[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/MacServelogo.gif” caption=”Mac Serve logo”]This Saturday, social sciences and kinesiology students will open their hearts and lend a hand.

Hosted by the Faculty of Social Sciences Experiential Education Initiative, Mac Serve 2003 gives students the opportunity to spend half a day volunteering at local not-for-profit organizations.

Students will work on projects ranging from recreational activities with adults with special needs at CHOICES and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, to environmental work with Friends of the Red Hill Valley, and maintenance and renovation work at Martha House, a local women's shelter run by Good Shepherd Centres.

In preparation for the event, approximately 20 students were trained to take on the role of “team leader”. Students were trained by Monica Bennett, a representative from Volunteer Hamilton, and Tamara Baldwin, McMaster Residence Life staff member. Team leaders learned about group facilitation and reflection skills. With these skills, leaders will guide teams through their volunteer experiences, and encourage co-operation and open communication. They will also assist students as they reflect on what they are doing, why it is important, and how it makes an impact in the community. Although these skills will be vital for the activities of Mac Serve, their merit extends beyond the day and will be valuable for academic, social and personal endeavors.

Mac Serve is run in partnership with Volunteer Hamilton, and supported by the United Way of Burlington and Greater Hamilton. The United Way has collaborated with McMaster this year, offering a similar project, Day of Caring, on Friday, Oct. 3.

Social sciences students interested in participating in Mac Serve can contact Ruthanne Corbett, community service and leadership co-ordinator, at 905-525-9140, ext. 23382 or corbetr@mcmaster.ca. Registration forms can also be downloaded at www.socsci.mcmaster.ca/EE to be dropped off at the Experiential Education office in KTH 102.

Jennifer Tang is a social sciences student and Mac Serve committee member.