Today, we didn’t do physical work. We worked with our minds, learning about the Civil rights movement. We went to Birmingham, saw the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16^th Street Church. We went to Montgomery, toured the Southern Poverty Law Center, and saw the Civil Rights memorial, honoring 40 of the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their freedom, and the freedom of their brothers and sisters. That morning was a lot to take in. Then, we went to Selma, saw the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and the Brown Chapel Church where the March to Montgomery for voting rights started. We walked across the bridge, and sat in the church, wondering what it would have been like to live back then. We wondered what our relationships would be like seeing as a lot of us are different races, wondered if our group would have even been there. We wondered, if we had been there, if we would have had the courage to do what they did. Mrs. O’Neil, a member of the Church, a very spiritual woman, talked to us about her own experiences meeting Dr. King, and marching with the movement.

                I took a pledge that day, to do what is right. I took a pledge to fight hate crimes, discrimination, and prejudice for the rest of my living days. In so doing, I joined an international community of people who have pledged to do the same thing, to be the present day representation of the civil rights movement. I wondered then, if I had been there, would I have taken their side? Would I have marched with them up the bridge, knowing that there were soldiers waiting for us? Would I have met violence with non-violence? I would like to think that I would have. I would like to think I would have taken their side, done the same things, for the same purpose. But I wasn’t there. I can’t say for sure. What they did took a lot of courage. Thinking and hearing about what they did serves as a reminder to all of us about what human beings are capable of. The compassion, determination, and courage shown by the people marching serves as a reminder of how much humans can take without giving up. They were so clear-headed and determined. I am truly humbled by their bravery. Hats off to all of them, and may they rest in peace, knowing that because of their sacrifice, the world is a much better place, and we are on our way to make it even better.

Civic Engagement

Here are the thoughts of a student in the Pepsi Service Scholars class offered through the Center for Civic Engagement. See how civic engagement is impacting her life!

            Pepsi has helped me learn about the community of Lincoln and how organizations within the community work together to make Lincoln and the surrounding areas a better place to live. I have had the opportunity to get to help some of the non-profit organizations in Lincoln and learn about what they do and how they help the community. I have learned some statistics about poverty, recycling, and health topics. By helping organizations through Pepsi, I have helped with social issues that help in donating money, time, and efforts into helping people in need. Civic engagement has helped me realize how important it is to help out in the community and to help people in need. This class has also helped me gain a desire to want to help the community. For example, I helped at the Malone Center for their Halloween party. The boys at first seemed to think they were tough and ran the place, but they warmed up to us and didn't want us to leave because they enjoyed spending time with someone who cares. Helping at the Malone Center made me realize that I can make a difference in someone’s life and that some people just want someone to talk to that cares. Pepsi has been a rewarding experience for me, especially since I didn't get the opportunity to do service in high school. Also, I now want to encourage others to help in their communities because people need help and some time and effort will make a difference. 

Presidential Election Information Re-post

          The Center for Civic Engagement wants to make sure that students are well informed about the Presidential Election in November and prepared to vote. This post will have some helpful information for UNL students on how to check where you are registered to vote, who you would like to vote for, and how to get an absentee ballot.

          The first step for students is to figure out where they are registered to vote. This is a fairly easy process for anyone. For students from Nebraska they can use this website https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/. You only need to provide your first and last name as well as the county where your permanent address resides. Students from other states can go to google.com and search for "check voter registration in (state)" and hit search. It should come up with the correct website for checking your registration.

          The second step is to figure out who you are going to vote for. One of the best ways to figure this out is go to http://www.isidewith.com/ or https://electnext.com/. These sites ask you what your views are on several issues and then matches you up with the candidate that lines up with your views the best.

          The last step is to either register to vote in Lincoln, or get an absentee ballot. If you want to register to vote in Lincoln go to this website (http://www.sos.ne.gov/elec/studentvoters.html), read the information, click on the voter registration application, and send it in. You can also register for an early voting ballot or an absentee ballot. If you are registered to vote in Nebraska you can do it on this website http://www.sos.ne.gov/elec/voter_info.html#voter by scrolling down to the early voter application and mailing it to your county clerk.

          Well, this should be all the information you need to know about voting! If you have any questions email unlservelearn@gmail.com.

Rock the Vote

Welcome back from Fall Break UNL! The Center wanted to let you know about the Rock the Vote event happening tomorrow. It will be located in the City Campus Union and will include a speaker looking at tax reforms and the Romney/Obama platforms at 3:30, UPC Campus Night Life at 6:00, concert with Solid Gold and Satchel Grand at 6:30, and a meet and greet with the senatorial candidates/representatives. Come check it out!

