[img]2517|exact|||no_popup[/img]
Look at the crowd that flocked to learn about non-profits.
An extraordinary event happened recently in the courtyard of Culver City High School that was attributed the to creative thinking and coordination of City Councilmember Jim Clarke.
It began when Mr. Clarke spoke to Nick Guthman, Culver High Student Body president, about the service hours students are required to complete before graduation. They discussed ways of making students aware of the non-profit groups in the city. The Councilman followed up by meeting with the Student Council in December.
Finding the best way to accomplish this goal was a task shared with Sierra Smith, External Affairs Manager with Antioch University, which is offering a degree program in non-profit management.
After much planning and coordination with Principal Dylan Farris and Carlos Valverde, the school’s Director of Student Activities, a Non-Profit Volunteer Service Day was organized. Twenty groups participated, including museums, animal services, children’s services, music groups, etc. Booths were staffed by representatives of each organization and students were able to visit during fourth period and lunchtime.
The endeavor was highly successful with the students learning about volunteer opportunities, and non-profits connecting with each other finding mutual goals. Plans are in the works to repeat the event in the fall.
“I was extremely pleased at how well everything went,” said Mr. Clarke, a candidate for re-election on April 8, “and how much all those involved appreciated the effort we made to help the students and the community. We are looking forward to the next Volunteer Service Day, to impacting more students and groups.”
Mr. Clarke may be contacted by email at clarke4council2014@gmail.com, or through www.clarke4council2014.com. You may find him on facebook-Clarke4Council2014, and on Twitter @Clarke4Council.
Ms. Schwartz may be contacted at ssschwar@pacbell.net
