February 2015 Newsletter

Cougars Taking Action

A variety of Valentine's Day cards for Charleston Area Seniors.

Cougars Taking Action is the service initiative component of the Homecoming Spirit Cup Challenge. Each year teams of students compete to show the most cougar pride. Cougars Taking Action provides students with the opportunity to gain points and give back to the Charleston community. While teams are encouraged to participate as part of the Spirit Cup Challenge, individuals are also welcome to join in the fun.

Cougars Taking Action is comprised of philanthropic direct service components coordinated with the homecoming theme. This year’s theme was Unmask Your Pride! The students that participated unmasked their pride by engaging with Senior Citizens in the Charleston area. They created over 200 Valentine’s Day cards for the individuals that benefit from programs and services offered by Charleston Area Senior Citizens Inc. and Dorchester County Senior Citizens Inc. Some students also directly engaged with senior citizens by visiting them at Charleston Area Senior Citizens Inc. and participating in the Dorchester County Senior Citizens meal delivery program.

Recurring Service

The Center for Civic Engagement has instated new recurring service events in conjunction with Lowcountry Food Bank and Charleston Area Senior Citizens Inc. Like all of our events, we will provide transportation, pre-service education and post-service reflection.

Lowcountry Food Bank

Lowcountry Food Bank collects, inspects, maintains, and distributes otherwise wasted food products. These food products are then redistributed to organizations that provide hunger-relief services in South Carolina.

Register to participate on one of the following Fridays 1:00pm – 3:00 pm.

  • February 27
  • March 13, 27
  • April 10, 17

Charleston Area Senior Citizens

CASC helps enhance the lives of older adults in the community through a variety of services. Most CASC programs and services target low income seniors and are offered at no charge.

Register to participate on one of the following Wednesdays from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

  • February 25
  • March 11, 25
  • April 8, 22

Conference

The Center for Civic Engagement is excited to offer the opportunity for aspiring active citizens to apply for funding to attend a local, regional, or national conference that addresses one or more of the following criteria:

  • Service-Learning
  • Civic Engagement
  • Social Justice
  • o Specific social issues of interest (e.g. environmental issues, education, homelessness, etc.)

If funding is awarded, students will be required to provide typed notes from any sessions attended and materials from workshops, in addition to identifying a concrete opportunity to apply the information learned on the College of Charleston campus and/or in the Charleston community.

Email Maggie Szeman (szemanme@cofc.edu for more information and to apply).

Service Grants

The Center for Civic Engagement is excited to offer the opportunity for aspiring active citizens to apply for funding to offset the costs associated with service-based initiatives in the Charleston community. Costs that can be covered through the parameters of this grant include, supplies (i.e. construction tools, art supplies, food prep materials, books, etc.) related to the service initiative and some travel expenses to and from service sites. Expenses of up to $500.00 will be considered.

Visit volunteer.cofc.edu to apply.

Upcoming Events

  • Alternative Break Drive-In
  • Alternative Break Trips: April Weekend (April 10-12; Applications available April 9th)
  • Spring into Service

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