Column - Be a part of the solutions to community issues

When you officially become a part of the West Virginia University community you should take pride in it. There is much to boast about this place – the people, the scenery, the atmosphere.

But the area will not take off itself; it takes action from members of the community.

Furthermore, when you take action for your community, it helps build a positive character that will follow you the rest of your life.

WVU hosts many clubs and organizations that offer opportunities to students, many of which involve community action and relief efforts in and outside our area.

Almost everyone agrees the world could be a better place. Throughout the globe, children go starving, those searching for an honest opportunity are short to find it and the powers of greed can turn brothers against one another.

While solving the world’s problems is a bit much for anyone to grapple with, investing time and energy into your community is not.

The WVU Center for Civic Engagement gives students the chance to do just that and earn some credits in the process.

The CCE, which was created in 2006, emphasizes the importance of education and community service to WVU students. How can society improve without progress within our local communities first?

All WVU students should become involved with the CCE, which is always looking for more students to volunteer at events and help the WVU community progress.

In 2011, the CCE raised a total of $335,100 during the annual United Way campaign. The CCE also organizes the Dollars for Disaster, which helps others during and after a disaster has struck.

In the past, Dollars for Disaster has raised donations for Hurricane Katrina, Southern West Virginia floods and the Haitian earthquake.

Students can earn credits through service-learning courses offered by the CCE. These courses vary each semester and challenge students to apply their skills to help the community. Interested students should contact their advisers.

When you volunteer your time and effort to the community, it not only gives you a good feeling about yourself, but you may actually be learning new skills, meeting new people and ultimately creating valuable resume boosters.

Becoming more involved with the University allows you to meet new people – connections that may carry on to later years in life.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and get involved. You’ll be glad you did.

Furthermore, when you volunteer to assist the CCE, there is a likelihood it will encourage others to do the same. It’s better to be the leader – not the follower.

Visit http://cce.wvu.edu for information on the Center for Civic Engagement and its sponsored events and activities.

Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.