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SERVICE & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Every Sunday, volunteers go into the nursing homes and assisted living centers in the Aberdeen area and visit with the elderly. There were 14 volunteers that have totaled over 28 hours of service to date. Some of the activities include playing Wheel-of-Fortune, taking the individuals for walks outside, playing BINGO, and many more.
-Kids Voting: November 2006-
There were 26 volunteers that totaled over 52 hours of volunteer service for kids voting at four different precincts in Aberdeen. The volunteers helped youth learn about the process of an election by helping them vote. This also made them feel important because they got to vote "just like an adult.”
This was a new program for this year. Seven volunteers totaling over 140 hours of volunteer service gave their Native American Day weekend serving at the Black Hills Pow Wow. The group drove out to Rapid City on a 4-day trip over Native American Day weekend and learned about the Native American Culture. It was a great experience for the group to learn about the Native American culture, especially one that is prominent to South Dakota.
At this event there were 10 volunteers totaling over 100 hours of service. Volunteers helped SPURS set up and prepare for the barn dance by cleaning the barn, hauling tables and chairs, and setting up the stage. They also helped SPURS serve the meal at the barn dance and cleaned up afterwards.
The Clearinghouse provides a great environment to gain lifetime leadership skills. There were five student volunteers who totaled over 1705 hours of leadership. This means that they were in leadership positions while at the same time serving others. These leadership positions include the Volunteer Service Clearinghouse Advisory Board, the Alternative Spring Break planning, the pre-trip service day, Alternative Spring Break training at the ABC's, and Peer Helper training.
More than 50 high school students totaled over 1800 hours of volunteer service by actively participating in an on-going community service program at Central High School. Students meet every Thursday at 11am to discuss community issues with staff from various community-based organizations and to plan and promote service opportunities. Projects annually include: a blood drive with United Blood Services, holiday bell-ringing for the Salvation Army, frequent Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups, the National Letter Carriers Food Drive, and more.
The Clearinghouse worked directly with Brown County Code Enforcement to identify the need for this project. Forty-eight volunteers scrapped and painted five sheds and two houses that totaled over 240 hours of volunteer time over the course of three days. The property belonged to an elderly couple in the Aberdeen area. Volunteers for this project were students from NSU, students & staff from the New Beginnings Center, and students & counselors from the NSU Upward Bound program.
-Youth Leadership In the Arts: March 2005 - April 2005-
Nine high school-age youth participated in this intensive six week-long training program to give participants the ability and desire to make meaningful, life-long contributions to their communities through volunteer service and career exploration. Participants learned leadership and service skills to implement a community service project in the Aberdeen community. This program is co-sponsored with the Aberdeen Area Career Planning Center.
-2005 Student Summit:
The Student Summit was resurrected through a collaborative effort with the Aberdeen City Commission. The Student Summit is a vehicle and an opportunity for the voices, ideas, and solutions of young people to be recognized and supported. Students and staff from Northern State University, Presentation College, Central High School, Roncalli High School, Aberdeen City Commission, YAPA, United Way, NADRIC/Avera St. Lukeís, The Salvation Army, Brown County Weed and Seed, and the ABC/Knight Foundation have been meeting monthly since February 2005 to coordinate the 2005 Summit which will be held November 19 on NSUís campus.
-Central High School LINK (Volunteer Connection): September 2004 - May 2005-
More than 25 high school students actively participated in an on-going community service program at Central High School. Students meet every Monday during a 30-minute Super Study block to discuss community issues with staff from various community-based organizations and to plan and promote service opportunities. The four officers on the student board meet every Friday during the same Super Study to organize the meeting for the following Monday. Projects held this year included: a blood drive with United Blood Services, holiday bell-ringing for The Salvation Army, frequent Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups, the National Letter Carriers Food Drive.
Collaborated with NSU football team (approximately 100 players) and United Way to provide service in six locations including cleaning up and moving to new Central High School building, painting at Girl Scout Camp, Horton industry in Britton.
