See below for upcoming events
Spring 2012
Olivia Cifrino '12 receipient of the Dr. Peter W. Hess College Volunteer of the Year Award
Olivia Cifrino '12 was awarded the first Dr. Peter W. Hess College Volunteer of the Year Award given by the Springfield School Volunteers' office. Olivia has worked with the White Street School (January-May 2010) and the Kensington School (September-May 2012) in the Refugee Tutor/Mentor Program.
An Alumnae perspective...
Dana Stuehling
Outreach Coordinator
Dana Stuehling is a 2011 graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA where she studied Sociology focusing on race, gender and sexuality. During her tenure at Smith, she worked with Students for Social Justice and Institutional Change and
co-chaired the working group, Queers and Allies; both groups focused on working for LGBT rights within the college community and at a national level.
Volunteering locally, Dana worked with Gay Straight Alliances (GSA) at several high schools and focused on empoweringLGBT youth and collaborating with them to improve their learning environments; and at Safe Passage, a domestic violence shelter in Northampton. After working in both the shelter and office, she has become invested in anti-violence and anti-sexism work. She served on the Board of the Community Service Office at Smith, where she collaborated with many local agencies and planned and participated in a wide variety of projects and fundraisers -- including a barn raising! Since 2007, Dana has also worked with cultural bridges to justice, a national consortium of anti-oppression trainers.
Through these connections she witnessed the impact that volunteering has on a community and strengthened her passion for social justice work. Personally, she has been examining her own biracial identity and recognizing the value and challenge of living in a culture that sees race as solely “black” and “white.” Dana is passionate about empowering youth and students in the fight for equality and she is thrilled to be serving as Outreach Coordinator.
UPCOMING EVENTS
WINTER GIFTS 2012
Every year the CSO works with the Hilltown Churches Food pantry in Ashfield, MA which sponsors theWinterGiftsprogram. Our goal is to match 50 children with sponsors who will provide 2 articles of warm clothing and 1 toy for each child. Sponsorship can be done as an individual or group of friends or colleagues.
Parents or guardians designate the type of gifts and clothing their child can use so you know that your gifts will be meaningful to the child and family. This will require you to raise about $40-80 per child that you sponsor.
The Hilltown Churches Food Pantry program provides emergency food services to well over 150 families in need in rural W. Franklin County. The Hilltown Food Pantry is non-denominational and the Winter Gifts program is not religiously affiliated. The majority of families served by the pantry are "working poor" whose wages are insufficient to cover cost of living. Rising costs of health care, transportation, and childcare put these families in economic strain as they struggle to maintain a decent standard of living.
The Pantry would gladly accept monetary donations also to be able to purchasegiftsfor children without sponsors.
Contact CSO at cso@smith.edu if you are interested in sponsoring a child or have questions. Help us reach our goal. Sponsorship deadline November 15th.
Community Education Luncheon
Community Ed Lunch on November 15. Learn about Big Brothers Big Sisters! 12:00 to 1:00 in the Dewey Common Room. Pizza and Salad will be provided!
"Being a Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do. Not to mention, one of the most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering him or her to achieve. And the best part is, it’s actually a lot of fun! You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do."
Hot Chocolate run
The Hot Chocolate Run raises funds for Safe Passage, the organization adressing domestic violence in Hampshire County. This event is Safe Passage's largest fundraising event.
The event will take place on Sunday, December 2. For the first time there will be FREE event registration for those fundraising online. Please register early! Online registration closes on Friday, November 30, 2012.
Fun Facts about the CSO:
Like us on Facebook!
We have set up our Facebook, and will keep updating it with news and events.
CSO Board Meetings
The CSO Board meets every Wednesday beginning September 12th in the CCC, Wright Hall 013 at 4:30 p.m. for its weekly one-hour board meeting.
House Rep Meetings
The House Reps meet Thursdays at 5:00-5:30 p.m., in Wright Hall 002.
