Cornellians are taking it to the streets this weekend to support the community. Over 200 student volunteers will participate in the Into the Streets program this Saturday. The program, in existence for over 10 years, is designed to initiate long-term community service, according to Kate Azar ’04, president of the Into the Streets executive board.
ITS is a way for groups of students interested in serving the Ithaca community to find their outlet. Azar reported 23 agencies and projects that responded to their offer for volunteer work. Jobs range from painting houses and fences, planting shrubs, demolishing dilapidated buildings and even building sandboxes for playgrounds.
“I’m participating with another service group, and I like the freedom of being able to pick our own groups while still having the opportunity to perform a meaningful service to the community,” said Jen Rosenbaum ’06.
The morning begins with registration and a guest speaker. The groups will then depart for their afternoon of service. Azar stressed the diversity of the groups represented, ranging from frequent volunteers to the Cornell India Association.
Another benefit of the event is for serious volunteers to realize the breadth of organizations available in the Ithaca area.
“It’s a rare opportunity for networking for public service,” Azar said.
Volunteers Wanted
Any interested students should go to the Cornell Public Service Center in Barnes 200 to sign up for the event. Team leaders will assign participants to groups of about 15 to 20, and the organization will supply all materials.
Into the Streets is an annual event. Last year, however, it was held during the spring semester. According to Azar, the Public Service Center decided to change the date to make the program available for the freshman experience. With participation strong and leadership secure, Into the Streets seems well on the way to success this season.
“It’s an important way for Cornell to build good relations with the Ithaca community,” Rosenbaum added.
Archived article by Steve Angelini