Call to Action

Being a Bonner Leader, I not only have to participate a Call to Action site but also take a group of volunteers and lead the site. I was chosen to lead First-Step for Families because it is my Bonner site. My group was supposed to paint at First-Step for Families but a couple of days before it was announced to me that we would just be cleaning. I was able to get some of my teammates from Tennis to join in on the Action. In total, there was about eight volunteers that signed up for First-Step. Unfortunately we didn’t paint, but we were split into two groups: one inside to clean the common area and an outside group to sort through toys and donations. My small group helped clean out some old, unsafe, unsanitary (moldy) toys stored outside. We were extremely efficient that we finished before the group inside. There are two common rooms upstairs so while the inside group was working in one common area, my group worked on the second room cleaning the couches and tables. It honestly didn’t feel like working with the community at first-step because the front desk workers didn’t know we were coming. There was really no work that needed to be done. What we did was busy work. There were more than enough volunteers that we finished about 2 hours ahead of schedule. I remember last year how fun Call to Action was, and I really wanted to share that experience with the volunteers this year. For the student leader site reflection in the Dorothy Stang Center, I explained to Diana the situation of not actually being needed and that we should direct our energy to sites that need our help. I know for Maple Street it is just a barbeque with the Shelter and the clients, but at least they are sharing a meal with their community, there is involvement. I know the difference of making an impact by just being presence. I worked the Maple Street Halloween talent show and it was fun even though I wasn’t really doing anything. I was building community. At First-Step, it seemed as though our presence was a disturbance. The reason we didn’t paint was because they didn’t need anything to be painted, and they didn’t even have paint. I think this was also lack of communication between NDNU and First-Step.  I remember clearly standing there asking the front desk worker where she wanted us to weed (an assignment she made up right on the spot), and her reply being “I don’t know just anywhere, I just made it up to give you work.” I really want next year to be a better experience for my volunteers. Next year I would also like to work outside with nature such as Water Dog Park and ridding the area of invasive species. It was hard work but fun.

Structure and Leadership

I am not sure if my CP interface with local governmental units. The leader of our group, Sister Jeanette, has a great impact on the success of my CP. She is the one that gets the volunteers together, shops for food, and holds fundraisers to help make Table of Plenty a success.

The Judiciary

My CP has not ever had recourse to judicial processes as a way of resolving problems, nor does my CP's work involve the prison system in any way. Yet, the SNDdN as individuals are familiar with the judicial process. I have heard through word of mouth that Sister Pat McGlinn was kicked out of Africa because of her activism there (I have yet to ask). I do know that Sister Dorothy Stang used the judicial system in Brazil as a way to help the workers by presenting records. The sisters know the best way to fight back is through the judicial process and thus educate themselves of that system where they reside, be it the USA, Kenya, or Brazil. The judicial system does have flaws, but it is efficient. 

State Legislature

I am not sure if my CP encourages any legislative changes, but if it did it would probably deal with immigration. There are quite a few undocumented workers that come to Table of Plenty, and sometimes, not Table of Plenty, but a different organization holds a clinical to help undocumented persons.

Founders' Week Extra Credit

Being a Bonner Leader, I had to attend many of the events happening on Founders' Week (and help facilitate the programs). It was more fun, in my opinion to attend, rather than plan and prepare for the events. I attended milk and cookies with the Sisters last year. It was a new experience for me, having never been to the Province Center (nor knowing of its existence). I knew the Sisters lived somewhere on campus (even though the Province Center has its own address) but where, I had no idea. They put on a scavenger hunt that made us run all around the campus with clues and questions about our founders. I stumbled across crevices in the school, unearthing the hidden beauties on campus. In all honesty, Founders' week happened in a flash for me, and the event I remember most clearly was the panel of our SNDdN. The Sister Roseanne and Pat divulged in the history of our Founders, while Sister Liz (and I can't remember the other sister's name!!!) discussed the relevance of the Foundress' teachings through the work and death of Sister Dorothy Stang.

State-Local Relations

My CP does not get caught in conflict relating to its local and state relationship. It is a local community CP that serves those able to make it.

Political Campaigns

My CP does not participate in political campaigns or take public stands on campaigns or candidates, because it is not a CP that arose out of political reasons, simply to share a meal. My CP is run by a SNDdN and we do prayer before each meal, but it is does not discriminate against religion or political views. However, my CP is run by a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and they are very much active in social justice issues. Sisters individually will support their own political candidate they believe is fit. Sister Joan Burke from Kenya will educate the people of Kenya and support them in choosing the right candidate for the country. The sisters are not afraid to voice their concerns, like Sr. Dorothy Stang.  The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur hold a particular set of values, and encourage everyone to be involved in their countries leadership so that they may have a voice and a say as to what goes on in their community. The sisters hold on to their values and try to spread them.

Citizen Participation

There are many types of people that come to Table of Plenty, quite a few regulars and some newcomers. Every Thursday there is an old Italian couple that sits at the same table in the same spot; they never fail to come. Just last Thursday a man walked in very nervously. He told my group that he was embarrassed to be here but very lonely. Table of Plenty is not just for the poor or the hungry, but also for the lonely who want to be part of something, who want to belong. He shared his story with my friend about the bullying that goes on at work. My friend put his fears to rest when she assured him that there is no shame in coming to enjoy a meal with his community. There is no reason to eat alone every Thursday when we are here. Table of Plenty is not about serving people; it is about creating community and interacting with individuals that walk through the doors.  Citizen participation is important. There would be no Table of Plenty if not for the volunteers from the community. Many take it on as their job.