9/11 Pictures

The Center wanted to post these sweet pictures from one of the 9/11 activities that happened last night on campus. These pictures are students participating in the candlelight vigil outside of the City Union.

Remembering 9/11 with a day of service

On a day marred by the horrible events of September 11, 2001, a group of UNL students joined thousands of volunteers across the nation to honor those affected by this tragedy in the 9/11 National Day of Service. Over 60 UNL students volunteered on Sunday at various locations around Lincoln. One group in particular cleaned up the grounds at the Veteran's Memorial Park to prepare for their September 11th Memorial Service. The efforts of these students remind us all that even though so much has been lost, we can all do our part to give back.

Presidential Election Information

          The Center for Civic Engagement wants to make sure that students are well informed about the Presidential Election in November and prepared to vote. This post will have some helpful information for UNL students on how to check where you are registered to vote, who you would like to vote for, and how to get an absentee ballot.

          The first step for students is to figure out where they are registered to vote. This is a fairly easy process for anyone. For students from Nebraska they can use this website https://www.votercheck.necvr.ne.gov/. You only need to provide your first and last name as well as the county where your permanent address resides. Students from other states can go to google.com and search for "check voter registration in (state)" and hit search. It should come up with the correct website for checking your registration.

          The second step is to figure out who you are going to vote for. One of the best ways to figure this out is go to http://www.isidewith.com/ or https://electnext.com/. These sites ask you what your views are on several issues and then matches you up with the candidate that lines up with your views the best.

          The last step is to either register to vote in Lincoln, or get an absentee ballot. If you want to register to vote in Lincoln go to this website (http://www.sos.ne.gov/elec/studentvoters.html), read the information, click on the voter registration application, and send it in. You can also register for an early voting ballot or an absentee ballot. If you are registered to vote in Nebraska you can do it on this website http://www.sos.ne.gov/elec/voter_info.html#voter by scrolling down to the early voter application and mailing it to your county clerk.

          Well, this should be all the information you need to know about voting! If you have any questions email unlservelearn@gmail.com.

9/11 National Day of Service

Join more than 1 million Americans nationwide in a day of service to honor the victims and veterans of 9/11.  

Volunteers will be serving at one of the eight agencies in the Lincoln area listed below on 9/9 from 2:00-5:00:   

   - Friendship Home

   - F Street Community Center

   - Community Action Partnership

   - Lincoln Children's Zoo

   - Clyde Malone Community Center

   - Street Alive Event

   - Veterans Memorial Club

   - City Impact

Do your part to continue the spirit of service of the volunteers directly following the horrific events of 9/11.  Sign up today by emailing your first and last name and which agency you are interested in volunteering at to service-learning@unl.edu. You can also sign up by visiting the Center for Civic Engagement in 222 NE Union.

Camp Kesem

Hello all, this is Corinne McGill!

I work in the Center for Civic Engagement. I'm currently collaborating with Kenneth Herron, a fellow student, to co-chair UNL's chapter of Camp Kesem. Camp Kesem is a week-long overnight camp for kids age 6-13 whose parents have or have had cancer.

The mission of this camp is two-fold. The first mission is to assist the families. Not only are there health issues involved with this disease, there are also emotional issues. This camp allows kids to take a break from hospitals and medical jargon to simply have fun. Parents are also free to take time to complete tasks that have been put on the back-burner, as raising children while dealing with cancer consumes most of a parent's free time. The second mission is to empower students. In organizing each aspect of this camp, from planning to fundraising to recruiting campers, this organization cultivates leaders.

Kenneth and I are looking for 8 or more students to fill coordinator positions. These students will be in charge of one of four committees and will collaborate with the other members of the team to get the camp up and running by summer 2013!

If you are interested (and are a current student), please come into the Center in 222 NE Union or email UNL@campkesem.org. Applications will be available on Monday, August 27th and will be due on September 12th.

We hope to hear from you soon!

The Center is still open!

Hey students! The Center hopes your summer festivities are going well whether you are taking classes, participating in an internship, or working for the summer. If you are in Lincoln feel free to stop in the Center if you need anything.

Last two testimonials!

Hey students,

Here are the last two testimonials from the Spring breaks ASBs. Hope you all had a great 15th week!

During the Joplin trip it was great to meet students from other schools that also took time out of their spring break to go out and help others. We are still in contact with them. Overall we had a great experience and got to meet great people that will stay in my life for years to come. Making a difference at least for one person is always worth it. Not do you only help someone, but you also get the chance to grow inside as a person and learn about yourself.

