Sacrificing Career for Country

Harvey Jarvis, better known as Chip Jarvis, made the ultimate sacrifice. After the fateful day of September 11, Chip left his job as a successful attorney to enlist in the army. He wanted to serve his country and give back in a way he felt he hadn't yet done in his life of 35 years, and it was the impact of the falling towers that sparked this sacrifice. Even though a solid career remains top on his list of priorities, he had the integrity to temporarily forgo that for a higher calling. This sort of sacrifice and dedication makes for the admirable lawyer Chip Jarvis is.

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Volunteer to Help the Norman Economy

With the conclusion of the third annual Norman Music Festival, you can start thinking about volunteering for next year’s event. Volunteer coordinator Sara Wall said that a lot of hands go into making the festival possible and without the volunteers it wouldn’t be free.

Wall said that volunteers range from college students to locals just looking to get more involved with the community. Volunteers are given an array of tasks including everything from unloading bands’ equipment to picking up trash afterward.

OU student and volunteer Mari Bower said she helped bring in the money. “I just stood at the one of the entrances and held a bucket for donations.”

Bower also said she helped direct people where to go when they were looking for a particular band.

“I appreciated my time as a Norman Music Festival volunteer, especially knowing how much it benefits Norman’s economy and culture.”

According to the Oklahoma Rock newsblog, the festival pumps $2.5 million into Norman’s economy.

For more information on how to get involved visit www.normanmusicfestival.com.

OU's New Human Rights Agenda

OU's Amnesty International student group is changing their agenda from just educating members and encouraging awareness to having an active role in human rights on the campus.

The new president of this student organization, Elliot Hale, says they are looking for new members to take part in this facelift.

"We need the help of students to achieve this goal," said Hale.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with over 1.8 million members worldwide. OU's chapter is one of many.

"This next year, I want to make our presence visible on OU's campus," said Hale

He has many ideas on how to broaden Amnesty's reach. They will be having documentary screenings once a month in the fall. They also plan to take advantage of urgent action letters, which is what Hale says differentiates Amnesty from other student organizations.

"We send letters to important government officials to apply pressure in the hopes of change for issues like violence against women and corporate accountability. We go straight to the top."

For more information on how to get involved, visit their website at www.ou.edu/student/amnesty or e-mail Elliot Hale at Elliot.C.Hale-1@ou.edu.

Between working at Goodwill and struggling to return to school, 21-year-old Lauren Twist is seeking a way to fulfill her passion - African studies and the people of Africa. Although harsh realities have hindered these passions, she remains optimistic.

Help Give Animals a Second Chance

If you love animals, the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary could be a great place to spend your spare time volunteering. This animal shelter houses around 45 dogs and 45 cats and adopt out 500-600 animals annually.

"We welcome volunteers in many different capacities," their website reads under the "Get Involved" tab.

The duties of a volunteer could include anything from walking dogs and playing with cats to helping out around the office. This non-profit no-kill animal shelter also offers an opportunity called Doggie Day Out, in which volunteers can take a dog for up to three hours for a walk in the park or maybe a visit to PetCo.

"I like taking the dogs for a walk around OU's campus. The dogs always seem to love all the people and attention they get," said OU student and volunteer, Jackson Goeble. The shelter is also always looking for volunteers willing to be a foster home for pets that are too young or too sick to remain in the shelter. The shelter says this is one of the most important jobs a volunteer can do.

The shelter also welcomes children to volunteer as long as their parents remain with them. Second Chance could be the place a family adopts a new pet. In the past 20 years, Second Chance has found homes for over 10,000 homeless animals. The shelter's mission statement is "Enriching the community by promoting animal welfare in Oklahoma."

To find out more about how to get involved, visit their website at www.secondchancenorman.org.

"I Heart Boobs" T-shirts Help Save Lives

OU's Relay for Life executive committee is selling "I heart boobs" t-shirts. The proceeds from these shirts, along with all other Relay for Life fundraising benefits the American Cancer Society. According to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer research facility, almost 200,000 American women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

These t-shirts symbolize this particular disease with the breast cancer emblem in the middle of the heart. The shirts are $12, and the committee will be selling the shirts March 8-12 during their "Paint the Campus Purple" publicity week at the Oklahoma Memorial Union.

"Selling the shirts is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and I really encourage everyone to buy one. The money goes to such an important cause," said Relay for Life chair, Josh Fried.

During the committee's first Paint the Campus Purple Week on the week of February 22, they raised over $1500, selling the t-shirts. If you can't seem to find time to volunteer your time somewhere that week, spend 5 minutes, buying an "I heart boobs" t-shirt. Many OU students have already contributed to this fundraiser and can be seen wearing them around campus.

Relay for Life committee member, Elizabeth Auld, says why she thinks it is important to purchase one of these t-shirts.

Spend Your Weekends at the Assisted Living Center

Looking for somewhere to spend your weekends in Norman, OK? Rambling Oaks Assisted Living Center could be the place for you. Whether it be with a large group or just you and your family, the assisted living center welcomes volunteers of all ages and groups.

Volunteers come to the home to perform a number of activities, including socializing with the residents, helping with maintenance or decorating during the holidays.

OU student and member of Delta Gamma sorority, Christina Hanvey said, "Me and my sorority sisters love going to Rambling Oaks. I don't really feel like I'm volunteering when I go there."

Hanvey coordinated various activity nights at the home, including two bingo nights with the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Hanvey said they played with dimes and the residents got really competitive.

"I spent my Thursday evening at an assisted living center, but it wasn't what I expected. The residents are a hoot."

Another OU student, Paige Marley, said she went to the home with a couple of friends on a Sunday afternoon.

"We just washed windows, and then had lunch with the seniors. It was nice talking to them and hearing all their stories."

The home is a place for seniors to live, yet they can receive support and assistance when needed. The staff appreciate the volunteers and the help they offer.

For more information on how to get involved at Rambling Oaks, you can visit the home's website at ramblingoaks.com, or call them at 405-360-4755.