The ICE Chest
The Monthly Newsletter of the Inclusion and Community Engagement Center EXPRESS YOURSELF... October 2012 Last year, the Inclusion and Community
Engagement Center added service-learning to the
many areas of programs and services that we
provide. Vanessa Vela was hired as the Graduate
Assistant for Service-Learning in November
2011, and I transitioned to the role of Associate
Director for Service-Learning in April 2012. You
might be asking yourself “what is servicelearning” or “what is the difference between
service-learning and volunteerism” or “how do I
get involved”? Here are some answers:
Service-learning is a teaching and learning
strategy/pedagogy that integrates meaningful
community service with instruction and reflection
in an academic course to enrich the student
learning experience, instill a sense of civic
responsibility, and strengthen communities.
Service-learning at UTSA is community service
that takes place as a part of a class, for a grade,
with the coordination and supervision of the
instructor.
Service-learning differs from volunteerism in
several ways, though both have community
service at the core. Service-learning takes place
as an intentional part of a class, where
volunteerism could be just giving your time on a
Saturday. Service-learning is all about the
learning piece – students are reflecting on their
experiences and tying what is learned in the
project back to the academic goals of the class.
Learning is not a goal of volunteerism, though
savvy volunteers do recognize the value of their
work and learn from each experience.
Facebook.com/ICEatUTSA
Facebook.com/UTSAVOICES
Service-learning courses are available throughout
the university. Classes range from the Honors
Community Service Seminar, to Accounting
4936, to Architecture build courses, to several of
the freshman seminar courses offered through
Learning Communities.
Community engagement is a central part of the
UTSA mission and we are excited to provide
another venue for community engagement
through service-learning. New programs we are
offering this year include the Wells Fargo
Community Leadership Award, Service-Learning
101, and the Service-Learning Symposium in
April 2012. We continue to support community
service broadly through our volunteer services
area with programs like Volunteer Opportunities
Fairs, Alternative Spring Break, Roadrunners
Give Back, United To Serve, Volunteer
Appreciation Day, VOICES, and more.
To learn more about service-learning and the
programs and services provided by our office,
please visit www.utsa.edu/ice/sl or stop by our
office in UC 2.01.04.
Yours in Service,
Jennifer Rames
Associate Director for Service-Learning
@UTSA_ICE
@UTSAVOICES
@UTSAvolunteers
Student Organization Spotlight :
NAACP Collegiate Unit
NAACP, or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was founded in
1909 and is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. The mission of this national
organization is to encourage voter’s registration and participation and stress the importance of
education. The NAACP’s thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members
who make up the UTSA NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans.
The mission of the NAACP is reflected in the vision of Kaneshia Davis, president of UTSA
NAACP, and other students who are passionate about education and social justice. Davis and
fellow Roadrunners have steadily pursued the appropriate steps to bring a collegiate unit of the
NAACP to our campus. The UTSA chapter of the NAACP is now an active registered student
organization.
The purpose of the UTSA NAACP Unit is to inform college students on the problems affecting
all people of color, to advance the economic, educational, social and political status of all
people of color and their harmonious cooperation with other people, and to stimulate
appreciation of the African American contribution to society. The major focus of the youth and
college division is to develop an intelligent youth leadership.
UTSA NAACP is looking for new members to kick off their very first semester on campus.
UTSA NAACP will participate in the MLK march in January and will work to form programs
that will educate the voter population on and off campus. A newsletter that will contain job
opportunities, scholarships as well as highlight a different student will be sent to active
members each month.
Meetings are every other Monday at 7 p.m. in the Laurel conference room. For Mondays when
the organization does not meet, study sessions are hosted from 8-10 p.m.—locations TBA.
NAACP UTSA can be found on RowdyLink at https://utsa.collegiatelink.net/organization/
naacp, on Twitter @utsa_NAACP, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UTSA_NAACP. For
more information, contact Kaneshia Davis President of the NAACP UTSA Chapter at
[email protected].
