The Observer, November 30, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 12
Editorial: Case already accomplishing much for community, surrounding area
It's the most wonderful time of the year: the season of giving. As the semester winds down, more community service projects are springing up. See, for instance, the Giving Tree project in Thwing atrium, or Psi Chi's Mitten Mania, both of which benefit children in the local area.
Many people are unaware of the fact that Case Western Reserve University is engaged in the community year-round, however. Op-eds criticizing the university for being a poor community neighbor appear in The Observer on occasion, which seem to lack true research and perspective.
"We are not an ivory tower that caters to the needs of the rich while ignoring the needs of the community," said Latisha James, director of the Center for Community Partnerships. "We are, however, an institution that is passionate about improving the quality of life for others to make our campus, city, nation, and world a better place to live in."
According to center statistics, CWRU has nearly 600 community partners. Students, staff, and faculty devote a minimum of 160,000 hours of volunteer service in the community each year. The university manages 552 community outreach programs year-round, primarily in schools and health care centers. There are over 70 K-12 programs that impact nine local school districts, which amounts to a staggering 145,000 students. In fact, we claim the Cleveland Metropolitan School District as our number one community partner. And service isn't restricted to the United States – CWRU provides 16 programs in 29 international countries.
Obviously, Case is a much better community member than has been previously alleged. Opportunities abound for those who wish to improve the city of Cleveland and help its citizens. In addition to participating in any number of programs, the Center for Community Partnerships is in need of ambassadors to spread the word about what CWRU does for the community.
It is our responsibility as a university to be a center for change in Cleveland. Yes, the city is depressed; yes, there is a great amount of room for improvement. But nothing will change if we don't do something about it. Get out there and do your part: lots of other students already are.
