Advocacy Makes a Difference in Nike Case

Advocacy and volunteering is a big thing amongst college students, and has been at least since the 1960s. Organizations such as Student United Way, Amnesty International, and Circle K give students more opportunities to volunteer, write letters, and protest. It also insures that its mambers are well aware of what is going on in their country and around the world.

A rally at my school protesting the rising cost of tuition

Because of all of the efforts put into noble causes, its always rewarding to see those efforts make a difference. Universities and an Organization called United States Against Sweatshops put enough pressure on Nike that they finally agreed to pay severance costs as well as health insurance for a year to 1800 workers in Honduras who worked for Nike's subcontractors. They will also give them priority hiring.

You can read the whole artilce here.

Let's get some discussion going here. Are you involved in any advocacy at your school? What kind of causes do you feel are most important? Also, share one of your favorite stories about a protest or volunteering of some kind.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Nike Compensates Laid-Off Honduran Factory Workers (time.com)
• Sheila Shayon: Nike Bows to Labor Activists (huffingtonpost.com)

Also Read:

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  How Volunteering Can Take You Places
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  Volunteering in the Off Season

Food in the Summer

Lot's of low-income children rely on the free or reduced cost lunches (and breakfasts) for their nutrition. And during the summer, they aren't getting that. Many programs, such as Energy Express, help make up the difference, as well as food banks. Unfortunately, due to the economy, they are suffering. Please take the time to go to this site and find a local food bank to donate to. Just think about what some of your favorite foods were as a kid (macaroni, T.V. dinners, soup, etc) and donate it.

One of my pet peeves is how easy it is to donate to worthy causes during Christmas and Thanksgiving but it is much more difficult during other parts of the year, even though it is no less needed.

Going on Free Trips

It may sound crazy, but there will be quite a few chances to travel while you are in college, at no cost to you, especially if you are willing to get your hands dirty while you're at it. Many schools offer alternative spring breaks. For example, my school once took interested students to Nashville, TN to volunteer with homeless organizations.

Other campuses groups, such as greek organizations and Student government, send their members to annual conventions. I personally have been to Chattanooga, TN, Philidelphia, and North Carolina for activities conferences, and in a couple of days I am going Birminghan, AL for a sorority convention.

These chances are once in a lifetime. You will not get to have this much fun on a free trip after college, so take advantage of it while you can.

Making the most of Summer

Back in high school, summer was a time for a break, when we could hang out with our friends. all that changed when we started college. It becomes a time to take on even more work, and our buddies are scattered throughout the country. Here's how to get the most out of your work when the days are long and the nights are hot.

If you are like most students, you will either get a job, or take classes. Both are good ideas. If you take classes, take the ones that you think will require the most work. You won't be distracted by friends or organizations, and you can put in more time than you would during the fall or spring since you won't have to worry about so many other classes.

As for a job, make sure its something that will help you with your career and think resume building. See if you can get a job or internship with a company you would like to work with after college.

Just because something doesn't pay doesn't mean you can't get a lot out of it. Look into volunteering or an unpaid internship if you cannot find a paid one. It will help you develop needed skills and you may find useful networking opportunities.

Also consider taking the time to research. If you will be graduating next year, see if you can visit the graduate school you would like to attend or a city you are considering living in.