Column: Clearinghouse for Volunteers

03/26/09 - While some of you may have been tanning on the beaches of Mexico or Florida, or relaxing at home catching up on sleep after midterms, 10 University of Rhode Island students and three staff members traveled to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C., for an alternative Spring Break adventure. After many weeks of preparation, educating ourselves with statistics, testimonials, and figures about the Literacy in Youth program, we were ready for our journey. Upon arriving, many of us were unsure what was to come. I don't think any of us realized the impact the trip would have on our lives. We boarded the silver steed (commonly known as the "metro") and rode it to our new home. After a long night's rest, we began our week of experiential learning.

The week started with visits to a multitude of non-profit organizations, including the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, First Focus and the First Book National headquarters.

At these organizations we learned about the hard work that it takes to run a nonprofit. Also on our first night in the city, we attended the Speaker's bureau, where three homeless people told us about their lives.

It was interesting to see the nonprofit perspective on the focus area of our trip. Many of the individuals who presented to us also shared their career stories and how they came into that particular career. This was eye-opening for all students and caused them to think about their future careers. After visiting these organizations, many of us had revelations about our lives and gained a new perspective on the future.

In addition to hearing the perspective of the nonprofit organizations, the students were able to meet with their state legislators. The students met with U.S. Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI,) and U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) regarding the issues of literacy, the environment and the No Child Left Behind Act. It was interesting to compare and contrast the views of the nonprofit organizations to those of the legislators.

We also visited Ferebee Hope Elementary School in the Southeast quarter of the city where we worked with a kindergarten class. I think this had the most impact and provided a rewarding experience for the students because they were able to see the issues right before their eyes. The younger students paired up with a few of us and read "Dog's Colorful Day," then colored in worksheets and made their own books about a dog.

At the end of our time there, First Book donated copies of "Green Eggs and Ham" to give out to the children. They were absolutely thrilled they got books to take home. One child said he was so happy to get a book because he only had one other book at home.

We were able to view the issue through a different lens throughout all these experiences. We were also able to discuss the impact of other issues including nutrition and homelessness on literacy and education in children.

On top of all these experiences, we were able to participate in service with the Heart of America by packaging children's books for library renovation projects and sort food donations at the Capital Area Food Bank.

This was truly an unforgettable and rewarding adventure for both the students and staff members. We learned, we laughed (a lot) and some of us even cried at the end. One student said, "It was an experience that will stick with me forever because of the eye-opening service we performed and the inspiring people we met."

Another student said that prior to the trip she was considering dropping out of the university, but this trip showed her how far a good education can get you in life.

For all volunteer opportunities, including ones similar to this, please visit the Clearinghouse for Volunteers in Roosevelt 125 or e-mail Corrine.hawes@gmail.com.