In his State of the Union Address Jan. 29, President Bush urged American citizens to recognize their \obligations to each other, to our country, and to history"" in a post-Sept. 11 society by giving time through increased volunteerism.
""We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self,"" Bush said. ""My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years'4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime'to the service of your neighbors and your nation.""
According to Randy Wallar, associate director of the Morgridge Center for Public Service, UW-Madison students have had the strong service orientation Bush spoke of for quite a while
""Many students attend this university for its. involvement with student service,"" Wallar said.
He cited UW-Madison as being the No. 1 recruiter for the Peace Corps as an example. Students and faculty at the university have had close ties with the organization since its founding in the early 1960s, he said.
Bush also encouraged Americans to double the size of the Peace Corps in the next five years and to join the USA Freedom Corps, a new national organization focusing on crisis at home, community rebuilding and the extension of compassion to foreign countries.
Only time will determine whether students will take an increased role in volunteerism due to Bush's request, Wallar said.
Rachel Phelps, a UW-Madison sophomore and chair of the Community Service Mission Group at Chadbourne Residential College, said she thought in light of the Sept. 11 attacks, students were more aware of the positive impact they can have on the community. In her dealings with other students, she said, they also seem more aware of the importance of giving back because of the events of Sept. 11.
""Whether it's by donating blood on a regular basis or tutoring, people have shown more concern for others,"" she said.
According to Phelps, of the 800 students that reside in CRC, approximately 550 have participated in service events this school year.
One area of volunteerism available at UW-Madison that many students are unaware of is student learning courses. These are classes that were either created for or modified to include service activities in addition to lecture and reading materials. Over 60 classes in eight different schools offer such courses.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, visit the Morgridge Center, room 154 in the Red Gym or attend the spring Volunteer Fair Feb. 8 in Memorial Union, TITU.
