on Paper and E-filing, standardized or itemized.

HAITIAN AMERICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION (HASA)

MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE

The Haitian American Student Association (HASA) is about to embark on an enrichment pilgrimage that will facilitate change in every facet of its twelve participants lives. The 7^th annual Haitian Student Conference hosted by the Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey is an excellent forum for students to be empowered to be pioneers for change in society and the lives of their counterparts in various parts of the world.

The conference will take place April 2-4, 2004. In addition to making provision for networking and socializing, the conference offers many workshops that will ultimately benefit the Medgar Evers Family. Some workshops include: US influence on Haitian Culture, Human Rights and Haitians, Health and Economy, Crisis in Haiti, and Haitian American Experience

It has been the defining mark and the legacy of the conference that it leaves students robust with knowledge of their civic responsibility to the society in which they inhabit. The Haitian Student Conference gives students a road map that directs them to find heir niche in society and thus, with an understanding of where they belong, students are better able to serve.

From previous results, it can be inferred that the conference is a worthwhile investment since it results in a symbiotic relationship; where the students become engaged in activities geared towards solving societal problems and lobbying for policies that attempt to metamorphose it into a pseudo-utopia.

Rice& Peas or Black Eyed Peas

Joloff for some…

What's the Difference?

The P.I.A.P committee (Peas in a pod/Preserving the Identity of African People) began out of several conversations with students from various backgrounds - African American, Caribbean , and Continental African, who felt that the cultural difference on campus-- some how impaired student interaction. Many of the cultural differences were perceived in a stereotypical contexts - how did these constructs develop and how could we change them? So, some students from all of the above cultural backgrounds got together to talk about these concerns and issues. Thus, the P.I.A.P committee was formed and the concept for The Rice & Peas, Black Eyed Peas, Joloff rice for some...

What's the difference? We're all peas in a pod forum was developed. The planning took over a month.

It is The P.I.A.P committee's desire is to create unity among African, African American, and Caribbean communities here on campus and throughout the community. We strive to deconstruct our perceptions of one another and challenge our communities to become united with the intent of embracing one another’s difference and accepting our similarities.

Nana-Afua Boyd
Medgar Evers Student

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