Group photo taken at the end of the project
On February 10, 2025, at 5 pm, members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at Utah Valley University (UVU), including UVU Rotaract contributed to the service project hosted by Orem-Lindon Rotary Club to prepare winter coats for delivery for kids in Title I elementary schools around Orem, Utah. This activity was also included among assignments for the UVU students enrolled in POLS3410 class on Globalization and Sustainable Development. Class is designated as a service-learning course by the UVU Social Impact Center and it prepares students for their visit to the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, United Nations, in New York from March 10 to 13, 2025.
Cathy Ambros and Cherise Armstrong, Board Member, show the others the organizational process
The two mentors leading the activity were Cathy Ambrose the President-designate of the Orem-Lindon Club and Cherise Armstrong, Board Member of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club. UMIF president Janessa-Michele was there, as well as other advocates including Chris, Caleb, Mckay, Paige, and Savannah. Taking place in the Clark Building at UVU, we came together to do our part in efforts of organizing and preparing roughly 8 big bags of coats. We were able to contribute to children of all ages through kindergarten and elementary school in need of new winter coats.
Mckay contributing to the service project
This project reinforces the application of the Student Engaged Learning (SEL) model because it encourages students to resolve practical problems as a group with staff mentors. Collectively, we learned from Cathy Ambros and Cherise Armstrong about the processes of helping provide coats for children in elementary schools with low-income families for our local communities. These Title I schools require extra financial assistance and often serve a high concentration of students who may face various challenges, such as poverty, lack of resources, and academic difficulties.
Making teamwork happen
I learned from this experience that there are many more components than one may think in organizing a service project. Although, the best way to get anything done is through teamwork. This project could have potentially been done by one person but working as a group made it significantly more effective and fulfilling. This highlights the necessity for group participation so more service projects can be done in a secure manner.
Savannah is happy to help
I am grateful for this experience to be a part of the UMIF club and be involved in helping our local communities. This club and the SEL model have provided many more opportunities for service projects that I have otherwise not known about and for that I am appreciative.
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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25-02-15-Caleb-Ream-Participating in the ‘Coats for Kids’ service project
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25-02-14-McKay Jones Coats for Kids Another Empowering Volunteer Activity
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