Reflector: Feb-Mar 2025
The Reflector
notes from Engaged Learning’s Center for Social Impact
Feature Event(s!)
“Athens Besieged”: A Game about Democracy and How It Dies
22 March (Saturday), 11:00 am–3:00 pm, on campus (FREE, but registration required.)
Athens Besieged is set within the Long Walls of Athens during the winter of 405-404 BCE. In the Fall of 405 Sparta destroyed the Athenian naval fleet near the straits of the Black Sea. The Spartan fleet then blockaded Athens' harbor, and Spartan soldiers, along with their allies from Thebes and Corinth, camped outside the walls of Athens and lay siege to the city. By December, when the game begins, the city had exhausted its food supply. How will Athens resist the Spartan threat? You can help decide.
This is a 4-hour game where players will take on the roles of Athenian citizens -- and disenfranchised residents -- as they grapple with the question of preserving Athenian democracy against the existential threat posed by Sparta.
Event details: https://noctrl.presence.io/event/csi-community-game-athens-besieged
Registration required: Students can register for the event (first come, first ticketed) at https://forms.office.com/r/QxBjmpF80P
INTERSECTION: Humanity and Justice
22 March (Saturday), 11:00 am–3:00 pm, on campus (FREE, but registration required.)
The Center for Social impact is proud to present INTERSECTION, a spring block party for students, staff, faculty, and local organizations. We want to celebrate justice and humanity and get loud about community, expression and culture. This event will be a chance to connect with organizations in our local area, as well as a chance to show off your creativity, no matter who you are. Teams, clubs, artists, poets – this is the time to shine! With the generous help of HEALING ILLINOIS, there will be food, games, creative contests, an Artist’s Row, t-shirts and lots of resources to learn about, and opportunities to get involved!
Community Conversations and Events
“But I’m A Cheerleader!” (1999), Red Feather Cinema, WAC 200, Wednesday 5 March, 5:30-7:30pm. A satirical comedy about a teenage girl sent to a conversion therapy camp when her parents suspect she’s a lesbian. At the camp, she discovers her true sexual identity and falls in love with a fellow camper, challenging the rigid norms imposed by the camp's leaders. Refreshments and food will be served as well!
Do you have a community-focused event open to the campus? Submit details to EngagedLearning@NoCtrl.edu.
Volunteering Snapshot, March/April 2025
A quick look at some great opportunities coming up. Got an opportunity to promote? Email SocialImpact@NoCtrl.edu.
March 1, 2025
Naperville Park District
Event: Pruning Landscape Plants
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Knoch Knolls Nature Center
Details: Learn proper pruning techniques for trees and shrubs with Ron Biondo, retired landscape designer/horticulturist. Free program, registration required.
March 8, 2025
Inside Out Club
Event: Snuggles for Seniors
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Main Street Recreation Center Room 307/308, 501 Hill Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL
Details: Make gifts for local seniors to bring warmth and joy to their lives.
March 14, 2025
DuPage Children’s Museum
Event: Pajama Party
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Details: Enjoy a fun-filled evening with children at the museum. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Contact Jessica Greenlaw at 630.637.8000 X4640 or jgreenlaw@dcm87.org.
Naperville Park District
Event: Kids Night Out - Luck of The Irish
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Fort Hill Activity Center Childcare and "The Fort" Indoor Playground
Details: Assist with fun St. Patrick’s Day activities, including a Shamrock Challenge and a Root Beer Float party.
Ongoing Opportunities (March-April 2025)
Alive Center
Drop-In Hours Volunteer: Assist teens with activities, tutoring, and mentoring. Shifts available Monday-Friday, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Summers: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM).
Teen Initiate Mentor: Work with teen-led programs such as Computer Science Club or Girl Empowerment Club. 1-2 hours per week commitment.
More Info: www.alivecenter.org/volunteer
360 Youth Services
Snowball Helper: Contact Kate Keir at KKeir@360youthservice.org
Holiday Sponsorship: Sign up to support a youth in the Housing Program.
Campaign Assistance: Reach out for more details.
Kids Above All
Group Opportunities: Assemble program kits or participate in beautification projects.
Individual Opportunities: Holiday volunteer work, mentoring, and Kids Helping Kids activities.
Contact: Zulma Colon at zcolon@kidsaboveall.org or (773) 239-8258.
Community Access Naperville
Volunteer: Assist with group vocational tasks, community outings, and social activities for participants.
Contact: info@communityaccessnaperville.org or 630-352-1928.
DuPagePads
Volunteer Registration: Sign up for shifts via their volunteer platform.
Contact: 630.682.3846, ext. 3500.
Loaves & Fishes
Roles Include: Sorting food, Courtesy Patrol, Traffic Control, Registration, Spanish Translation, Driving, Food Box Packing, CARES Specialist, Greeter, and VITA Tax Assistance.
Contact: volunteer@loaves-fishes.org
Naper Settlement
Volunteer Opportunities: Engage with visitors and support museum programs.
Text Updates: Text VOLUNTEER to (630) 228-9859.
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.
