Editorial - Do your part, volunteer with the CCE

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, investing time and energy into your community is not.

The West Virginia University 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, encourages the importance of education and community service to WVU students. How can society ever 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. Students who are interested should contact their advisors.

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.

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 CCE and its sponsored events and activities.

Nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something.