This trip changed my perspective on life. I am now more conscious of how the littlest things can make the biggest impact. I was amazed to see how strong the community of Joplin is and how thankful they were for the work we did. I appreciate the hospitality the people of Joplin showed us and I can't wait to go back.

More testimonials and other information

First of all, if you know of a student on UNL campus who has shown good character lately fill out Franco's list at the bottom of the show your red page here http://engage.unl.edu/showyourred.shtml. They could be recognized for their good character especially in the areas of caring, citizenship, commitment, dependability, open-mindedness, or respect.

Now for the testimonials!

-The Pine Ridge trip was the most impressive one I have ever been on. We had the most wonderful group members. As a foreigner, I experienced different and friendly memories. I will never forget the cute smiling faces of the kids in Shannon Public County School in Oglala. We have the responsibility to help the kids there. A little contribution makes the world different.

-Realizing that the kids I had become so close with were likely to become a statistic was a very profound moment for me. The ASB experience will stick with me forever.

Hope you all enjoy these and hope it makes you want to participate in the next alternative service break!

Another Spring Break Reflection

First of all, the Center wanted to remind any of the Tax Credit Campaign volunteers that the celebration party is tomorrow at 5:00 in the City Union. Check the schedule for the exact room.

Here are a few more short testimonials about the Spring ASB trips.

Seeing the genuine joy on the faces of each member of the Campbell family and listening to all the different stories they shared with us will remain in my heart forever. It was one of the best experiences of my life!

Going on this ASB trip was the best decision I ever made. I may have affected many lives, but the lives that affected me will forever be in my heart. Memories for a lifetime!

Updated website!

Students, check out the updated website at http://engage.unl.edu/. Explore a little bit and find out everything the Center has to offer. The ACT tab at the top will let you see a lot of the events the Center sponsors including our popular Alternative Service Breaks. Also, under the ACT tab you can search for nonprofit groups around Lincoln if you are looking for a group to volunteer with. Any questions? Email unlservelearn@gmail.com.

Spring Alternative Service Break Reflection

Hey UNL students,

The Center thought you would enjoy hearing a little bit about the Spring ASB trips to see if you would like to plan on going on one of our alternative service breaks in the future. We will be posting up one or two short reflections for the next few days.

Two students who went on the Joplin, Missouri trip.

-I found the Joplin trip to be a complete eye-opener. One of the days we helped an elderly couple, who happened to be hoarders, clean up their property. The couple was so appreciative for everything us volunteers had done for them. They really opened up to us and shared their life story and were constantly thanking and hugging us. It amazed me that two people who had gone through so much in life and after such a disaster still had the strength to be passionate and appreciative for everything they continue to have.

-You come into the trip and see the destruction and are immediately overwhelmed. You leave recognizing the difference you made and wanting to help more.

Civic Engagement Today!

Only 30 minutes left to get your taxes done for free this year with VITA. They are downstairs in the Union Square! Thanks VITA volunteers for all your hard work!


Another reminder for all the ASB volunteers to go to the Colonial room on Friday 5:00 for the celebration.

For any students who haven't heard about it UNL now has an application that helps students stay informed on campus. Check it out at  http://www.unl.edu/ucomm/apps/?utm_campaign=UNL_ENews&utm_medium=email&utm_source=news&utm_content

Remember...

Anyone who still needs their income taxes done can come to the Union square from 11-3 today or tomorrow to have them done!

The Alternative Service Break Celebration is this Friday at 5:00 in the Colonial Room. There will be a chocolate fountain and celebration so be there!

Reminders from the Center for Civic Engagement

Heads up everyone the last few days to do your taxes free with UNLs Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is this Tuesday or Wednesday from 11-3pm in the Union Square. Check out the flash mob VITA did for advertising! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP1SxH7I3-A&feature=youtu.be

Attention anyone who went on an Spring Alternative Service Break: The ASB celebration is this Friday at 5:00 in the Colonial room. There will be a chocolate fountain so come hungry and don't wear white!

Spring Break!

As spring break starts coming closer the Center wanted to encourage students to continue to be productive. We know how hard it is to keep working with spring break creeping closer and the nice weather we have been having! Also, if you want to volunteer for a young kids carnival on March 30th from 4:30 - 8:00 pm email service-learning@unl.edu or call 402-472-6150.

Reminder ASB pre-trip meeting!

Last reminder! Spring ASB pre-trip meeting tomorrow in the City Campus Union @ 5:00! Check the Union Schedule by the front doors.

