From volunteering at food banks or keeping city streets clean, Spartans dedicated more than 600,000 hours of community service to the Greater Greensboro Community in 2022. UNC Greensboro’s mission statement is aligned heavily with serving, supporting, and making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors.
UNCG student organizations and clubs excel in making a difference in the lives of others through a network of like-minded individuals. Depending on the type of club, students may find themselves working in the streets, building a community garden, volunteering at local events, forming personal connections, and more.
Spartans involved with Camp Kesem, for example, have a unique and interesting way of connecting with those living in Greensboro.
Camp Kesem is a national organization with a dedicated on-campus community. The group’s purpose is to give children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer an opportunity to attend a free summer camp experience, complete with cabins and marshmallows.
General members of Camp Kesem help with fundraising, raising awareness of the cause, and volunteering at the summer camp. The club fundraises through events like the “Make the Magic Gala” that will be held this April, which is open to the public with the purchase of a ticket.
To get involved with Camp Kesem, Spartans should email Luiza Patocs.
“Camp Kesem is an easy and fun cause to give to and something for everyone that brings people together,” says Alyssa Odom, a volunteer coordinator. “Everyone has their own story but Camp Kesem is connected and helping others with a strong mission.”
Strength in a mission statement is something that Camp Kesem and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have in common.
Zeta Phi Beta (ΖΦΒ) is a nationally recognized sorority characterized by a being community-conscious, action-oriented organization. Its Omega Nu Chapter was chartered at UNCG on March 15, 1989. The Omega Nu beliefs are based on academic achievements, community awareness, and sisterly love.
“It’s an organization that is very committed to service,” says President Jailyn McLean ‘21. “It is our second principle, which we hold very dear to us. We represent a finer womanhood like no other organization. We strive high to make sure that we cater to our community representing our principles at all times.”
Zeta Phi Beta is involved in many community service opportunities. Among those activities are “Sit and Be Fit” with the elderly community at Accordius Health, a chair exercise session to help them stay as mobile as possible. At “ZPack It Up,” they collect supplies for low-income schools. Zeta Phi Beta participates in the March of Dimes to spread awareness about maternal health and Adopt a Street to clean up our designated street from trash and debris.
“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. offers many leadership opportunities to its members, whether it is on the national or local level, or within the current chapter they reside,” says McLean. “They have the opportunity to participate in many different committees and executive leadership roles.”
To get involved with the Omega Nu chapter, Spartans can look up Zeta Phi Beta’s upcoming events and contact the chapter’s active members.
These are only a few examples of the work by UNCG student groups to improve the Greater Greensboro Community. A few other student groups that specialize in service include:
Alternative Spring Break
Members of ASB serve those who are affected by hunger, homelessness, and HIV/AIDS. This organization was founded to improve the quality of life for people in need within the U.S. For more information, contact Guy Sanders.
Helping Hand Project
This organization creates 3D printed prosthetics for children in need while also providing a supportive community for children with limb-difference and their families. For more information, contact Ashli Shell.
Food Recovery Network
This national nonprofit unites students on college campuses to fight waste and feed people by donating excess food to organizations that work to alleviate hunger and food insecurity. Since it was founded in 2011, FRN has grown to include chapters at over 230 colleges and universities in 30 states. Together, they’ve recovered more than 2 million pounds of food to date. For more information, contact Grace Wall.
Materials Research Society University Chapter
The joint organization has members from UNCG and NC A&T and is supported by the Materials Research Society Foundation. They are hosted on The Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) campus. For more information, contact Kyle Williamson.
Black Student Union
The BSU incorporates community outreach, political awareness, and cultural appreciation into the University’s general student body self-enhancement and academic responsibility. It explores modern avenues such as social events, discussions, global issues, media outlets, community service, and personal networking to fulfill this purpose. For more information, contact Maleak Whitaker.
Gift of Life Student Association
The Gift of Life Student Association raises awareness for the bone marrow and stem cell donation process. GLSA organizes events, campaigns, trainings, and seminars to register new potential donors, raise monetary funds, and educate the community about the bone marrow donation process. Gift of Life Student Association is dedicated to expanding the bone marrow registry and supporting those who have been affected by the cancer experience. For more information, contact Maguette Seye.
The Letter Project
UNCG’s chapter of The Letter Project is meant to spread kindness across campus and the country through meaningful, handwritten letters. Our purpose will be to write handwritten letters to people who need encouragement and kindness, both on our campus and across the country. For more information, contact Rachel Tang.
For more information on how you can get involved with community service at UNCG, please visit this link.
Story by Dana Broadus, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona
