A group of University students recently created an Oregon chapter of the college-aimed, community service oriented organization Circle K International, which focuses on volunteer projects that assist children and the larger community.
Also known as CKI, the University version of Kiwanis International was founded in 1936 at Washington State College, now Washington State University.
“Sometimes I think people forget to see Eugene as a community” and only see it as a college, said Laura Knollmeyer, a University junior and member of CKI.
Stephen Wanecke, a University sophomore and president of the Eugene CKI chapter, said he thinks a majority of students don’t tend to think about or participate in community service activities.
“I don’t know if they are conscious of (being selfish) but I certainly think it’s a problem in our generation because of the media and outside influences,” he said.
Wanecke’s process of bringing CKI to the University involved finding a local Kiwanis sponsor and adviser to attend meetings, working with a law student adviser who is an additional sponsor of the group and working with the ASUO to get the club recognized at the University.
The group of about 20 members holds weekly meetings Wednesdays at 7 p.m. around campus.
Wanecke said CKI’s mission of “developing college and university students into responsible citizens and leaders with a lifelong commitment to serving the children of the world,” posted on the organization’s Web site, expands to the children receiving help as well.
“It’s a chance to give back to our community and better equip less fortunate children, and hopefully it will have a ripple effect and they will be in our shoes one day,” he said.
As a member of Key Club International, the high school affiliate of Kiwanis, Knollmeyer developed her appreciation for helping others and decided she wants a career working with a non-profit organization.
“Through doing community service I’ve learned that you don’t think about yourself as much (but rather) how many other people need something,” she said. “Our lives mean so much more when we interact with others and help others.”
While working with both children and the elderly in Key Club, Knollmeyer said she grew to understand that most people just want somebody to listen and interact with.
“I think a lot of the kids, especially in the mentor program, feel really ignored. They need attention and to know they are important,” Knollmeyer said.
CKI, which requires four hours of community service each month, is working with Monroe Middle School in Eugene, tutoring students weekly, reading with them and helping with homework.
“It shows them with hard work and perseverance there’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Wanecke said. “We need to get the next generation of students prepared and ready to get here.”
Oregon had a CKI chapter a couple of years ago, but Wanecke said it fell apart because the students couldn’t generate the number of members needed to keep the group going.
“By this time next year I don’t think it’s out of reach to have 75 to 100 members,” he said. “A lot of people want and also need, such as the Greek system, to do community service.”
For those interested in joining the Oregon chapter of CKI, e-mail Wanecke at [email protected] or the group’s vice-president, Rebecca McKinley, at [email protected].
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