2011 Jefferson Awards Gala Dinner
There is so much talk about the Jefferson Awards (can you tell how excited and proud we are?) that we thought it might be beneficial to take a moment and do a mini-review on the Jefferson Awards Students In Action Program. The following is an excerpt from the 2011 Jefferson Awards National Report on Volunteering & Service in America to the U.S. Senate & White House.
Sam Beard and Hon. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
"Students In Action excites and motivate students, while helping schools put a system into place that maximizes volunteerism and learning. At the core of the program are student leaders."
Student leaders receive extensive training and are assisted by faculty coordinators/ mentors, Linda Michalski and Sr. Donna Jo, for Benedictine Academy.
Students In Action have seven goals:
1. ENGAGE SCHOOL COMMUNITY. Build significant awareness and interest in volunteerism.
2. CREATE EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP. Apply team leadership skills to lifelong civil engagement.
3. EXPAND VOLUNTEER CAPACITY. Expand both volunteer hours and the number of volunteer projects.4. EXPAND FINANCIAL CAPACITY FOR VOLUNTEERS. Raise $2-5 k to invest in volunteerism within the school.
5. TELL STORIES IN THE COMMUNITY. Build greater community awareness of the positive impact of youth.
6. GROW AND EXPAND. Increase overall high school volunteerism to other schools.
7. INNOVATE. Leverage best practices and learn how to be effective.
Robert Ford, the Executive Director of the Jefferson Award program further explains, "America believes in the power of We. We help our neighbors. We help our communities. We help the world. In fact our nation believes so much in the power of We that "We the People"... begins one of our most important documents, the Constitution. These words are about the power of people working together,of collaborating as individuals, of becoming greater than the sum of the parts.
In essence, the Jefferson Awards for Public Service takes the Power of One and makes it the Power of We as we recognize, inspire and activate volunteerism and public service in communities, workplaces and schools across America. Young Americans, in particular, love to share and work together. Our youth programs epitomize the Power of We."
At Benedictine Academy, we also believe in the Power of We and We are committed to making a difference in our world. It is our hope that you will call us and join us as we become Global Leaders of Change. For more information, please contact Linda Michalski, Campus Ministry, at (908) 352-0670, ext. 125.
