2009-2010 TASC STATEWIDE THEME
THE TIME IS NOW
Our World. Our Responsibility. Period.
This summer, TASC state officers and district presidents met to train and plan for the 2009-2010 school year. At this retreat, the student officers representing the state and district structure had the opportunity to identify relevant issues in their schools and communities, as well as areas of suggested focus for the association. Utilizing new technologies (www.polleverywhere.com – check it out!) and brainstorming strategies, these student leaders spent hours vetting concerns and expressed to the TASC Board and staff their desire to see a message of “action.”
The TASC theme for 2009-2010 is exactly that – THE TIME IS NOW! The message is clear: student leaders, advisors and student council groups should not “put off until tomorrow” their visions and goals, because the time to act is now. Maybe your council has been thinking of embracing a more active role in TASC programs - the time is now! Maybe your advisors have been talking about changing the focus and structure of your local program – the time is now! Maybe student leaders have expressed a desire to try a new activity or initiate a new tradition at your school – the time is now!
2009-2010 STATEWIDE PROJECT
The Time is Now to END POVERTY
Student councils are encouraged to participate in projects and activities that are designed to end poverty in our world, nation, state and local communities. The TASC Board of Directors has chosen three establish programs to highlight. Student councils can participate with any or all of these programs and should choose the level they want to focus on (international, national, state or local – or any combination of all of the above).
International Program: ONE (www.one.org)
ONE is a grassroots campaign and advocacy organization backed by more than 2 million people who are committed to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa.
Guided by a commitment to build a world fit for children, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF -- in partnership with individuals, non-governmental organizations, foundations and corporations -- works to advocate for the world’s children, increase awareness among the U.S. public of children’s needs and raise funds in support of UNICEF’s work. The annual trademark “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” campaign is of special interest to children, parents and educators and provides an opportunity for children in the U.S. to raise funds to help children around the world while learning about the challenges they face. For many youngsters, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” is their first volunteer experience.
State/Local Program: Texas Habitat for Humanity (www.habitattexas.org)
Habitat for Humanity® Texas, chartered in May 2005 as a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, is a collaborative effort of local affiliates and state leaders that functions as a state support organization. Habitat for Humanity® Texas' mission is to support Habitat affiliates in Texas, in order that they might increase the production of decent, affordable housing in cooperation with the people who need it in Texas.
By participating in one or all of these programs or supporting a program of choice at the local level, student councils will be joining other councils around the state to act now to end poverty. Schools participating in the 2009-2010 State Project can earn 20 points on the Outstanding Student Council Report form.
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