On May 12, 2011, Mitch Longson, program coordinator for the Utah Campus Compact moderated the Student Activism in Its Many Forms: Supporting Social Justice on Campus session of the Utah Leadership Academy at the Salt Lake Community College.
The four guest panelists were Jason Thornton who inspired and organized a Community Garden at Salt Lake Community College, William Spiegel who is working to end violence on college campuses, Gladis Higginbotham who has worked to stop human trafficking, and Jordan Hunt who worked to help stop hunger for college students.
Jason emphasized that in order to get the community garden project done, he had to work with people and find out what their passions were and what their concerns were. One of the issues that Campus Facilities was worried about was that the garden would be an eyesore. After drawing up a contract to ensure that the gardeners knew what was expected and Facilities had those expectations written down, the Campus Facilities became one of the projects staunchest supporters.
Jordan explained that his best advertising came from his volunteers. Once the students got involved and could see that there was a need and what that need was, they were able to go out and bring about more awareness of the project.
Gladis found that getting the organization Child Rescue to the campus was a big deal, and that the Social Justice club on campus allowed them to gain access to student volunteers.
William made a point that whatever the cause that a person picks, that person should always continue to learn about the topic and keep current with the organization. He said that social media was a great way to do that.
All four panelists said that passion was the key to being successful. With Jordan adding that service should be incorporated into whatever you are currently doing. His group’s biggest event was a fall recycled fashion show. People bring a can of food to the event and get a discount off the admission price. That was a great way to collaborate with another organization.
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