College is your time to get to know yourself better, try out new hobbies, and spend time doing what you love. But it is also the time to give back to your community and help those around the world in need. Luckily, at John Cabot University, there are plenty of community service opportunities as well as clubs and organizations to get involved with that will let you do just that. One of these organizations is the STAND (Students Taking Action Now - Darfur) Club.
For over ten years, STAND has been a student-led club on campus devoting its time and efforts to creating a sustainable network that actively fights genocide wherever it may occur. Its original mission was to fight to stop the genocide in Darfur, Sudan. Today, the club raises awareness on the local underprivileged communities.
If you feel called to help out the organization, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved! STAND currently carries out community service activities at three Centers: the Church of Santa Lucia del Gonfalone, Vo.Re.Co and at the Baobab Experience. Students are always encouraged to volunteer at these Centers that welcome those in need.
Getting involved with STAND will give you a chance to give back to your local community, but it will also be a wise way to spend your time. It will help you cultivate skills you will use in the future and will give you the perfect training to go out and continue making the world a better place after graduating from JCU.
By volunteering with STAND you will learn how to fundraise for nonprofits, work on marketing skills for fundraising, become a volunteer English teacher, work next to experienced volunteers from around the world, and get first-hand experience with working for humanitarian organizations.
JCU regularly hosts events and activities in order to raise funds for the on-going STAND projects. One of the organization's most-loved traditions is the book fundraiser they host at the beginning of every semester. Students are encouraged to donate their used textbooks and other books in various bins around the JCU Campuses as they finish up their classes and exams at the end of each semester. Then, STAND members collect the books and gives them away at the beginning of the next semester in exchange for a minimum donation. This tradition has been loved by students for years. They get their textbooks at a discounted price, and all of their proceeds go to a great cause. It's a win-win.
Be on the look-out for the book fundraiser coming up! STAND volunteers will be set-up in the Tiber campus 2nd floor hallway, all day September 3rd, 4th, and 5th.
For more info or to find out more about volunteering opportunities, contact STAND at stand@johncabot.edu