Examples from College Students

I have had the opportunity for the past couple of months to work with a two groups of young people who are really setting the example for others. A lot of non work time is spent doing work for Optimist International, one of the major service organizations in the country. We have found that college aged young people are really inclined to fit in to the community service model because they want to make a difference in the communities where they are spending a portion of their lives.

This was no more evident than over the past few months when Optimist Clubs came to be in Forest City (December) at Waldorf College and most recently, Iowa State University in Ames. (March) The group in Forest City is just 15 people but you have to remember enrollment on campus numbers in the hundreds and not the thousands. They plan to partner with the local elementary school as they attempt to brighten and improve the lives of children in the area. 41 students have jumped on the bandwagon at Iowa State University where students are still in a recruiting mode. They too will be working to positively impact the lives of children in the Ames area.  Both groups also afford their members leadership, and personal development opportunities as they work on strengthening and improving the nonprofit groups of which they are members.

What  is probably most refreshing is their attitudes. These students really have nothing but a positive outlook. I spoke last week with Drake University President David Maxwell who announced he was going to be retiring in June of 2015. He's been working much longer than I have with college students and he indicated he often tells his colleagues on campus that when they are feeling down, just to "go talk with a group of students." His point should be clear. Their outlook, their questioning, and their willingness to get something done should be something those of us in the older generation should emulate. A lot of us already do...but there needs to be so many more.

Just take a look at the headlines (remember my vocation is journalism) and I am certain any day of the week you can find half a dozen "needs" that should  be addressed in your community. Pick one and get involved. I know you will find, just like these new "community servants" in Forest City and Ames have found, that it will be a rewarding experience.