-Summer Opportunities Program: June 2004-
This multi-dimensional service-learning opportunity engaged youth in a Multi-Media Career Exploration and Youth Leadership Camp. Students increase career awareness and academic awareness while participating in service activities and project development related to the project area. This program is co-sponsored with the Aberdeen Area Career Planning Center.
The Summer Opportunities Program was a rewarding experience for the seven students involved. Participants learned about media in the aspect of how it affects everyday jobs of various businesses throughout the community. Students looked at various careers that are available not only dealing with media but in many different areas as well. Participants also toured several post secondary schools during the course of the program. As part of their final work in the program, the students videotaped their experiences throughout the three-week program. After some editing, the end result was a video highlighting what was completed throughout the program. This video was shown during their graduation ceremony. This program is co-sponsored with the Aberdeen Area Career Planning Center.
-Adopt a Grandparent: April 2004-
Through a student-driven initiative, the Adopt a Grandparent program was begun. More than 20 students spent over 10 hours with their grandparents, a resident of the Aberdeen Living Center. Those involved in the program went to the ALC in groups of two or more and spent time doing group activities and individual activities.
-Prudential Youth Leadership Institute (PYLI): March 7-11, 2004-
Eight students participated in the Prudential Youth Leadership Institute this year. Students received instruction and participated in hands-on field exercises with segments on community service, community analysis, goal setting, team building, project planning, decision-making and other leadership dynamics. The training also included performing service work at the Aberdeen Community Theater to expose students to positive community service experience. The students initially chose to be positive role models for younger youth. However, they were not able to line this project up due to time constraints. As a result, the students concluded with a service project to show thanks for people that have made a difference in their lives. The students then divided up what they made and individually delivered the items to those people.
-Habitat for Humanity, Collegiate Chapter: October 2003-November 2003-
On four Saturdays in October and November, 20-25 students got together to help build a house for a low-income family. Through the direction of the Habitat for Humanity Executive Director, they assisted other in Aberdeen to construct the house. Habitat for Humanity sells the houses at no-profit, with no interest on the mortgage. Mortgages can range from seven to thirty years.
More than 25 high school students actively participated in an on-going community service program at Central High School. Students meet every Monday during a 30-minute Super Study block to discuss community issues with staff from various community óbased organizations and to plan and promote service opportunities. The four officers on the student board meet every Friday during the same Super Study to organize the meeting for the following Monday. Projects held this year included: a blood drive with United Blood Services, holiday bell-ringing for The Salvation Army, frequent Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups, the National Letter Carriers Food Drive and a car wash to raise money for Safe Harbor, a domestic violence shelter.
During the year more than 82 high school and college students mentored area at-risk, elementary age students. The students invested more than 2950 hours helping with homework, relaxing or just having fun. Mentor/Mentee Nights were planned once per month during January-April as an opportunity for all involved youth to come together to participate in free sports, recreation, arts and crafts.
This multi-dimensional service-learning opportunity engages youth in the Dr. Jane Coodall Instituteís Roots and Shoots Program and Prudential Youth Leadership Institute. Students increase career awareness and academic awareness while participating in service activities related to the environment, ani8mals and the human community. Projects include cleaning and assisting in grounds maintenance and upkeep at the Wylie Park Zoo as well as animal interaction during daily feedings, assisting in literacy and social skill building with youth ages 0-8 at Even Start Literacy Program, and a student-identified and organized environmental service project. This program is co-sponsored with the Aberdeen Area Career Planning Center.
On February 21-22, 2003, nine young people from Central High School made some noise as part of the annual World Vision 30 Hour Famine. During the 30 hours, participants spent their time learning about hunger issues and serving the community. The students went door-to-door collecting donations during a food drive scavenger hunt that benefited Safe Harbor. The group also helped to staff and organize the YAPA: Youth Adult Partnership of Aberdeen Rummage Sale Fundraiser.
