Civic Engagement Week Inspires Students to Volunteer

Monday kicked off Civic Engagement Week, an entire week dedicated to activism, engagement and volunteering both at Ramapo and in the community. This is an annual event that proves to be a success each year. Throughout the week there are presentations, discussions, workshops and even service opportunities to help students acknowledge their role and participate within their community.

On Monday, the Student Government Association and Ramapo Chorale gave presentations on their recent trip to Africa. These students visited KNUST University in Kumasi, Ghana over spring break and discussed what they learned, as well as answered any questions the audience had.

The next day, the Civic and Community Engagement Center hosted their annual reception and awards ceremony where they recognized certain individuals for their hard work and dedication to civic engagement. Wednesday was filled with sessions such as a service trip to Dellridge Health and Rehabilitation Center as well as an informational session entitled “How to Influence Public Policy.” This discussion informed students on how their voice can be heard in an influential and meaningful way.

On Thursday, there will be a presentation on how to actualize goals called “Powering Your Passions” from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in A220.

A Civil Rights Quiz Competition will take place on Friday. This event will be hosted by representatives of the Andrew Goodman Foundation, who strive to make young voters’ voices heard. Finally, the week finishes off with service opportunities both on and off campus.

Saturday will hold an opportunity to volunteer with the Special Olympics on campus while Sunday offers a service trip to MEVO, or the Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization. Registration on OrgSync is required for the latter event.

More details and information regarding the above events can be found by visiting the Civic and Community Engagement (SC213).

cdarakj1@ramapo.edu