A Pirate’s Guide to
Service
A publication of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center
Holocaust Awareness Day Congratulations 2011 Graduates!
Between 1933 and 1945, approximately 11 million people were killed during The Holocaust. The world was shocked when news spread of this tragedy; people wondered how such a thing could happen. We know today that hatred, racism and fear enabled this genocide. Each year, the world remembers this great tragedy in world history. We stand to remember those who died, those who lost loved ones, and those brave enough to fight against a power seemingly stronger than themselves. On April 18, 2011, East Carolina University hosted a Holocaust Awareness Day on the mall. Beginning at 6:30 a.m., volunteers stood to recite names of those fallen. Luminaries bearing the names of some of the victims, were placed along the walkways that afternoon. As evening fell, volunteers lit the candles in each of the nearly 1,000 lumunaries placed along the sidewalks. The sight was breathtaking. As students wandered around the mall, they stopped to remember those who have been, and still are being affected by such crimes against humanity. As we witness such memorials, it becomes evident that we must remember and learn from the past in order to alter the future for the better. Change must begin with us, and it can begin here on our own campus.
As graduation grows closer and closer, Dr. Seuss’ famous words resonate throughout the halls. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose... Oh! The Places You’ll Go!” Walking across the stage this May will be several students who have spent years working diligently with the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. We want to personally thank them for all of their hard work! We know as you head off into the world that you will do wonderful things! Dory Evans Brett Hahn Quintara Jernigan Michael Kratzer Nandita Roe Shoneice Sconyers Jade Shields Parteek Singla Charisse Stevens Cassie Stultz
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Volunteer Spotlight: Parteek Singla
FROGGS- Friends of Greenville Greenways Student Staff Positions Available
Calendar of VSLC Upcoming Events
Volunteer Spotlight East Carolina University
Meet Parteek Singla!
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Every student who comes through the figurative doors to East Carolina’s campus does so carrying a unique set of experiences. Each has a different understanding of the world around them, an understanding which will be shaped and molded over their years at the university. When Parteek Singla came to ECU, he already knew the impact service could have on others. It was what he did with that knowledge that makes the difference.
Parteek has been volunteering since he was 7 years old. His family would go together to the local shelter here in Greenville on Saturday mornings and serve breakfast as a family. When he was 9 years old, Parteek worked with the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation to raise money for a special swing set. He was able to raise the money and see a swing set installed, enabling children with cerebral palsy to play on the same playground as their peers. This is only the beginning of Parteek’s story. He has collected over 400 books for children in Africa, collected over 15,000 medical supplies for the American Red Cross to use after the tsunami in South East Asia, and much more. In fact, Parteek has started his own nonprofit. As a freshman at ECU, Parteek started his nonprofit, “Kids with Knowledge.” Based in the United States, Uganda and Ghana, the program offers aide to women and children. They offer a scholarship fund for girls, allowing them the chance to receive an education that would have otherwise been unavailable to them. They also equip maternity wards the government had built. These wards were built in an effort to reduce the high infant mortality rate. However, women chose not to use them owing to the uncomfortable metal beds and lack of equipment. In the week after Kids with Knowledge outfitted one, 10 children were born in the space. Parteek’s goal is to utilize small, sustainable projects to make a big impact. Kids with Knowledge, and the numerous other causes he is involved in (such as providing eyeglasses to those in need and funds for cataract surgeries) do just that: make a big impact. So what is next for this young humanitarian? Parteek is headed to medical school in the fall. He plans to use his knowledge of medicine to further his impact in the world. “I’ve been so blessed in my life,” Parteek told me, “I want to be able to give some of that to others.” If you would like more information on how to get out and make a difference like Parteek, come by the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center on the first floor of the Old Cafeteria Complex.
“Truest success is but the development of self.” - Charles Atlas
Community Partner Profile
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FROGGS- Friends of Greenville Greenways
East Carolina University
It is really nice to be able to escape the bustle of traffic and enjoy nature at its best. There is one organization in Greenville that is working to ensure that we will always be able to do so. In 2004, the city of Greenville revised its Greenway Master Plan. FROGGS, or Friends of Greenville Greenways was formed shortly after in order to promote greenway development in Pitt County. Officially a nonprofit in 2006, FROGGS has worked to promote the beautiful parts of our city.
