By Tereka N. Baltimore
HOOP is a new organization that is developing at Buffalo State to get students involved in community services and get experience in their field.
Members of HOOP would be aware of:
“When you hear the words community service, you usually think of picking up trash,” said Quentin Starks, president of HOOP.
But that’s not the case. Organizers say they feel that students are not going to do extra work if they feel obligated. If the organization can use different tactics to make it fun and get the right people to promote the different programs and events, the organization can be successful.
“Once we have the first meeting, we are planning to have a clothing drive, which all of the organizations will be involved in, but HOOP will be in charge of the program,” said Starks.
Reactions from students
“I need to get more involved,” said sophomore Aungalique Mack. “That’s my reason for transferring from Canisius to Buff State, Buff State has more activities.”
Students on campus say that it is a good idea to have an organization whose focal point is informing students on how to help others and also themselves, according to Starks.
A different way to look at community service is a “mini internship,” according to Starks.
In other words, instead of segregation between different organizations, HOOP would be the focal point and integrate all of the organizations on campus.
Future plans of HOOP
“We will give gift certificates, prizes and other incentives to motivate members,” said Starks.
“You have to use certain tactics to get people involved in programs,” said Latoya Mcrae, vice president of African American Student Organization. “It is the way you approach community services, other organizations such as AASO, CSO, AEL and BAM do it, but it is hard to get students involved in community services.”
According to Mcrae, students must have the spirit to help people in order to commit themselves to doing community service.
Members of the organization will help hand out fliers and depending on word-of-mouth to inform students on campus about the programs and activities that HOOP organizes.
The first general interest meeting will be announced.
For more information contact Tereka altimore at terekanb@yahoo.com
Imbedded links: www.buffalostate.edu
www.canisius.edu
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Sophmore Aungalique Mack
