By Madeline Burgin |
Staff writer
Roberto Aragon, coordinator for student involvement and civic engagement, has rolled out new volunteer opportunities for Augusta University students, such as the senior citizen pen pals project to get students involved in the community.
Aragon defines civic engagement as being “educated and involved in your community, knowing the issues…by holding your leaders accountable, being politically active, voting and volunteering.”
He encourages students to “build connections by giving back to others.”
Inspired by social media and the needs of senior citizens and nursing homes, Aragon is opening a senior citizen pen pals project for students.
There is a great need for connection in nursing homes during the COVID-19 crisis. Most of which in the Augusta community are in a strict quarantine, prohibiting visitations to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
This opportunity would connect students with senior citizens through a series of at least 6 letters explained Aragon.
Simply click the link and fill out your information to sign up and receive guidelines for the senior citizen pen pals project: https://augusta.presence.io/form/pen-pal-registration.
Aragon has a vibrant schedule of volunteer opportunities ready to roll out for students. Many of which are remote, socially distant and conscious of COVID-19 safety regulations.
The next opportunity for civic engagement is writing Thank You cards to Augusta University Health employees, which will be tabling soon in the JSAC Breezeway on Tuesday and Thursday and Ed Commons Lobby on Wednesday.
There is also a need from the Georgia Secretary of State's Office and University System of Georgia for poll workers for November’s election.
“These mini moments of communicating with [other] volunteers, you’re building life-long friendships," Aragon said.
For more information, visit https://www.augusta.edu/student-life/civic-engagement.php.