FROGGS
FROGGS is dedicated to building a greenway system that “Contributes to the revitalization of downtown Greenville, Provides additional recreational and fitness options within the city, creates safe, interconnected routes for pedestrians and bicyclists, Preserves open spaces, green spaces, and critical wildlife habitat, Enhances water quality protection and Provides endless educational opportunities.” They lobby, raise money and host social and educational events in order to enable the construction of the greenways we see around Greenville today. Recently, FROGGS raised $7000 to install benches, picnic tables, and trash cans along the South Tar River Greenway. FROGGS is run by an eight member board and loads of contributing volunteers and members. The Greenville city staff is also heavily involved in the work they do. On June 11, 2011, a brand new greenway will open at Greensprings Park on 5th Street. This greenway provides a link of sorts to the other greenways in the area (see map). Marianne Montgomery, co-chair of FROGGS said, “I work at ECU, and I ride my bike to work each day on the greenway. I think greenways are vital to smart, sustainable development in Greenville and are an important part of our town. I’m proud of the work that FROGGS is doing to spread the word about greenways!”
The Friends of Greenville Greenways
FROGGS is always looking for volunteers to help them keep Greenville green and healthy. They always need students to volunteer at events and are also excited to help people get involved in service projects. For more information, send an e-mail to froggsgreenville@gmail.com.
Staff Positions Available Are you interested in giving back to your campus and local community while making new friends and building up your resume? If so, a position at the Volunteer and Service-Learning may be right for you! The Volunteer and Service-Learning Center is seeking dedicated students who want to make a difference. Positions are available in ECU~Reads/Writes/Counts, The Campus Kitchen at ECU, Service Learning Associates, Pirate Playtime, and many more! For a full listing, go to www.ecu.edu/vslc. This is a great way to get involved! Apply today!
Calendar of Upcoming Events
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Wednesday, April 27 Give & Go Campus Residence Halls 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers will be receiving and organizing donations from on-campus residents. For more information, please contact Michael Loeffelman at loeffelmanm@ecu.edu or 252-328-2735. Saturday, April 30 Walk MS Greenville Town Commons 6 a.m.-3 p.m. Volunteers will help with set-up and clean-up while manning the rest stop for walkers. They will also help with food service, entertainment, (face painting, etc.) photography, and registration. Please contact Paula Lipford at 919-792-1017 or paula.lipford@nmss.org. Wednesday, May 4 Give & Go Campus Residence Halls 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers will be receiving and organizing donations from on-campus residents. For more information, please contact Michael Loeffelman at loeffelmanm@ecu.edu or 252-328-2735.
Thursday, May 5 Council on Aging Volunteer Luncheon Boys and Girls Club- Firetower 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Volunteers will be setting up tables and chairs, platforms, tables and accessories. Please contact Gus Benson at gwbenson@ pittcoa.com. Monday, May 16 Campus Kitchen Shift to Operation Sunshine Todd Dining Hall 2 p.m.- 6 p.m. Volunteers will be heating and serving food to the children at Operation Sunshine. Volunteers must wear long pants and closed toed shoes, and should meet in the lobby of Todd Dining Hall by 2 p.m. For more information, or to sign up, contact Katie Winn at winnk@ecu.edu. For more volunteer opportunities, visit the Volunteer and Service-Learning at www.ecu.edu/vslc.
An ECU student paints children’s faces at the 5th Annual Pirate Fest Celebration on Saturday, April 9, 2011.
Blood Donation Fact Type O negative is the universal blood type that can be safely transfused to anyone. Regardless of your blood type, someone needs it! Save a life. Donate today. Source: www.bnl.gov
April 2011
Judy Baker, Institutional and Community Development Consultant Jessica Gagne Cloutier, Service-Learning Coordinator Michael Loeffelman, Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer and Service-Learning Center Shawn Moore, Community Partner Coordinator Old Cafeteria Complex 252-328-2735 (phone) 252-328-0139 (fax) Alice Tyson, Office Manager www.ecu.edu/vslc vslc@ecu.edu Katie Winn, AmeriCorps*Vista Member