Several students speak for causes

The pulse of student activism at Kansas University moves to an eclectic rhythm.

KU students this spring were involved in everything from street blockades in protest of the opening of a new coffee shop in downtown Lawrence to loud, sign-toting productions at Wescoe Hall challenging U.S. intervention in the Middle East.

Students also coordinated demonstrations to rally forces in opposition to domestic violence, tuition increases and drunken driving.

In all, more than 7,000 KU students registered to donate their time to Lawrence organizations, events or activities.

Students served meals to the needy at Jubilee Cafe. They worked with people from all walks at the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Interfraternity Council, Queers and Allies, Environs, Black Student Union and dozens of other groups.

Maggie Beedles, a campus activist who is co-director of the KU Center for Community Outreach, said many people were drawn to campus and community organizations for civic reasons. They simply know it’s the right thing to do.

In an interesting development, she said, more students are discovering that being a player in the community goes beyond making monetary donations to worthy causes.

It requires a substantial investment of people power, and it’s that participation that pays deep dividends for donors and recipients.

“There is more realization of what you gain,” Beedles said. “It’s a two-way street.”

Personal ambition

But it’s not just the benevolent spirit that gets KU students’ motor running. Personal ambition also plays a role in campus activism.

Jonathan Ng won a heated race this spring to become student body president. His victory was especially noteworthy because he is the university’s first Asian-American to win election to that position.

“It’s a big deal when you’re dealing with a first of that sort,” Ng said.

That political fire extends beyond campus. Before graduating in May, senior Kevin Yoder began a campaign for an Overland Park seat in the Kansas House.

Not to be outdone, Eric Bloom simultaneously began a campaign for Kansas lieutenant governor.

“It looks a little unorthodox to have a 23-year-old running for office,” he said. “But I think with my sincerest effort, I could do a good job.”

Volunteer opportunities

The Center for Community Outreach, affiliated with KU Student Senate, has opened many doors for student activists and volunteers since it began operation in 1992.

Beedles said thousands of KU students annually funneled through the organization in a search of volunteer opportunities.

One of the most popular activities is serving at Jubilee Cafe, located in the basement of First United Methodist Church, 10th and Vermont streets. It’s a place where needy people receive free breakfast twice a week in a restaurant atmosphere, Beedles said.

During the school year, at least two-dozen KU students staff the cafe.

“Just the other day we served 130 meals,” Beedles said.

She said student interest in the university’s alternative break program had grown steadily since 1994. Since students took that first trip to volunteer in El Paso, Tex., during spring break, more than 600 KU students have spent spring, winter or weekend breaks serving community needs. These activists have touched upon health and wellness, environment, cultural diversity, education, homelessness and hunger.

For Beedles, her favorite obligation is a daily visit with a single Lawrence woman. She prepares meals for the woman. She’s a friend.

“I can’t get enough of her,” she said. “It’s one of my favorite ways of being selfish. I get a lot out of helping others.”

KU student Margaret Perkins-McGuinness, who also serves as co-director of the volunteer center, is a social welfare major who makes participation in the community part of her daily life. She said the center’s mission was to provide students with lifelong service opportunities.

It takes time to find the best place for each individual, she said, but there’s a niche out there for all. From there, KU students can make a difference.

“Everything you give as a volunteer is returned to you threefold in appreciation from other people,” Perkins-McGuinness said.