Non-profit organization seeks student involvement
By: Giovanie Stiven
Issue date: 4/7/09 Section: Student Life
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A pledge that is suppose to give students a sense of pride and commitment to the prestigious university have some wondering if the pledge has been used throughout students matriculation.
With one of the mottos being "culture for service" some students have wondered if they have been able to live up to the motto or have you fallen short of it.
Empress Varnado, a senior public relations student said, "Clark Atlanta University is committed to academic excellence, building character and service to others."
"The cultural creed needs to be more apparent in classrooms and professors need to help reemphasize the importance of it," Varnado said.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) serve as safe havens for children between the ages of 6-18 during after school hours.
Taneil Mack, a senior marketing major said, "It's important to give back to the community especially to such an organization such as the Boys and Girls Club because it takes a village to raise a child."
The John H. Harland BGCA has six structured programs that are geared toward the development of children's education and life skills. These programs consists of character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness, and recreation as well as the Intel Computer Clubhouse. Their mission is to provide a quality developmental program which empowers Metro Atlanta youth, especially, those from disadvantaged circumstances to become productive adults.
Volunteers play a major role in any organization like Michelle Underwood who is a senior psychology major at Spelman College. "I enjoy working with the girls and the relationships that we have built," Underwood said. Underwood has been volunteering at the BGCA for almost a year now and runs the cheerleading program with young girls between the ages of 8-11.
The John H. Harland BGCA is seeking dedicated college students who want to contribute their time to working with the youth.
"With student's being actively involved in their community it enriches not only their lives, but the youths as well. It creates a youth development that provides the students with the ability to reach their goals and dreams in their personal, educational and professional lives" Erich Santifer said, BGCA program director.
The BGCA has produced alumni's such as Denzel Washington, Bill Cosby, Jennifer Lopez, Bill Clinton, Muhammad Ali, Brad Pitt, and Magic Johnson.
The John H. Harland BGCA is located on 434 Peeple Street.
