St. Olaf students have an undeniable impact on the community around them, which in turn benefits themselves, as well.

The St. Olaf Volunteer Network promotes a positive relationship between the college and the community.

On September 18th, the Volunteer Network kicked off the year with its annual Fall Fair. Here, students were able to learn about various opportunities and sign up for programs of particular personal interest.

Due to its popularity, every year the Volunteer Network attracts many students. "You can come to one place and get a lot of different volunteer opportunities," commented Volunteer Network Director Stephanie Rick. "There is a wide variety of programs and we are continuously expanding."

The availability of contacts, accessibility to transportation, and flexible schedules facilitate the process,and encourage many students to volunteer. Another benefit of volunteering is the personal sense of gratification one may acquire from helping others. Through the Volunteer Network, students are able to become involved in community service projects in a variety of ways.

The Volunteer Network offers many educational programs, including the newly added America Reads and America Counts programs. English as a Second Language, Head Start, Homework Cafe, Helping Overcome Poverty through Education, and Northfield Tutors continue to help the community.

The Pet Therapy and Humane Society programs allow students to work with homeless dogs and cats from the Rice County Humane Society. Pet Therapy involves therapeutic interaction between animals and people.

Through People Serving People and Open Arms, students can volunteer to serve meals to others. Programs like the Special Olympics and the Laura Baker School provide excellent opportunities to work with people with special needs.

Students who enjoy working with youth can volunteer with Project Friendship, Girl Scouts, Mothers of Preschoolers, and the Creativity Lab. Projects for working with the elderly take students to Northfield Retirement Center and Three Links Care Center.

The Volunteer Network includes several health and wellness programs, including AIDS Awareness and Education, the American Cancer Society, New Initiatives and Therapies for Reaching Out, Northfield Hospital, and Chemical Health and Wellness. Many of the programs, particularly health and wellness programs, are run by St. Olaf Honor Houses located on the east end of campus.

Each program offers the opportunity to meet other students and develop skills in working with strangers. These basic programs usually recruit volunteers for a full semester or year.

Students do not have to commit to a program for a full year, however. Rick points out, "We have opportunities for people who want to volunteer all year or just one time." The Special Projects program offers various one-time service projects throughout the year.

Traditional programs continue to thrive. Rick emphasizes, "We're always looking to find new options for people." Last semester the Volunteer Network welcomed several new programs.

More new programs may be in the works. Rick mentioned the possible additions of Harriet Tubman Center, Children's Home Society, and Dakota City Heritage. Always looking for new ways to help the community, the Volunteer Network continually welcomes students' ideas for more opportunities.

Students can also take part in promoting and expanding the Volunteer Network. "We're looking for more people to get involved in Public Relations, Development Committee, and Special Projects," Rick commented.

While the Fall Fair has passed, students can still contact the Volunteer Network and become involved.

Rick reports, "The basic programs are doing well and we're looking to expand." The Volunteer Network continues to play a major role in St. Olaf's interaction with the community. New and enthusiastic volunteers with new ideas will strengthen that role. With the combination of newer and traditional programs, there is definitely something for everyone who would like to participate.

For those at St. Olaf who are grateful for all they have been given, the Volunteer Network provides a meaningful and effective way to give back to others in the world around them.