Students at Stony Brook University are taking part in National Volunteer Month by engaging in various initiatives that aim to make a positive difference in their communities. The Center for Service Learning and Community Service has highlighted these efforts, showcasing the impact of student volunteers through a series of stories.
The Origami Club, led by Junior Taha Ahmad, is one organization merging art with community service. The group’s significant project, "Cranes for a Cause," involved folding 1,000 cranes for a community installation at the Charles B. Wang Center. Ahmad noted, “We recently had a collaboration with the Kidney Crew where we were folding these tulips so that they could sell them to raise money for these dialysis kits.” Ahmad has been with the Origami Club since his freshman year, starting as an Origami Teacher. When discussing future goals, he expressed a desire to use art to promote the importance of STEAM education to high school students.
Zoe Haffner, a sophomore, leads the Asian Student Civic Engagement Task Force and focuses on improving voter participation among Asian American communities. Through ASCET, she collaborates with other organizations, such as the Center for Civic Justice, particularly spotlighting events like National Voter Registration Day. Haffner highlighted, “Many resources aren’t translated into Asian languages, leaving people without essential information on how and why to vote." Working with ASCET helped her enhance her public speaking and listening skills.
Sophomore Ellica Sedigh advocates for kindness and environmental sustainability through MTO Shahmaghsoudi Global. “What we try to do is plant a seed of hope in our community,” Ellica explains. MTO Shahmaghsoudi recently made a 400-pound food donation to a local food bank and engages in activities such as tree plantings and beach cleanups. Sedigh also leads the MTO Sufi Association on campus, which is open to people of all backgrounds. She encourages students to dedicate their time to what brings them happiness and, in turn, benefit their communities.
For those interested in volunteering, the Center for Service Learning and Community Service at Stony Brook provides resources and opportunities for students to get involved.