Are people you came in contact with through this experience having some needs met through the community activities?
In my service learning project, I worked with the United Way's local office as part of the allocations committee. We reviewed several "in need" sites for the possibility of distributing a part of the local United Way's funds. After reviewing the sites the board decided on several areas in which could be or would be best helped by the funding. These sites will receive a portion of the funds collected by the local United Way for the next year. The process will repeat itself. Several of the organizations/sites are in need of continual contributions from the United Way and have received funds for several years. Most of the sites are non-profit organizations which help "needy" populations. This could include under-insured persons, economically disadvantaged, disabled, and many other vulnerable populations. The help provided through this project is very evident at a local level and makes the process very rewarding!
Are community activities like these necessary and/or sufficient to fulfill these community and individual needs? It seems that some of the organizations depend on the United Way and other charitable organizations/donations to continue to operate. Because the United Way's financial budget is not unlimited, it is necessary to portion the funds delivered based on need. Ultimately not all the financial needs are met but it is a huge help and the organizations are very appreciative of the help delivered.
Do you see other means to do so?
There are other organizations that can help and private sector donations that can help the sites with funding. It is almost impossible to meet every need and even with help, some of the sites continue to struggle with their budget. It is unlikely that one organization can help with all of the needs that are in the Lake Charles area, but the combination of charitable donations and the United Way can certainly help serve these organizations and ultimately the underserved local population that they reach.
What was the best/worst/most challenging thing that happened this semester?
The best thing about my service learning objective was the relationships formed through this experience. It has been a huge reward to more closely see the United Way's work and the local groups that are served through this process. The worst thing is to realize the depth of needs that continue to go unmet despite the efforts of the United Way and many other charitable groups and individuals. The ongoing challenge is to remain involved and gain perspective in the needs of the many local organizations and people that utilize the services. It is sometimes easy to put the need of others aside as my focus is on my own needs (wants). It is sobering to reflect on those lives that are around me in my community. They do not have less of a need just because I am not focused on them at any given moment!
What have you learned about yourself?
I believe we should live a life in service to others, the challenge for me is to continually realize and strive to meet this goal of service in my everyday life. To become less self-centered and more obligated to those around me is always a struggle. It is interesting to see the growth that occurs in the individuals around me and in myself as the process continues!
What are your future service learning plans?
I plan to remain active in the United Way's allocations process. I have been asked to serve as a co-chair of a committee next spring as well. Assuming I have the necessary time to devote to the project, I will remain active and gladly take on the responsibility. I also will remain active in several other projects that are not listed as "service learning". "The law is fulfilled by one commandment -love your neighbor as you love yourself". Galations 5:14
