To some students, it seems like turnout for these events has been low. However, Mr. Simon would beg to differ. He explained that the partner organizations involved in these events often place a cap or a limited number of volunteer spaces that they allow each school. With nearly 6,000 students on campus, the fifteen participants at “Boo at the Zoo” may have seemed small. This was a limit imposed by the Atlanta Zoo and Mr. Simon was glad to have filled all of the spaces.

St. Francis’s Table event in November was limited twenty-five volunteer spots. Not only were these spots filled, Campus Life was left with a waiting list of students wishing to be involved in future events. Campus life is working hard to build new relationships with other organizations in the area. Simon hopes to have the events happening regularly and with enough frequency to avoid waiting lists. A few particular programs in development include partnering with a retirement community and with Habitat for Humanity.

  Campus Life is currently doing research on how to get more male student participation. According to studies done across the country, there is a downward trend in male involvement in any kind of volunteer work. Clayton State has a larger hill to climb with male students being only 30% of the student body.

In the meantime, student organizations are not sitting idly by. Gamma Beta Mu had a large showing at this year’s AIDS Walk Atlanta, and Bent Tree News Managing Editor Roland Benoit Jr. organized a group composed of newspaper staff and Mock Trial Association members as well. Students can also volunteer individually or in small groups using online resources like Volunteer Match where individuals can learn about and sign up for local initiatives like Hands On Atlanta events.

In any case, Mr. Simon is optimistic about Clayton State’s ability to become a force for positive change in our community.

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