When Ingrid Hale, director of ԱƵ’s Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (), looks up from her desk to see who has walked through the center’s doors, odds are it is a female student.
“There is a gender disparity in volunteering not only on our campus, but also at colleges across the country,” said Hale. “Unfortunately, there exists a stigma that it is either not manly to volunteer or that more important activities should take up a man’s time.”
According to COVE estimates, about one third of students who participate in the center’s 35 service programs are males. In an attempt to narrow the gender gap, the COVE has ramped up its volunteer recruitment campaign called the Male Involvement Initiative.
Hale has enlisted the help of COVE interns Jonathan Riedel ’09 and Jeremy Fisher ’10, who have been compiling and analyzing data on volunteerism in the community and then creating an action plan.
Across campus, the duo’s efforts are very visible.
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| Juniors Max Counter and Victor Chiapaikeo work on a new garden in . They were taking part in an alternative spring break trip organized by the COVE. |
Inside academic buildings and residence halls, Riedel and Fisher have hung catchy posters with well-known male figures like Chuck Norris and Brad Pitt who are dedicated to philanthropic work. At Frank Dining Hall, stories about male volunteers are spotlighted on the Grapevine, the information placards located on tables.
“We hope the constant visual reminders around campus will motivate our male classmates to step up to the plate,” said Riedel.
The outreach initiative also highlights COVE programs — such as Habitat for Humanity and the Southern Madison Ambulance Corps — that are more likely to strike a chord with male students.
“There really is something for everyone,” said Fisher. “Once you become involved, it is easy to become enthusiastic about the work.”
Just ask Nick Lybrand ’09, who got hooked on community service while he was in high school.
As a volunteer Hamilton firefighter, he responds to emergency calls at night and on weekends. On Friday afternoons, you will find him playing bingo with senior citizens in the nearby town of Madison.
His message to men who shy away from volunteering: “There is an indescribable feeling that you will take away from helping people.”
“Without community service,” he added, “there would be a huge hole in my life.”
Hale noted that when male students refrain from volunteer projects, community members also miss out.
“Boys in particular need male role models who they can look up to, and male students here at ԱƵ might be able to relate to them in ways females can not.” she said. “That can make a world of difference to a young man.”