MOST OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE/INVOLVEMENT NOMINEE
Vietnamese Student Association at Louisiana State University (VSA-LSU)
Habitat For Humanity
Provide a detailed description of the event and the population it served. Details MUST include: date of event, number of participants, program purpose (goals, objectives, etc.) and use of resources (finances, community support, etc.).
Date: Saturday, October 26th, 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Around 14 VSA members signed up, but only about 11 showed up. Despite the lower turnout, the group got a lot done, and those who attended really enjoyed the experience. The minimum required for the event was 15 people, but since the organizers were pretty chill, we still had a productive time.
The goal of this community service event was to give back to the Baton Rouge community by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity’s gardening project. It was an opportunity for VSA members to contribute to the community, get some hands-on experience, and bond over a physically demanding but rewarding task.
We also aimed to make the event a fun and fulfilling experience by encouraging teamwork and promoting the importance of helping those in need. The work was intense but meaningful, and it gave everyone a sense of accomplishment.
No money was spent directly on the event, as the work was focused on volunteering. Lexx generously donated snacks like Powerade, Slim Jims, and granola bars to keep the volunteers energized throughout the day. We also bought lunch at Cane’s on Perkins, as there wasn’t enough time to eat lunch during the official break.
Habitat for Humanity organized the event and provided the tools, water, and Powerade for the volunteers. Their staff was friendly and supportive, ensuring that everyone stayed on task while still having a good time.
The event was promoted through a sign-up sheet shared via Google Forms. Members were encouraged to sign up early, and the e-board helped ensure people knew what to expect (even though some details were a bit misleading on the form).
What efforts were used to motivate and involve the organization's members?
To motivate members, the e-board made sure to emphasize that the work, while tiring, would be rewarding. Everyone worked together and kept the energy high, especially during the more difficult tasks. Afterward, everyone appreciated the bonding experience of working as a team to help the community. The e-board also helped organize logistics like food and transportation, making sure everyone had the necessary forms and packed food for the day.