Student Spotlight:
Torrie Jackson
UTSA student Torrie Jackson honored by
sorority at national conference
UTSA student Torrie Jackson was named an
undergraduate member-at-large of the Alpha
Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at the group's National
Boule Conference in San Francisco. Jackson
hosted sessions at the conference to elect new
officers and organize efforts for the sorority's
worldwide initiatives. With the theme "Gateway
to Global Leadership Through Timeless Service,"
members attended workshops and shared ideas in
the spirit of their 104-year-old organization.
For the next two years, Jackson will serve on the
international directorate of Alpha Kappa Alpha as
one of two undergraduate members-at-large.
Additionally, she will serve on the International
Undergraduate Activities Committee to help
develop, coordinate and promote programs among
undergraduate chapters, and present workshops at
regional and international conferences and other
events.
programs, health awareness programs and the Mr.
Pink and Green Scholarship Pageant. The group
assisted with a voter registration drive Sept. 17-21
at the UTSA Main Campus.
Alpha Kappa Alpha has provided service for more
than a century with a membership of more than
A senior psychology major from Houston,
260,000 women in the United States, the
Jackson is president of the Omicron Tau chapter Caribbean, Canada, Germany, Korea, Japan and
of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Additionally, she is the
Africa. Since its founding at Howard University
VOICES vice president of membership, vice
in 1908, the sorority has initiated and sponsored
president of NPHC, a resident assistant, a member civil rights, education, economic empowerment
of the UTSA Honors College and a McNair
and health programs to better the world.
Scholar. She has completed more than 150
community service hours with VOICES. She
For more information, contact Torrie Jackson,
plans to graduate in May 2013 and will pursue a UTSA chapter president; Pilar Evans, chapter
graduate degree in higher education
publicity officer; or Donna Millhouse, graduate
administration.
adviser.
The Omicron Tau chapter at UTSA works to
support high academic achievement, ethical
standards and civic responsibility through
nonprofit events and programs throughout Greater
San Antonio including San Antonio Food Bank
volunteering, money and credit management
October 2012 Events, Projects, and Volunteer Opportunities (Italics indicate UTSA sponsored event) VOICES: Volunteer Organization Involving Community Education and Service. VOICES has a new meeting room! Meetings are now being held every Wednesday at 5pm in the Retama Auditorium (UC 2.02.02). Come by to learn about volunteer events! UTSA Child and Adolescent Policy Research Institute The Aging Out Seminar is designed to give foster youth between the ages of 15 and 16 the knowledge of the transitional services available to them when they age out of foster care. 20 volunteers are needed on October 6th throughout the day; 10 in the morning and 10 in the afternoon. Two shifts available are: 8am‐12pm and 12pm‐
5pm though volunteers can leave when they need to; lunch will be provided. Jobs are basic set up/tear down, greeting/
directing foster youth, time keepers, runners, hall monitoring, and escorting students to workshops. UTHSC Center for Medical Humanities & Ethics 10th Anniversary Celebration Celebrate October 10‐12 for the first 10 years as a voice for compassion in medicine. We will host distinguished presentations reflecting our four primary areas of emphasis: Community Service Learning, Global Health, Ethics and Professionalism and Literature and Art. All presentations are free and open to the public and will be held at the University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive. Free parking is available in Visitor Lot 6. More information can be found online http://www.texashumanities.org/celebration Volunteer Opportunity for UTSA College of Business Students The not‐for‐profit organization Indigenous Community Development International, or ICDI, is seeking UTSA College of Business students to travel to the remote mountains of Costa Rica during Spring Break 2013. Students will assist ICDI partners in developing business plans, provide assistance in the development of a farm cooperative, and observe firsthand how micro lending has dramatically changed this community of small farms and businesses. This trip is ideal for finance students wanting to gain real‐world experience in finance and micro lending. Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required. ICDI will cover a portion of the travel costs. Contact Professor Ron Sweet at [email protected] or 210.232.7937 for more information. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Walk to Cure Type 1 Diabetes Sunday, October 21, JDRF is looking for volunteers to help with setting up, managing food & beverage tents, maintaining recycling bins, directing walkers, and cleaning up. Several volunteers are needed for different various shifts: 6am‐9am, 7am‐10am, 8:30‐1pm, 10am‐1pm, and 12pm‐