More than 25 high school students actively participated in an on-going community service program at Central High School. Students meet every Monday during a 30-minute Super Study block to discuss community issues with staff from various community-based organizations and to plan and promote service opportunities. Projects held this year included: food drive for Safe Harbor, local nursing home visits, blood drive with United Blood Services, holiday bell-ringing for The Salvation Army, animal interaction at the Aberdeen Area Humane Society, frequent Adopt-A-Highway clean-ups, and donations to CHS Environmental Club and the Aberdeen Area Human Society.
- September’s focus of community environmental responsibility was held in conjunction with the Business Improvement District with 18 volunteers pulling weeds and litter, cleaning out debris from gutters, planters, parking lots, etc along 12 blocks of the Downtown District in efforts to help beautify the area before the Gypsy Day Parade.
- October’s focus of community environmental responsibility was held in conjunction with the Business Improvement District with two volunteers pulling weeds and litter, cleaning out debris from gutters, planters, parking lots, etc along blocks of Main Street the weekend after the Gypsy Day Parade.
- November’s focus of domestic violence and community advocacy took place in conjunction with Safe Harbor in which 22 participants distributed promotional posters throughout the community for an upcoming Safe Harbor event.
- December’s service option was at the Aberdeen Community Theatre with five participants learning about the role of Arts in Aberdeen and helping with construction clean-up at the theatre.
- January’s service option was held at United Blood Services with six participants learning about the responsibility, need, and impact of blood donations in the local and national community while donating blood, preparing blood drive promotional pieces, storing donated blood units and reflecting about the experience afterwards.
- February’s focus of homelessness took place at The Salvation Army with one participant compiling Valentine Gift Bags for needy families, and assisting in the storage room.
- There was no program held for the month of March 2003.
- April’s service option was held at the Granary Rural Cultural Center during the All-Dakota High School Fine Arts Exhibition with five participants taking admissions, tallying ballots, serving food, and helping workshop presenters to set up work areas. The issue was Arts in the Community and reflection was held afterwards.
- May’s service option will be to serve as a donation sorter to sort donated food for the National Association of Letter Carrier’s Food Drive on Saturday, May 10, 2003. Currently, there are 13 participants signed up for this event.
During the year, more than 90 high school and college students mentored area at-risk elementary age students. The students invested more than 2700 hours helping with homework, relaxing or just having fun. Mentor/Mentee Nights were planned once per month during January – April as an opportunity for all involved youth to come together to participate in free sports, recreation, arts and crafts.
Freedom Week provided community members with opportunities to exercise their citizenship by volunteering, contributing, communicating and registering to vote. Freedom week activities included a 5K/10K Kickoff Run/Walk/Bike, replica displays of the Constitution of the United States, Family Day, a Patriotic Children’s Parade, a community-wide picnic with the Aberdeen Police and Fire Departments, a Remembrance Service for the events of September 11th, a South Dakota Issues Forum on terrorism, a Non-Profit Informational Fair, Mugs and Hugs Child Identification Program, a Living Flag Ceremony, and opportunities to register to vote, donate blood and volunteer in the community. These events were held in collaboration with more than 30 local businesses and organizations impacting the Aberdeen community at-large and directly involving more than 600 youth and adult community members.
This group of more than 100 concerned young people, adults, and organizations from the Aberdeen area are working to provide Aberdeen youth with a youth center. Their efforts stem from the 2001Martin Luther King Day service project. YAPA is sponsored by the City of Aberdeen Department of Parks and Recreation and relies heavily on the Clearinghouse for guidance, assistance and overall project coordination.
This multi-dimensional service-learning opportunity engaged 10 low-income youth in the Dr. Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots Program and Prudential Youth Leadership Institute. Students increased career awareness and academic awareness while participating in service activities related to the environment, animals and the human community. Projects including cleaning Moccasin Creek, assembling shelving units at the Safe Harbor food pantry, assisting at the Humane Society and performing a talent show at Primrose Nursing Home.
