Michelle Brockway of Mother Jones magazine recently rated the University as the most active student body in America based on environmental awareness and voter turnout. Though many of these active students find plenty to do on campus, the surrounding community of Eugene offers some volunteerism opportunities not available within the campus grounds.
Volunteering in the community is an activity that can be a win-win situation for many students. Many volunteers agree that helping non-profit organizations allows individuals to learn about interesting activities or organizations, meet new people, beat boredom and gain perspective on life.
“There is no better way to understand your blessings than to help people in need,” said Christie Reinbold, a pre-journalism major.
According to the Lane Assistance Network, a database of community resources, one of the hardest parts of volunteering can be finding an opportunity that fits the individual’s personality, which can make or break an experience. Fortunately, the Eugene-Springfield area offers many different kinds of jobs, ranging from providing medical care to tutoring children to feeding baby birds.
Eugene houses many struggling families and individuals in need, a fact reflected in the numerous shelters and organizations available as resources for distressed people. Food For Lane County is probably the most well-known of these groups, distributing emergency food throughout Lane County through more than 60 helping agencies.
Food For Lane County also acts as a central referral agency for people in need of emergency food, providing both food boxes and food on-site. Programs offered through Food For Lane County are available to everyone. The Grassroots Garden is a seasonal opportunity, where people can learn and share gardening skills. Donated food is prepared and portioned through Food Rescue Express, and Kids Eat Too provides for children’s basic needs.
Animals need help, too, and Willamette Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is there to help. Dedicated to saving wildlife through rehabilitation and public education, a network of volunteers helps to ensure that birds and mammals receive the best care possible. In addition, the center designs education programs it says enhance awareness, appreciation and respect for Eugene’s wildlife.
For those interested in providing medical assistance to humans, options include the American Red Cross First Aid Service Team (FAST), HIV Alliance, Sacred Heart hospice and White Bird Clinic.
The FAST team provides temporary first aid at community events. Volunteers are trained in first aid and cover pre-scheduled functions.
HIV Alliance provides information and education on AIDS and HIV infection. Volunteers can help with support groups as well as the social and recreational program, respite care and meals for the HIV community. Trained volunteers can also visit patients at the Sacred Heart hospice, which provides care for patients with a limited life expectancy.
White Bird Clinic is another volunteer-training organization that offers courses and on-the-job experience in various areas of human services.
“I’m starting at the UO in the fall and I’ve taken a lot of psychology classes,” said Cindra, a White Bird trainee whose last name is omitted for privacy. “Part of the reason I decided to do this was because I’m considering it as a major.”
Volunteers at White Bird learn about all the services offered at the clinic. The training lasts 10 weeks for six hours per week. Three hours are spent in training and three hours are spent on the job in exchange for free classes. The clinic offers medical and dental care, CAHOOTS, crisis and homeless counseling, drug and alcohol aid, and an info line to direct people. Cindra said about half her training class was enrolled in the University but the age group ranged from 17 years to 50 years.
According to a Gallup poll on volunteering among teenagers, the age when young people start to volunteer seems to be very important in encouraging future participation. In 1995, more than one out of three teenagers, or six out of 10 teen volunteers, started volunteering by the age of 14. In 1991, the findings were similar.
“These findings reveal that volunteering is a habit that starts at an early age,” the Gallup organization reported.
For more information on volunteering in general and the advantages of volunteering, see www.thelane.net or efn.org/db/ community.
Do something good, volunteer
Daily Emerald
September 17, 2000
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