Reflector: August 2024
The Reflector
notes from Engaged Learning’s Center for Social Impact
Feature Event(s!)
Students Speak Up Series: “Power and Political Violence”
28 August, 4:00 pm–5:00 pm at Center for Social Impact (40 E Jefferson St.)
This election season, we’re putting together a student-led discussion series on domestic issues identified as critical by students across the country.
And we’re not just talking! We’re teaming up with League of Women Voters Naperville to have voter registration at every event.
Dr Raleigh Blasdell kicks off the series as our first guest for a discussion of the intersection of violence and politics in the US on 28 August at 4pm at the CSI. On 10 September at noon, Dr Chandreyee Mitra will join our conversation on climate change. Civic Engagement Week will be hosted across campus — keep an eye out for more details on Center for Social Impact on the Hub.
Community Conversations and Events
Students Speak Up, Center for Social Impact, 40 E Jefferson. See above. Dates for this series will be 28 August, 10 September, Civic Engagement Week, 2 October, and 16 October.
North End Block Party, School Street near Oesterle Library. 2 September, 11 am. An opportunity to get connected with some of our best friends on campus! Featuring the Coffee Lab; the Speaking, Writing and Language Centers; Oesterle Library; the Chronicle and more. (But you don’t have to take my word for it!)
Jewish Meditation led by a guest from Congregation Beth Shalom, hosted by Religious Studies. Sept 9, 1:30-2:30 pm, BE 162. For more information, contact Professor Birdsong at slbirdsong@noctrl.edu.
Do you have a community-focused event open to the campus? Submit details to EngagedLearning@NoCtrl.edu.
Volunteering Snapshot, 21 Aug–21 Sept.
A quick look at some great opportunities coming up. Got an opportunity to promote? Email EngagedLearning@NoCtrl.edu.
KidsMatter: Volunteer Fair, Fort Hill Activity Center, Naperville. 17 September, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Nonprofit organizations from Naperville and the surrounding areas gather at this volunteer fair organized by KidsMatter to recruit volunteers. If you're looking to get involved in the community, this is the perfect place to find opportunities.
Prairie Maintenance & Enhancement, Elmhurst Great Western Prairie. 21 September, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Please come about 8:45 for orientation. Our efforts to remove unwanted garlic mustard will help more natural prairie plants to thrive this spring and summer to maintain our "gem" of a prairie. Volunteers from 13 into their 80's join for an orientation near the corner of Berkley Avenue and Prairie Path Lane. Volunteer Waiver needed; tools provided. Please come dressed for gardening work (long pants, long-sleeved shirt, closed-toed shoes, hat, etc). Contact: Dave Terrill, 630-207-1497 — let them know you’re an NCC student!
Work and Learn with Garden Works, GardenWorks’ Community Gardens at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Mondays 9–10am, Thursdays 9:30–10:30am, through 31 October.
Volunteer at our community garden, where we grow produce for local food pantries. The GardenWorks Project is grassroots, volunteer-driven non-profit that promotes organic suburban agriculture with the goal of increasing local food availability. Volunteer with GardenWorks to help build gardens in our area.
Looking for something else? Having trouble getting started? Get in touch with the Student Volunteer Coordinator by making a request here, or email EngagedLearning@NoCtrl.edu.
Meet the Center: Nazifa Anis (‘26, she/her)
Title: Student Volunteer Coordinator
Started at North Central: Fall 2022
Programs: Applied Math and Physics majors, minor in Environmental Studies
What I Do at CSI: “I help students navigate volunteering opportunities and act as a communication bridge between NCC students and our community partners.“
One of my favorite local organizations: “Feed The Need!”
A cause that’s important to me: “Environmental justice for developing countries.“
CSI’s Fall 2024 Common Read
This fall, we’ll be reading the graphic novel Amazons, Abolitionists and Activists by Mikki Kendall and A. D’Amico. The history of women’s fight for their rights, told in the format of a graphic novel. Look for more details on the CSI’s Hub page.
