Honor society students take REAL. LIFE. back to their community

The ripple began when students from the Phi Theta Kappa (the international honor society of two-year colleges) chapter at Treasure Valley Community College (TVCC) in southeast Oregon heard Dr. Jan Dahlin speak about his experience as a medical volunteer with Medical Teams International. The students were motivated to learn more about the work of Medical Teams International.

The next ripple formed when 50 students and advisors from the Rocky Mountain-Cascade Region of Phi Theta Kappa toured the REAL. LIFE. Exhibit. Once they saw the needs portrayed in the exhibit, they knew they needed to help.

Inspired by their experience in the exhibit, students from the TVCC honor society chapter launched the next ripple by bringing “REAL. LIFE.” to their community during an on-campus Diversity Conference. With the support of several campus and community groups, the students set up “real life” displays about humanitarian aid projects in Africa, Nicaragua, Mexico, Russia, and their own Malheur County. The displays not only highlighted needs but also showed how people could offer—or ask for—assistance.  Among the displays was a tent, set up with medical supplies, showing what a typical field “clinic” would look like.
 
Another ripple emerged when the Rocky Mountain-Cascade Region of Phi Theta Kappa met for their fall Honors in Action and Leadership Conference. A representative from Medical Teams International spoke to the group about the society’s theme: “The Paradox of Affluence.” The conference participants assembled hundreds of HOPE Kits  [PDF] that will be sent to families in need both in Oregon as well as orphanages and clinics around the world.

The ripples continue to form as the regional officers from the TVCC honor society chapter inspire the other regional officers and the host chapter to make HOPE Kits for the regional leadership conference service project.

As theses groups share the story with the international Phi Theta Kappa organization, the ripples continue  . . . on and on.  

 

I'm only one person, but I can make a difference!