Many St. Olaf students love the various possibilities the community of Northfield offers. Last Thursday, students gathered in Viking Theater to hear about numerous opportunities to become active in the Northfield area. Northfield Connect: Serve and Learn in the Local Community was the kickoff event for Civic Engagement Week hosted by the Center for Experimental Learning (CEL).
Event organizer Nate Jacobi from the CEL said the goal of Northfield Connect was to give “students opportunities to be engaged in the local community.” Northfield Connect first took place last February with a successful turnout. “[For] students with academic civic engagement as part of a course,” he said, “this is an opportunity to explore.” For others, it served as an outlet for community involvement in areas of their interest.
Heidi Skrukrud ‘13 heard about Northfield Connect through her anthropology class. Her relatives in the Northfield community told her how much St. Olaf students are involved in Northfield. The program was a good way to be informed of different opportunities, she said.
The program featured short speeches by representatives from local organizations. After the speeches, students had the opportunity to network with the representatives and find out more about each association.
Sixteen presenters shared their organizational interests during the program. Presenters included the 5th Bridge, a volunteer-focused organization that strengthens community living and seeks volunteer writers, videographers and photographers.
With a large selection of art-related events, the Northfield Arts Guild extends internships and work study with possibilities for classroom assistance and ushering.
The Cannon River Watershed Project, looking for interns and volunteers, focuses on improving the condition of the Cannon River.
The Hope Center offers services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and is looking for help with basic office support duties. They also offer a volunteer program that includes experience in legal advocacy.
Northfield Citizens Online (NCO), which runs Northfield.org, looks for more student representation in online submissions. Anyone can submit news, stories or events. NCO also looks for students interested in an academic internship or student work.
Laura Baker Services works with people with disabilities, and is looking for students interested in internships and community work study.
Plenty of opportunities to work with the area youth can be found around Northfield. The Northfield Area Family YMCA is also providing students with work study and volunteer positions through various programs, such as their camps.
The Northfield Middle School Youth Center offers community work study. The Center also looks for organizations to provide entertainment or activities for the students.
The Key (Northfield Union of Youth) extends mentoring experience with either one student or a small group.
Tackling Obstacles Raising College Hopes (TORCH) is one way to become involved with English as a second language students and low-income, first-generation college students through their mentoring and tutoring program.
The Northfield Healthy Community Initiative, which stresses engagement, empowerment and encouragement, offers programs to mentor students grades six through 12. Summer internships are also available.
St. Dominic’s School, the local Catholic elementary and middle school, is open to volunteers, tutoring or ideas for programs in the school.
Another opportunity for work study, internships and volunteering with young children is available through the Northfield ECFC (Early Child Family Education), which focuses on improving literacy.
War Kids Relief, an innovative grassroots organization that helps connect United States children with children in Iraq and Afghanistan has internship interest.
Plenty of positions exist outside the city of Northfield. Throughout Rice County, Growing Up Healthy offers internships and work study while working to improve health by changing social causes that impair healthy lives.
So How Are the Children (SHAC) in Faribault is concerned with children’s health. They have a new middle school program and offer a variety of opportunities.
After the presentations, the community members moved to the Crossroads to meet with interested students.
Martina Padilla ’10 attended the session as part of the class Ideals to Action. “I’m already working at the Art Guild,” she said, “and thinking about working with Growing Up Healthy.” Part of the class requires involvement in civic engagement. Even after the class, though, Padilla is positive she will continue her work at the Art Guild.
Nate Jacobi was also thinking of the possibilities. “For [students], it’s developing skills that will serve them in the future.” For those who couldn’t make it to Northfield Connect and are interested in contacting the community organizations, you can stop by the CEL or visit their website at www.stolaf.edu/services/cel.
Northfield civics excite
Published: Friday, September 25, 2009
Updated: Sunday, September 27, 2009 15:09
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