Ca.mDUS elvrtan more than just a service club Two Mondays a month at 9:30 p.m. in the science building, students gathered to discuss and plan service projects for the community. These students identified themselves as Civitans because of their roots in the international branch, Civitan International. Many students joined Campus Civitan to be involved in service projects outside of social clubs. "I wanted to be more involved with service, but the social club J was in d idn't rea l1y do a lot of that, and when they did it seemed like it was forced," senior Anne Roberts said . "Beingwith [Campus] Civitan not only allows you to do service projects with other like– minded people, but it gives you the chance to relax and have fun serving without feeling like it's something that you're forced to do." Dr. Harmon Brown, professor of math and lifelong Civitan member, fOW1d the Harding organization in 2000. To join the club, members had to fill out an application and send it, along with the $12 membership fee, to the headquarters in Tennessee. The membership fee helped fund the Civitan International Research Center, which was a research and treatment facility for people with developmental disabilities. "I think it helps to expand our outlook. Even though the organization isn't church affiliated, it's still able to do some good/' Brown said. "I also think it's a good way to become acquainted with what's going on in the community. It gives students a group to belong to outside of the church ..." Among other projects, Campus Civitan was involved with the Sunshine School, Special Olympics and the Searcy Nursing Home. Every week members went to the Sunshine School and helped monitor recess. "They're kids and so they like to play. They like havin°g someone there who they can talk to and who cares about them," senior Bernadette Tovar said. "I think it's important for people to have an understanding of those with developmental problems because once you get to know them you see that they are so innocent and pure. Seeing that helps to give you a new perspective on His power of creation." At the Searcy Nursing Home, Civitans hosted a chili supper and spent time talking with the patients. Tn addition, Civitans held a Halloween party for the Sunshine School and helped feed a needy family during the holidays. - Cairey Tai 192 /I organizations A JOY club member con– structs a play house with a Sunshine School student Oct. 23 during a JOY club service project. "Volunteering with the JOY club has been an inspiration to me," junior Alison Brown said. "Through service activities you begin to see the light of God on the faces of those you've come to spend time with." (Photo by Melissa Wilson)
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