Virtual Volunteer Week

On May 4, 1970 members of the Ohio National Guard fired into a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators, killing four and wounding nine Kent State students. The impact of the shootings was dramatic. The event triggered a nationwide student strike that forced hundreds of colleges and universities to close.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the May 4th tragedy and reflect on peace, conflict transformation, and advocacy, the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State is hosting a global community poem titled "My Voice." Contribute a line or a stanza reflecting on what your voice is, what it stands for, or your hopes for our world. No experience necessary! After adding your line, you'll be able to preview what others have written so far.

While in-person May 4th commemoration events have been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, we encourage you to honor and reflect from afar in this important way and to learn more about this piece of our nation's history.

We invite you to also share your line on CCEL's Facebook or Instagram pages - #CWRUVVW2020 @ccelatcwru

Free Minds, a nonprofit based in Washington, DC, uses books and creative writing to empower youth who are incarcerated to transform their lives. It is hosting its second ever On the Same Page: Virtual Write Night where participants gather to give feedback on the poets' writings. To participate, visit this webpage (https://freemindsbookclub.org/virtual-write-night-april-22) anytime between 7 to 8:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, April 22, and after watching the quick tutorial video, you can click on any of the hyperlinked "tables" to comment on poems. The event is free-flowing, allowing you to choose any table whenever you'd like, and staff from the nonprofit will be on-hand virtually for questions.

Here is a sample of the March Write Night poetry tables and a video to learn more about the organization's work and the importance of the feedback.

Share your reflections on CCEL's Facebook or Instagram pages (#CWRUVVW2020 @ccelatcwru) about the experience.

Spring Cleanup Challenge: As you get outside for exercise (while still practicing safe social distancing), make a difference in your neighborhood by collecting and properly disposing of the trash in your path! Keep track of the quantity and type of litter you collect and submit the info via a simple form through April 30 to The Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, who will be compiling data to demonstrate the power of individual action for collective good. Participate from wherever you are and wherever your trails take you!

Bonus: For further tips on earth-friendly actions you can take, participate in the CWRU Office of Energy & Sustainability's Earth Day BINGO: https://case.edu/sustainability/news/virtual-earth-day-bingo

Show us on CCEL's Facebook or Instagram pages (#CWRUVVW2020 @ccelatcwru) how you're celebrating Earth Day on April 22.

Despite this time of physical distancing and remote learning, there are two essential ways to make your voice heard in the political process:

Ohio Primary Voting: Wondering if you can still vote in the primaries or how to request an absentee ballot? Join CCEL & the CWRU Vote Everywhere Ambassadors for a virtual AbsenTEA Party! Grab your favorite hot beverage and get your voting questions answered on Zoom (https://tinyurl.com/CWRUabsenTEAparty)! Drop in anytime between 4:30 to 5 p.m. EST

2020 Census: Curious about what to do as a student to be counted in the 2020 Census? Watch this short video on "What College Students Need to Know to Be Counted in the Right Place!" College students living in on-campus housing are automatically counted through their university as part of Group Quarters Operation, but if you live off campus, you still need to fill out the census. The census determines congressional representation and how billions in federal funds are allocated, making it critical for every person to be counted!

Let us know you're making your voice heard on CCEL's Facebook or Instagram pages - #CWRUVVW2020 @ccelatcwru

The #YouAreWelcomeHereCWRU campaign has been a way to showcase the university's values of inclusiveness and diversity for more than three years. It began as part of the national #YouAreWelcomeHere movement to send a message to international students that U.S. campuses are welcoming, friendly, diverse, and safe.

The Center for International Affairs is calling on our CWRU community to submit short "you are welcome here CWRU" video messages to global@case.edu, sharing words of support and encouragement with our international students and demonstrating CWRU's core values of diversity & inclusion.

While we can't physically be together on campus right now, we can all benefit from supporting one another as members of the CWRU community.

Bonus, show us your screenshots on CCEL's Facebook or Instagram pages - #CWRUVVW2020 #YourAreWelcomeHereCWRU @ccelatcwru

The Saturday Tutoring Program, which typically occurs on campus at Church of the Covenant on Saturdays during the school year, matches volunteer tutors with students in Grades 1st-12th to provide free tutoring support. While in-person sessions have been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, the program is rapidly restructuring to provide free tutoring services to assist youth and families during this difficult time of remote learning, and volunteers are needed to help make this resource possible, especially tutors willing to work with 1st-6th Grade youth where demand has been highest.

Complete this online form indicating your typical weekly availability and grade/subject area preferences (both new and returning tutors welcome!), and you'll be matched to tutor a youth. Once you are paired, you will receive an email which will include the date and time of your session (no more than 1 hour), the student's name/needed subject area, and a link to the meeting room. All you have to do is show up at your scheduled time! Sessions will be accessible by smartphone, but a computer/tablet is recommended. Contact saturdaytutoring@gmail.com with questions.

Tell your friends and let us know on our Facebook or Instagram that you signed up to serve - #CWRUVVW2020 @ccelatcwru

Kick off Virtual Volunteer Week with a party for a good cause! Donate any amount to benefit the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, one of CCEL's long-term nonprofit partners, and you'll receive a Zoom link to join One to One Fitness for a virtual dance party. Instructors will lead you through Zumba, Salsa, African Dance, Broadway Cardio, and other fun dances to destress, burn calories, and help Clevelanders continue to access nutritious food.

Show us your moves on CCEL's Facebook or Instagram pages - #CWRUVVW2020 @ccelatcwru