Nationwide movement encourages volunteerism

Over 70 volunteers and six student organizations came together for the Indian Students Association national service day event at Wayne State on Oct. 4 in honor of Mahatma Gandhi.

"Be the Change 2008," formerly known as "National Gandhi Day of Service," was to encourage people to volunteer and do community service. The title comes from Gandhi's quote, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

Gandhi was a non-violent civil rights leader in India and took part in the Indian Independence Movement.

ISA worked in partnership with South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAACT) to organize this localized event. This is the first year Wayne State was asked to participate. "Be the Change" took place on Oct. 4 in various cities and in universities and colleges.

SAALT provided forms, formats, sample agendas and instructions.

Tanuka Datta - a biology major, "Be The Change" campus coordinator and ISA community service chair - said SAALT kept in constant touch with their contacts to make sure it went smoothly. There were many teleconferences.

Junior Amy Eapen, service and fundraising co-chair for Circle K, an international service organization, helped with coordinating. Eapen said plans that started in late May were executed in July. She got involved to represent her heritage.

"I'm Indian so I thought it was a part of my culture and a good opportunity for WSU organizations to come together," she said.

For her, being the change means doing what you're telling others.

"If you really believe in something, run with it," she said.

"Be the Change 2008" started with a kick-off event in the morning in the Student Center's Hilbery A and B rooms. Whole Foods grocery store donated and supplied breakfast. Other expenses were covered by ISA.

Keynote speaker Nancy Galster, Special Initiatives Coordinator for the Honors College, said people came to volunteer for different reasons but for the same cause.

After the speech, participants chose from five Detroit-based service sites to volunteer, including Belle Isle Nature Center, Gleaners, Habitat for Humanity, Coalition on Temporary Shelter and Greening of Detroit.

Datta hopes people continue volunteering after this event.

"We contacted the service sites so they have fun things to do and a great way to give back and volunteer," Datta said. "It's a great way to find a service site they like."

ISA collaborated with Honors Students Association, American Medical Student Association, Habitat for Humanity, Circle K, Humanity Outreach and Project Volunteer.

Danica Aquino, a psychology and pre-med major and Circle K club secretary, spent the afternoon at Gleaners Food Bank. Her 10-student group packaged 10,000 pounds of food.

"Efforts, even though very small at first, create a great difference in the community," Aquino said.

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