Guilford students’ efforts in volunteer activities have branched into criminal justice, animal care, and helping local Greensboro youths.
The Volunteer Fair celebrated its ten- year anniversary this year. On Wednesday, Aug. 27, in Sternberger Auditorium, students were offered the opportunity to explore 37 local Greensboro organizations.
This year’s focus was on the freshmen class. “This is the time to be thinking of internships for next semester, next year, or even over the summer,” said James Shields, Director of Community Learning.
The fair offered a diverse collection of volunteer opportunities including mentoring with programs such as Big Brother, Big Sister, help with the elderly, environmental conservancy and tutoring. “Guilford students have prevented at-risk students from failing with their tutoring efforts,” said Kassandra Thompson of the Black Child Development Institute of Greensboro.
Many of the organizations have a long history with Guilford College. All of the volunteer sites, except the YMCA, have been present on Guilford’s campus for 5 years or more. Twelve of the 37 organizations are student-led. One example is the weekly discussion with inmates at the McLeansville prison. “Students get to have open discussions with inmates,” said Guilford senior Sunny Matthews.
Students can also help with programs that benefit animals at the Humane Society of Guilford County. “Students walk dogs, two or three times a week. They form bonds with the shyer animals, help bring them out,” said Humane Society representative and Guilford alum Mary Joyce.
Unfortunately, many first-years fight the time constraints. “I don’t have the free time to volunteer,” said first-year Brice Tarleton.
Though many students face obstacles in volunteering such as transportation and busy schedules, these programs are beneficial to the community.
“It gives students something valuable to do in their spare time, something that enriches them and their surroundings,” said senior Chaos/Avanti leader Angela Hunnewell.