Vote!

Make sure to vote for the ASUN election today! Be engaged with out campus!

Spring Break pre-trip meeting and CERT Training

Reminder: Spring Break ASB pre-trip meeting this Friday at 5:00 in the City Campus Union. I should be able to post the actual room on Wednesday or Thursday, but if not just check on the Union schedule and it should have the room reservation. 

Interested in helping out with emergency situations like the recent tornadoes in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky? UNL Center for Civic Engagement is trying to get a list of students interested in receiving CERT Training (Community Emergency Response Team). It will be free for students, they will receive specific CERT gear (like hard hat, vest, etc), and will give students a chance to respond to situations like the recent tornadoes. It is a big time commitment though, with about 7 training sessions varying in length. If you are interested comment on this post and the Center will get in contact with you, or send an email to unlservelearn@gmail.com.

Camp Kesem

We are looking for UNL students who would be interested in helping campus run a summer camp for Camp Kesem. The camp is for kids ages 6-13 who have (or have had) a parent with cancer. The purpose of the camp is to provide a week away from home for these kids to have fun and worry about just being a kid. We are in the process of applying to be a host site for the camp over the summer in 2014. The camp will require a lot of planning and students making a commitment will serve on a committee that will help gather donations, plan the camp, market the camp, or a number of other projects. It will likely be a 3-5 hour time commitment each week during the school year. If you are interested in putting your name and email on the application with the intent to commit please email unlservelearn@gmail.com. We need at least 9 students (who will still be at UNL next year/summer) to place their names on the application in order to be considered.

Today in the Center

The Center staff is helping out the with Big Event organization calling day today. It reminded us to remind you to sign up for The Big Event at bigevent.unl.edu!

Today at the Center

-The Center is going through and revamping our website at engage.unl.edu. If you would like to take some time to check it out and give us feedback that would be great! You can post feedback at the bottom of every page or email it to unlservelearn@gmail.com. Thanks!

New in the Center today!

Just wanted to let everyone know our tax return program has submitted 679 tax returns this season! Thank you to everyone who has helped out!

Attention students going on the Spring ASB trips: There will be a pre-trip meeting for all students/all trips at 5:00 in the Union. More details will come out later!

Today in the Center

-Reminder for everyone that all of the Spring ASB forms and payments are due tomorrow! (Student Involvement by 5:00)

-Ask yourself, how much does UNL campus, and its various constituencies, know about the American Democracy Project and its goals for promoting civic engagement? This question is taken from http://www.nytimes.com/ref/college/collegespecial2/coll_aascu_ecintroq.html

-Remember to sign up for The Big Event so you can give back to the Lincoln community on the morning of April 21^st!

-Tax return season is going great this year! The group has been keeping up despite the weather cancellations and everything else. Nice job!

Today in Civic Engagement

-The Center wants to wish well all those who are part of the Civic Engagement Certificate. They had their first meeting this past week and are getting started on their Civic Engagement work!

-Important for Spring ASB students! All of your forms for the trips and payments to attend are due this Friday the 17th in Student Involvement to Sue at the front desk.

-Have a passion for Civic/Political engagement? Come play a part in our discussion Thursday at 12:30 in the Center for Civic Engagement on how to get students more engaged with both on campus voting and national voting.

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who signed up for the Spring ASB trips! We have a lot of applications and are excited to go through them.

Are you engaged with your community?

Check out this article on civic engagement and college graduates. After you read the introduction reflect on your own civic engagement and see if it could be improved. As voting season comes near the Center will be trying to encourage more electoral and political civic engagement. As a way to do this we will be sending out some questions that you can reflect on. http://www.nytimes.com/ref/college/collegespecial2/coll_aascu_ecintro.html

Center for Civic Engagement

- Reminder to hand in your ASB applications by 5:00 Friday in Student Involvement along with your $25 deposit.

-We are doing some reminders on how to follow us through other social media sites so like us on Facebook with our non-profit page at UNL Service-Learning or follow us on Twitter @ UNLServeLearn.

Reminders from the Center

Hey if you know any faculty, staff, or grad students that would like to be trip leaders for the Spring ASB trips let them know to come pick up an application in the Center or contact us to talk about it at 402-472-6150!


Reminder spring ASB trip applications are available in the Center and due this Friday by 5:00 in Student Involvement


Remember to sign up for the Big Event. The Center is helping partner the volunteers with organizations and would love to see a great turnout. Go to bigevent.unl.edu to sign up!

Last pre-trip meeting today!

