The Iowa Region got the message, "We Belong to the Community." Goal setting
and detailed preparations in advance of May graduations are ensuring the
region will meet their goal of collecting more canned food items and books
than last year, making an even greater impact on communities throughout
the state.
More than half of Iowa's chapters will hold Project
Graduation events in the coming month, yet the collection efforts have
already begun. During the All-Iowa Academic Team Banquet, hosted by Hawkeye
Community College and held in Waterloo, Iowa, the region collected almost
200 items. "I encourage all regions to participate and establish this innovative
model of Project Graduation participation," expresses Nancy Woods,
Iowa Regional Coordinator.
One of the most effective strategies
employed by chapters in the region is collaborating with local grocers.
"My chapter partnered with another to visit two grocery stores last Saturday,
and asked people to donate nonperishable food items. The beauty of our project
was that people could buy whatever they wanted and we collected it right
there on the spot. We told the patrons of the stores that "you buy it and we'll
deliver it." It was very helpful to give the patrons suggestions as to what
we needed," notes Rebecca Miller, Project Graduation Coordinator
at Des Moines Area Community College-Boone Campus.
"We made
banners that were hung near our table and we passed out custom flyers to remind
shoppers to buy food items. We collected almost 800 food items and had a riot
doing it. We even got some good press - our pictures were in Boone Today,
the local newspaper." Plus, in lieu of food and book donations some patrons
simply donated money toward the efforts, resulting in more than $200 that
was later used to purchase even more food items and books.
This
Iowa chapter did not stop there. "We are working with our high school on Project
Graduation, helping those students to get set up and even collect at another
local grocery store."
Intra-regional collaboration is resulting
in greater participation as well. Already Des Moines Area Community College-West
Campus, one of the region's newest chapters chartered in December of 2003,
is planning their Project Graduation event. Project Graduation Coordinator
and Chapter Vice President of Service, Carrie MacRae shared her
excitement about her campus's inaugural event. "In my opinion, this is
such an easy project from the participants' perspective because the only
requirement is half met by going to graduation; the other half is bringing
a donation. I think this project has the potential to make a great impact
on any community-based organization in need."
Many other chapters
in the region have set impressive goals. The chapter at Southeastern Community
College has never held a Project Graduation event, but that did not stop
them from setting a goal of collecting 1,000 items. Audra Stevens,
North Campus President and Project Graduation Coordinator states, "We
plan on accomplishing our goal in many ways. One of which is through the media.
We have several radio stations in the area, city newspapers and a television
station nearby that we plan on receiving coverage from."
"The
level of collaboration, creativity, and community outreach in Iowa is
incredible," underscores Dana Van Deman, Phi Theta Kappa Public Relations
Specialist. "They are truly developing some interesting best practices
that are increasing the impact of Project Graduation in Iowa. The Iowa Region
is making a real difference in the efforts to eliminate hunger and illiteracy
in their local communities."
Enroll
your chapter in Project Graduation 2004 to impact your community. Chapters
enrolling receive a Project Graduation Resource Packet containing planning
guides and posters to help promote your event. For additional information
contact Public Relations Specialist Dana
Van Deman at 601.984.3577.