3:30pm. Help setting up is also needed the night before from 7‐10pm. For additional information and shift times, please contact Alexis Duda by email at [email protected] or at 210‐822
‐5336. Y.E.L.L. (Youth Engaging in Leadership and Learning) Foundation Youth Leadership Summit Volunteers are needed for October 9 and October 10, 2012. 100 volunteers are needed October 9, from 6pm‐10pm to stuff registration bags. 300 volunteers are needed October 10 from 7am‐4pm to serve 2 HOUR BLOCKS assisting with registration, helping to set‐up the venue, helping to breakdown, helping facilitators with the breakout session and other tasks. To volunteer email or call Janie Lopez at [email protected], (210) 867‐7083, by October 5, 2012. More info on the organization can be found by clicking this link http://yellfoundation.net/page.aspx?pid=329 Austin Film Festival Call for Volunteers! Do you have a love for film and want to help a great organization? Volunteers are needed October 18 – 25. You will have the opportunity to learn about marketing, PR, development, and basic nonprofit management, all while working with a wonderful staff. Call 512‐478‐4795 for more information or download a volunteer application form at http://www.austinfilmfestival.com/get‐involved/volunteer/. March of Dimes: Signature Chefs Auction We are currently seeking volunteers to help with our Signature Chefs Auction on Wednesday, October 24 at the idancecity Studio. Shifts can be made between 10am ‐5pm for set up and 9:30pm‐11pm for cleanup. Please reply to Mariah Arispe to sign up. [email protected] Light the Night Walk®, October 20 The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will be having their walk in Hemisfair Park and need volunteers to put their event on! Shifts are: Afternoon Shift: 12:30‐4pm; Registration/
festivities: 5:00pm 7:30pm; Breakdown: 8pm‐10pm. Contact Argel Lim at [email protected] or 210.998.5126 if you are interested. The Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride to the River, Oct. 13‐14 Various volunteer opportunities available. Visit their website at http://tinyurl.com/9c32wfs to learn more. Girl Scouts: Girl Expo 2012 The Girl Expo is scheduled for Saturday October 6th at the Freeman Coliseum from 10am‐5pm. This event is open to the public and includes lots of fun filled activities for everyone including vendors, outdoor cooking, and a concert at the end of the day by “Jonnie & Brookie!” About 10,000 attendees are expected AND THEY NEED YOUR HELP! If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pamela Riles at October 2012 Events, Projects, and Volunteer Opportunities (Italics indicate UTSA sponsored event) priles@girlscouts‐swtx.org or 210.349.2404 X219. Volunteers will get free admission, lunch, and snacks. Shifts are: 8am – 11am and 11am – 2pm. San Antonio Academy 27th Annual Fall Family Fair Saturday, October 20th from 4:30pm‐9:15pm. The “work” is simple, volunteers help run the games and booths. The volunteers are given coupons for food and drinks and community service certificates. This is a well‐run and fun event! If interested contact Danna Dunn at 410‐8919 or [email protected] no later than Friday, October 5. Ronald McDonald House Charities/Color Me Rad a 5K run/
walk This is no ordinary run, you will be coated in different colors until you cross the finish line. Runner participants and volunteers will be needed for various days. To volunteer contact RMH at (210) 614‐2554. Registration is open for runners; be sure to use the code “RMHC‐SA” when registering (RMH will receive a portion of the entry fee). The race is December 2, 2012. Volunteers are needed November 29 thru December 2. Visit website to register: http://
www.colormerad.com/ Kids College Club Recruiting College Scholars College Scholars assist students with their homework and academic lessons and then introduce college through various activities and field trips. Service in this club is a 10 month commitment with service hours varying based on member agreement. A living allowance is provided! Contact JoAnn Contreras at [email protected] or 210.223.3131 if you are interested. Mitchell Lake Volunteer Opportunities Friday, October 12th, Days of Caring ‐ Gardening tasks. 9am‐
