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The Importance of Service Projects
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by Lisa Mantooth, Executive Officer - Psi Chi National Office
Category: Editor's Column
It seems that my life has revolved around service. At a very young age, I learned the importance of service. My parents were foster parents, opening our home to children needing loving parents. That is how my parents gave back—by giving love and a home to children. I learned the importance of giving from them. I give my time, funds, and other resources to the causes I feel are important.
A few years ago, I chose to join a service organization. Rotary is an organization whose name is synonymous with service. Their motto is “Service Above Self.” As a member of Bradley Sunrise Rotary Club, we have several important service projects. One of these projects that is near to my heart is Habitat for Humanity. We commit funds and time to building at least one Habitat home each year. Naturally, when I learned that Habitat was one of Psi Chi’s national service projects, I was elated. In my opinion it is one of the greatest organizations in the world. Habitat offers a “hand up, not a hand out.”
I am often asked about service projects and their importance to our members. I feel that by committing to at least one service project each year, our members are making a commitment that (I hope) will become lifelong. A service project does not have to cost a dime. A service project could be about time. A Psi Chi chapter can volunteer for Habitat and commit time to assist in the building of a new home. A chapter can commit to helping a shelter; whether they provide canned goods or a needed service, this is also a worthy commitment for members and chapters.
Psi Chi service projects are one way that Psi Chi members and chapters may give back to their communities. Psi Chi recognizes Adopt a Shelter, Archives of the History of American Psychology (AHAP), Food Drives, UNICEF, and Habitat for Humanity as national service projects.
For me, service is part of life. I hope that for each of you, SERVICE also becomes a way of life.
Winter 2007 issue of Eye on Psi Chi (Vol. 12, No. 2, p. 3), published by Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology (Chattanooga, TN). Copyright, 2007, Psi Chi, The National Honor Society in Psychology. All rights reserved.