Colleen McCarrick
Staff reporter
From saving the world one plant at a time to raising awareness of women’s issues, the 116 clubs active on the McDaniel campus offer students something to do every minute. According to Mitchell Alexander, Director of College Activities, more than 700 students are involved in McDaniel clubs and organizations.
Dr. Grogan Ullah, former advisor for a club that no longer exists on campus, Multicultural Awareness Multilingual Awareness (M.A.M.A) stresses the importance of underclassmen participating in clubs. “I always preach the importance of getting involved in at least one organization”, says Alexander. Many clubs are finding it difficult to keep going after current members graduate and all clubs are starting to notice the importance of recruiting new members to lead the organization in the future.
ACITVE MINDS: Active Minds is a nationwide student advocacy group in the mental health movement. It recognizes that college students are at a high risk for developing mental illness due to the stress they are placed under.
Active Minds breaks the silence and the stigma surrounding mental health by raising awareness, educating students by directing them to available resources, and encouraging students to seek help.
Upcoming Events: The Kickoff of Justice Week will be held on Monday, November 10 in Ensor Lounge from 6:00-8:00 p.m. On Wednesday, November 19 the documentary “The New Asylum” will be showed in McDaniel Lounge at 7:00 p.m., followed by a panel discussion.
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CLUB (AI): Is a chapter of Amnesty International USA, a country organization that is part of the non-governmental, international human rights organization. They teach about human rights abuses happening around the world and in our backyard is the clubs goal. This year, local AI groups are focusing on raising awareness about the death penalty.
Upcoming Events: As a part of Justice Week, Amnesty International will be showing “Dead Man Walking” on Thursday night, November 13, at 9:15 p.m. in Decker Auditorium followed by a discussion about the death penalty. They will also be sponsoring a “denounce torture” demonstration during Justice Week.
ASIAN COMMUNITY COALITION: The club promotes knowledge of issues in Asia and issues that affect Asian Americans. They address topics from adoption to racism. The Asian Community Coalition is open to ANYONE, regardless of race.
Upcoming Events: Poker Night will be held on Saturday, November 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Garden Apartment 3, Room 201.
ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION CLUB (EAC): Informs students about environmental issues. They promote locally grown food, and recycling on campus. The clubs activities include fact-filled fliers on bathroom stalls and Recycle Mania. The EAC focuses on learning, brainstorming and taking action.
Upcoming Events: On October 29th in Red Square from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. there will be bobbing for apples, live music, local Baugher’s apple cider for sale, and environmental learning opportunities.
PALABRAS 2 WORDS: Is compromised of student volunteers who help members of the Hispanic community improve their English skills.
Upcoming Events: Look for more information about a Milk & Cookies Night in early November.
PHI ALPHA- SOCIAL WORK HONOR SOCIETY: Is a society of social work students that fosters high standards of education for social workers through community outreach, advocacy and service. Member’s goals are to learn about needs and to develop projects or involve themselves.
Upcoming Events: The Domestic Violence Vigil will be held on October 23rd in Little Baker Chapel at 6:00 p.m.
STICHES FOR WISHES: This club creates preemie hats and baby blankets to donate to the Carroll County Hospital to lift spirits of the mothers of newborns. Scarves are also created and donated to Carroll County Rape Crisis. Their goal is to visit the Hospital and Rape Crisis Center to present the items.
Upcoming Events: Stitches for Wishes will hold a Halloween movie night, and a Knit All Night event.
TRUMPETERS: The Trumpeters recognize seniors with exemplary qualities of leadership, integrity and sincerity. Today, acceptance into the Trumpeters is one of the highest honors a McDaniel College student can receive. Students are selected during the end of their Junior year.
Upcoming Events: On October 23, 2008 at 7:00pm the Trumpeters will be host the Undergraduate Leadership Banquet at the President’s house. Students are nominated to attend.
WOMEN’ S ISSUES GROUP: Is a discussion group that focuses on issues related to women and/or gender in society. Women’s Issues Group holds “Love Your Body” twice a year and supports the Vagina Monologues, although they are separate groups.
Upcoming Events: “Love Your Body” will be held from October 27 to October 31. It is a national campaign that works to counter the unrealistic beauty standards, gender stereotypes and images imposed by media with a powerful message for women and girls — Love Your Body.