12pm. Saturday, October 20th, Mitchell Lake Fall Festival & Plant Sale. Various festival tasks. Shifts are: 8am‐ 11am; 11am
‐3pm; or all day. River City Hospice Volunteers are needed in various areas. Tasks depend on the needs of the patients but may include clerical, labor, carpentry and home maker. Contact Edward Rodriguez ([email protected]; 210.858.9138) if you are interested. Kinetic Kids Fall Programs BASEBALL Starts: Monday, September 24th TIME: 5:45‐7:45pm Location: 5 Diamond Little League fields, 8214 South Flores, 78221. ~ 9 volunteers needed to attend 1x/wk (Mondays) for 6 wks to assist kids with baseball activities as instructed by instructor. Volunteers also receive travel time incentive added to volunteer time. GOLF Starts: Monday, Sept 17th TIME: 5:15‐7:45pm. Location: The First Tee San Antonio, 915 E. Mulberry Ave, 78212. ~9 volunteers needed to attend 1x/wk (Mondays) for 8 wks to assist kids with golf activities as instructed by instructor. POWER SOCCER Starts Wednesday, Sept 26th from 5:45pm‐6pm Location: 5223 David Edward Dr, San Antonio, TX 6 volunteers needed to attend 1x/wk (Wednesdays) for 8 wks to assist kids with soccer activities as instructed by instructor. Ambulatory/Paralympic SOCCER Starts: Wednesday, Oct 3rd TIME: 5:45‐7:30pm at STAR Soccer Fields 5103 David Edwards Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78233. ~6 volunteers needed to attend 1x/wk (Wednesdays) for 8 wks, assist kids with soccer activities as instructed by instructor. Kinetic Kids HOOTENANNY Fundraiser 20+ volunteers are needed to assist with various shifts. Volunteers will help with event set up, greeting guests, assisting with silent or live auction, take down, and much more. The event is Friday, October 5th. Shifts Available: 12‐
5pm, 5‐9:30pm, 7:30‐9:30pm, or 9‐11pm Location: Pearl Stable 312 Pearl Pky, Bldg 2 UPCOMING EVENTS Paws on the Patio Sunday, October 7, 2012 is PAWS on the PATIO at Floores Country Store hosted by the Helotes Humane Society. Great entertainment, food and drinks, music, games and fun for the entire family. Kids & dog games and contests, moon bounce and more. Free admission for adults and children, a $5 donation is asked for 4‐legged companions. UTSA Volunteer Services [email protected] www.utsa.edu/ice/vs 210‐458‐4770 * UC 1.216 Second Annual Extreme Makeover UTSA Edition:
Students Giving Back to Campus
On Friday, September 28, 2012, 185 students
and 20 student organizations participated in a
range of projects in a collaborative effort to
beautify UTSA’s main campus. Projects
included: Placing brick edging around flower
beds around the convocation center, spreading
mulch around trees and flower beds at Laurel
Village, painting doors and rails at the
Convocation center, and picking up trash all
over campus.
Extreme Makeover UTSA Edition was
possible due to the collaboration with UTSA
Grounds, Facilities, and Housing. The
Facilities and Grounds staff members worked
hard to plan projects that would engage
students and were visible to the UTSA
community. The Planning Team included
student Nicci Campbell; advisors Cristina
Dominguez and Leslianne Garcia; and
facilities staff members Della Reyes,
Frederick Wiedner, Ray Rios and Roger
Kissam. Several other staff members and
student leaders helped lead projects during the
event.
“Extreme Makeover UTSA Edition was a
great opportunity to give back to UTSA and
interact with my fellow roadrunners to
enhance our campus. Overall it was a great
experience and I look forward to participating
in this event again next year,” said Edward
Castillo, Service Chair for Omega Delta Phi
Fraternity Inc.
VOICES plans to continue Extreme
Makeover UTSA Edition as an annual service
event in the future.
For more information about VOICES please
visit www.utsavoices.org or stop by UC
1.216. For more information about this event
or similar service activities please email
[email protected], visit www.utsa.edu/ice
or call 210-458-7291.
Congratulations,
Nathan McDuell!
Roadrunner of the Month
Inclusion and Community
Engagement (ICE) Center Staff
Yvonne Peña
Assistant Dean of Students
Ann Margaret Trujillo
Associate Director
Jennifer Rames
Associate Director
Corey Benson
Graduate Assistant
Vanessa Vela
Graduate Assistant
Leslianne Garcia
Graduate Assistant
UC 2.01.04
210-458-4770
www.utsa.edu/ice
Cristina Dominguez
Program Coordinator