Learning, Leadership, Service: So You Want to Make a Difference

On Tuesday, October 6th, our chapter of Alpha Phi Omega and Ohio Northern University’s Leadership Council co-hosted guest speaker Dr. Christine North, from our school’s excellent Communications department. Dr. North is an engaging, personable professor, as well as an academic advisor and avid volunteer in several community and international service projects. We plan to have Dr. North on our Chapter Advisory Board, since she has a wealth of knowledge and service-related experience.

Before she started her presentation, Dr. North asked everyone present to participate in a “Privileged Walk.” This activity consisted of a series of questions regarding one’s life experiences and how socioeconomic status impacted these. At the end of the activity, those standing toward the front of the room were considered the most privileged, and those in the back of the room were considered far less advantaged than others. We were quite receptive and moved by this simple activity, for it revealed characteristics about ourselves that we would not think to ask others about or consider. In her presentation, Dr. North talked about how “leadership is the result of social influence.” She explained how circumstances can create leaders; not all leaders are “born,” for many are encouraged by others to take a stand. The positive traits we often fail to recognize in ourselves are the ones our peers, professors and loved ones see. A passion for service is an incredible gift to have because, as Dr. North said, “the relationships formed in service activities are more important than the service itself. In doing service, you have the ability to change the way others think!”

Serving members of the Dominican Republic and other underprivileged countries is one of Dr. North’s favorite interests. She advises anyone who has the resources to travel and a honed skill that can alleviate human suffering to travel to a country. Even students can provide necessary service in foreign countries within their range of knowledge and expertise. The best place to look for projects, however, is in our own backyard. Several student organizations, including PAWS and Habitat for Humanity, participate in worthwhile service projects all year long. Dr. North encouraged us to reach out to these organizations for planning future events that will benefit our community.

Another important point she covered is related to the infamous “toxic charity.” While many people who do service have good intentions, they are not always aware of the consequences their actions have on the communities. Toms shoe company, for example, had to adjust their business practices due to the loss of local business in developing nations. Cobblers in the towns where shoes were being distributed were unable to support themselves and, through a chain of events, the local economy suffered. Situations like this must be taken into account when we consider reaching out to Hardin County businesses.

It was such an honor to network with Dr. North outside the classroom, for she is continuously involved in projects with students, faculty and national boards. We look forward to working with her more in the not-too-distant future.

In LFS,

Rachel Bulko, PR News Editor