 "Photo: NLVS")
Have a moment to spare? Most people do. In a 2005 survey concerning media related activity, The Christian Science Monitor noted that, "More than 90 percent of those studied viewed TV for an average of about four hours per day, and about three-quarters used a computer for a little more than two hours per day." Although television and the internet can be entertaining, most of the time people surf through channels and zone out to their favorite TV shows, or spend hours on MySpace updating their profiles and reuniting with old 'friends.'
Many have 100 percent to give everyday, how you choose to distribute it, is up to you, but here is a way to invest your time into something that matters, into a cause, a purpose.
Volunteer! There are plenty of opportunities within the city and surrounding areas: Children's Memorial Hospital, the Shedd Aquarium, women's shelters, tutoring centers, animal hospitals, and the list goes on.
UIC has many volunteer programs, such as New Life Volunteer Society.
NLVS is one organization of the many on campus that is committed in aiding those less fortunate. If you haven't heard of them, maybe it's time you should.
Established in 1999 by Vijay Khiani, at UIC, the club began its volunteering with short term events by "bringing people together, outside of their comfort zone, to volunteer in a variety of neighborhoods and different activities," said Jalene Lantern, the organization's current president.
However, as the involvement grew, so did the club, and short-term events turned into long-term events. NLVS is currently active in three long-term events: health education, tutoring, and English as a second language (ESL).
Run by medical students and recruited licensed physicians, the clinic (run by the health education program of NLVS) offers free treatment, specifically for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and other minor health issues to the uninsured population. "The group also offers preventative health education with brochures and conferences one on one with patients," said Lantern. The clinic is located at 2645 W. Peterson, and is open Saturdays from 10-2 p.m.
"The health education program also works with shelters and schools to take more formal presentations to kids, battered women, homeless individuals etc.," said Lantern. Events involving shelters and schools occur throughout the semester during the evening times. "It is amazing what individuals are not aware of as far as health information, especially those who are less educated, about the salt and fat in fast food. Also I know that some individuals just need to talk, either at the clinic or outside areas so the volunteers aren't just presenting hard cold facts, it is more of a person-centered care."
NLVS members also tutor Chicago public school children, kindergarten through 12th grade. All subjects are covered, and volunteers are paired one on one with students, for a two hour session that revolves around homework they are having trouble with, a lesson they did not understand or other issues the child may be having in school. Tutoring is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at two different times.
The final long-term project NLVS offers was recently started this past summer, by Dr. Judd, of UIC. Students collaborated with Dr. Judd, were trained by him, and taught ESL classes to the public. This is a project in the works, but it is a promising effort to help those from another country.
If you are tired of sifting through MySpace profiles, or watching reality TV shows, consider your options. NLVS is always looking for volunteers. The club charges a $5 membership fee and encourages students to partake in 3 short-term events and one fundraising or long-term event.
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