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.