Last reminder for the pre-trip meeting tonight! Make sure and come to the Center at 5:00 to learn about all the different Spring ASB trips. It is the last chance to learn about them and they seem to be filling up fast. The Center is really excited to see all of the interest in them!

Come to the pre-trip meeting tomorrow!

Spring ASB pre-trip meeting tomorrow at 5:00 in the Center for Civic Engagement. It is the last pre-trip meeting so come find out about all the service breaks!

Pre-trip Spring ASB meetings

We want everyone to remember to come to the Spring ASB pre-trip meetings tomorrow at 4:30, Wednesday at 12:00, and Thursday at 5:00 in the Center. We will be covering the basic information of the trips like departure and arrival dates, cost, activities, locations, etc. We will have a short presentation along with time to field questions!

ASB applications

Reminder for any of our students or get Rec'd students we saw the Alternative Service Break applications for Spring Break are due on February 10th in Student Involvement. If you have any questions come to 222 Ne Union and ask the front desk!

Congratulations to Arthy Muthukumarappan who was drawn out for our free Spring ASB trip from Get Rec'd! We are anxiously awaiting her reply on which ASB trip she would like to attend!

Get interested in ASB trips!

The Spring Alternative Service Break trip applications are available in the office and must be turned in on February 10th to Student Involvement. If you aren't quite sure if you would want to go check out this video from the Winter ASB to get an idea of what it is like! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB88rrpA6oE

Alternative service spring break trips

Come to the pre-trip meetings next week Tues. 4:30, Wed. 12:00, Thurs. 5:00. There will be more information on where the trips are going, what will be done on the trips, and what the cost will be. All of the meetings will be in 222 Ne Union in the Center for Civic Engagement.

Civic Engagement

Have you ever heard the name of our office (Center for Civic Engagement) and just thought to yourself... I have no clue what that means? Well in an effort to educate you just a bit check out this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80D3wrdGKbE. It is about 90 seconds long and will help a person understand what civic engagement actually is. Our office focuses the majority of our efforts on the volunteering and leadership aspects of it. If you want to learn a little more check out our website http://engage.unl.edu/.

Get Rec'd

Come check out the Center at get Rec'd today and tomorrow from 11:00 to 4:00! We will be talking about service breaks and handing out cookies. We will be drawing a name for one free alternative service break to a lucky student!

Volunteer fair today!

Hey make sure to come to the volunteer fair today from 3:00 to 5:00 in the Centennial room of City Campus there are refreshments as well as organizations you can volunteer with!

Today in civic engagement

Check out UNL's recycling statistics after the Michigan State game. If we recycled what we could the earth would be a lot better off! http://newsroom.unl.edu/announce/todayatunl/891/5365

Interested in learning Chinese to improve your civic engagement abilities? The UNL Confucius Institute will be starting classes on the 17th for $100-150. Check out the links for more info. http://www.unl.edu/ http://confuciusinstitute.unl.edu/activities.shtml
Reminder for everyone that the volunteer fair is tomorrow here in the City Union. It will be in the Centennial room from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Come to find an organization to volunteer with!

Also, come check us out at Get Rec'd on Thursday or Friday. Doors open at 11:00 am each day. We will be giving out information about our Spring Alternative Service Breaks. There will be five different ones, each to a different city. Come check out Center for Civic Engagement at Get Red'd for more info!

Center update for today

Join the Center in tax season by becoming a greeter, interpreter, or childcare volunteer. It is a great chance to help the tax program without having to actually do taxes!

There is a tax training session tomorrow the 13th of January. It is for tax volunteers who may need some assistance in their tax training. It is in the Center (222 Ne Union) from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.

The Center will be at Get Rec'd on January 19-20 telling about our Spring Alternative Service Break Trips. Drop by to find out about them!

Check out these cool statistics on volunteering in Nebraska!
http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/NE

Tuscaloosa trip quick fact

The students who went to Tuscaloosa, Alabama completed 742 hours of service in just four days. For more information about the trip check out the Daily Nebraskan article at http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/students-assist-in-tuscaloosa-relief-efforts-1.2683966

Welcome back!

- The Center would like to welcome everyone back to school and hopes that the semester will go well. If you have not had a chance to come visit us yet this school year drop by 222 Nebraska Union to see the Center for Civic Engagement.
-If you want to get involved in volunteering this semester or need to fulfill a service requirement for a class come to the volunteer fair on January 19th in the Nebraska Union from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.
-The Center would like to send a shout out to the 29 students and staff that helped clean up tornado debris in Tuscaloosa, Alabama over break!