|
MATC Alternative Spring Break Students Meet to
Discuss Volunteer Experiences
In New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia
WHAT:
|
A “re-orientation” and
debriefing session for the students who participated in
Madison Area Technical College’s (MATC) Alternative
Spring Break volunteer programs during
March 11-19 in New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.
- 50
students traveled to New Orleans to work with ACORN Rebuild
- 15
students traveled to Washington, D.C. with Amizade, and
15 to Philadelphia, through Philadelphia Cares, to
work with
pantries and soup kitchens serving the homeless
The students
who volunteered in New Orleans have been posting photos
and journals of their experiences and
thoughts daily
on the MATC Website at http://matcmadison.edu (see top right link under News and Events.) |
WHO:
|
The 80 MATC students who performed volunteer service over
their spring breaks are invited to this non-mandatory reflection
session with their advisors and project donors. In addition,
representatives from community agencies will attend to generate
interest in volunteering in our own community.
|
WHERE:
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MATC Truax, 3550 Anderson Street, Madison, WI 53704 (Room
142AB) |
WHEN:
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Saturday, March 25, 2006, 10 am – Noon
|
WHY:
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The students are providing support for the deconstruction
efforts in New Orleans and learning about the long-term effects
of a natural disaster on a community through scheduled orientations
and facilitated reflection sessions.
|
BACKGROUND: |
All volunteers in New Orleans stayed in a FEMA tent city
in Algiers, LA, and traveled to their work sites each day to
rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. On Sunday, March
12 they toured the city neighborhoods affected by Katrina.
Monday through Friday they worked starting at 7:30 am, with
their departure from the tent city, through 3 pm. The students
returned to Madison on Saturday, March 18.
A drive was held
to collect money and tools for the trip with donations solicited
from local companies. Hooper Construction donated hundreds of ear plugs, gloves,
safety glasses and protective masks for the project. Lab Safety Supply and
Famous Footwear provided 15% discounts on supplies purchased.
The students raised $5,500
to support their travels and MATC raised more than $3,000 from staff, faculty
and students. The cost to the student was $275 to cover travel, lodging and
materials. |
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Last
Modified:
March 21, 2006
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