Important Announcements:
Important Resources:
- Learn about service opportunities
- Share your ideas for service projects
- Request volunteers for service
- Tell your stories of service
- Join the UNT Volunteer League
- Learn and Serve: America's National Service Learning Clearinghouse
Additional Resources:
What is it?
CANstruction is a competition organized to raise food for the Denton Community Food Center. Registered groups design and build a structure out of non-perishable food items to raise awareness about hunger. CANstruction is held at Discovery Park on February 17 1pm–5pm and will be held in the Student Union, Silver Eagle Suite on Friday, February 26, 2010 from 8am–1pm.
- Please register your group and design with the Center for Leadership & Service by Friday, February 12, 2010 so we can reserve your place.
- Make sure that you have collected cans for your structure IN ADVANCE of CANstruction Day. Cans ARE NOT provided for CANstuction—you must bring your own.
- The top structures, based on votes from the judges will be awarded prizes. Last year's prizes included a pizza and wings party, a free student organization office space and a free use of the Silver Eagle Suite.
- The food gathered during CANstruction will be taken directly to the Denton Community Food Center at the end of the day.
What is service?
Service is voluntary work done by one person or a group that benefits a community or individual; an act of help or assistance.
Why should you serve?
Service accomplishes several things:
- It strengthens communities – When community members achieve a common goal, their community is strengthened. Through his words and example, Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and lift up and improve their neighborhoods and communities through service.
- It empowers individuals – Whether teaching literacy skills, helping older adults surf the Web, or helping someone build skills they need to get a job, when you provide acts of service, you help others improve their own lives – and you get the satisfaction that only comes from helping others.
- It bridges barriers – Dr. King inspired Americans to think beyond themselves, to look past differences and work toward equality. When you serve alongside someone who is different than you, your service overcomes barriers and you learn that we are more alike than different.
How can you help yourself by helping others?
Besides giving you the feeling that only comes when you help someone else, participating in service projects can bring recognition to you and your organization. The Year of Service will end with a celebration in January 2010 to recognize outstanding service among members of the UNT community.
Why does UNT emphasize service?
By participating in community service projects, UNT students:
- develop a better understanding of the role of volunteerism at the local, national, and international levels.
- enhance their knowledge of local, national, and international current events and social problems and learn how to discuss how volunteerism impacts these events.
- develop a better understanding of themselves and their values.
- are able to identify strategies for affecting change within the UNT community and the broader global community.
What are some service project examples?
- Helping school children with disabilities participate in physical activity
- Planting, painting and cleaning up campus during UNT’s Campus Beautification Day
- Organizing and giving to canned food, toy and school supply drives
- Tutoring at local elementary schools
- Volunteering at women’s crisis centers
- Mentoring children
- Serving at local retirement homes