High school and college students throughout the region were invited to participate in the Public Schools: Are They Making the Grade? forum. The annual SDSIF attracted 45 high school participants (35 pre-registered) on how to make education more effective for the 21st century. The student planning committee with six students met 12 times to coordinate the event. The Clearinghouse and South Dakota Issues Forums, a project of the Chiesman Foundation For Democracy sponsored this forum and advised the student planning committee.
On February 22-23, 2002, eight young people from Central High School made some noise as part of the annual World Vision 30 Hour Famine. During the 30 hours, participants spent their time learning about hunger issues and serving the community. The students went door to door collecting donations during a food drive scavenger hunt that benefited The Salvation Army and Safe Harbor.
Sixteen high school-age youth participated in this intensive 10-week training program to give participants the ability and desire to make meaningful, life-long contributions to their communities through volunteer service. Participants learned leadership and service skills to implement a community service project in the community on National Youth Service Day. The participants chose to provide a low-cost activity for teenagers
During the year, more than 65 high school and college students mentored area at-risk elementary age students. The students invested more than 1300 hours helping with homework, relaxing or just having fun.
Into the Streets expanded into a monthly program offering education and service projects throughout the community. Approximately 25 middle school, high school and college students participated in this program.
o September’s focus of domestic violence took place at Safe Harbor with five volunteers cleaning out the donation storage garage and reflecting about the experience afterwards.
o October’s focus of children and youth took place at YMCA Bridges with two volunteers cleaning and organizing the arts and craft room with reflection after the service experience.
o November’s focus of hunger and poverty took place at the Salvation Army with two volunteers sorting potatoes into food baskets and creating Christmas candy baggies with reflection after the service experience.
o December’s service project was a National Issues Forum Violent Kids: Can We Change the Trend? The forum took place at NSU with five participants.
o January’s service option was at the Aberdeen Community Theatre with six participants learning about the role of Arts in Aberdeen and helping with construction clean-up at the theatre.
o February’s focus of community inclusion issues for persons with disabilities took place at the Adjustment Training Center with five participants learning about and creating Valentine’s Day cookies and cards with ATC clients.
o March’s focus of homelessness took place at the Salvation Army with15 participants compiling Easter Gift Baskets for needy families, and assisted in the food pantry.
o April’s focus on environmental issues was at the Granary Rural Cultural Center with seven participants helping with landscaping and yard care.
This multi-dimensional service-learning project engaged eight students to address local food bank issues. Students participating in the Summer Opportunities Program worked to increase the efficiency of the food bank program at The Salvation Army. Service activities implemented by the students included volunteering at The Salvation Army, increasing awareness of The Salvation Army services to area food pantries and assembling shelving for the food bank. The program is co-sponsored by the Clearinghouse and Aberdeen Area Career Planning Center.
Barriers were eliminated as persons with disabilities were engaged as project organizers and volunteers for two service projects. More than 150 Aberdeen youth worked alongside individuals with disabilities during a food drive and the assembly of wheel-chair accessible flower garden boxes. Following the event, blind and visually impaired students planted seedlings and will provide care to the flower gardens.
High school and college students throughout the region were invited to participate in the Money and Politics forum to deliberate on Who Owns Democracy? The Clearinghouse and South Dakota Issues Forums, a project of the Chiesman Foundation For Democracy sponsored this forum.
The Clearinghouse student board organized this service project between Aberdeen high schools to give students a taste of service. More than 20 volunteers from Roncalli and Central High School drilled holes, pounded nails and dug holes to build a playground set for the New Beginnings Center.
The Clearinghouse participated in this national initiative to bridge the gap between volunteering and voting among young people ages 18-14, educate and engage candidates about national and community service, and raise awareness about the importance of youth involvement in civic life.
Operating under the motto, "Try it for a day, you may love it for a lifetime," Into the Streets is a national program designed to introduce more college students to meaningful community service while providing a learning experience that challenges them to volunteer on a regular basis. Eleven NSU students chose among the Adjustment Training Center, Resource Center, or YMCA Bridges to participate in this program.
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