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| A quiet Appalachian cabin |
Student Seminar
The Appalachia Seminar through the Center for Social Concerns exposes students and alumni to the cultural and social predicaments of the Appalachian region through service and experiential learning. During the University of Notre Dame fall and spring breaks (always the third week in October and the second week in March), students and alumni work side by side with community or religious based organizations, mainly through minor home refurbishment and/or home visits.
Throughout the experience students and alumni together learn about the Appalachia culture through a "hands on, face to face" experience of helping people; additionally, a number of regional social activities are organized. No skills are required for participation and tools are provided.
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"I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."
Edward Everett Hale's pledge to the Lend-a-Hand society
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In the general survey of both alumni and students after their week in Appalachia together, an overwhelming majority noted that the community involvement, time to get to know everyone in the group, and involvement with the community as the most enjoyable aspects of the Appalachia experience. It was a week to exchange life stories, to see different perspectives on life, to bond and grow together as a Christian community.
If you are interested in learning more about this program, please Crystal Prentice, interim director, Alumni Community Service, by email or phone: (574) 631-6000.
Christian Appalachian Project
The Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is a non-profit, interdenominational Christian organization committed to serving families in need in Eastern Kentucky. Founded by a Catholic priest and incorporated in 1964, CAP relies on individual volunteers and groups to help address the symptoms and root causes of poverty in Appalachia. Volunteer groups normally serve in CAP's Housing Program, helping to rehabilitate substandard housing and build new homes. Through the Appalachia Seminar, Notre Dame sends groups to CAP each fall and spring break, and several ND alumni have served as long-term volunteers for CAP, including Carrie Fitzgerald '01, Amy Schill '03, and Jim Finnegan '05. Amblyn Allen '05 currently volunteers in CAP's Outreach Program.
Please contact Harold Underwood at hunderwood@chrisapp.org or visit www.chrisapp.org for more information.
For more information, contact Crystal Prentice, interim director, Alumni Community Service, by email or phone: (574) 631-6000.
An Appalachian Experience
By Mary Heather Parch '95
In the fall, Aaron Whitaker '76, Kristine Gregory '91, and I participated in the Alumni/Student Appalachia Project (ASAP), in which alumni and students come together to assist people who live in poverty and often are too elderly to handle manual labor themselves. The jobs the alumni and students typically involve home repair and improvements. My group's project took place in the small town of Dungannon in southwestern Virginia.
When I arrived in town on Sunday night, it took me a while to find the Phoenix Building. Then I noticed the interlocking ND painted on the wall of a building, and I knew I was in the right place. The accommodations were Spartan, but there was plenty of food.
One of the women who worked at the Dungannon Development Commission (our host) came by each evening to cook dinner for us.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Notre Dame students. I rediscovered all of the good things about students that I enjoyed when I was in school. They are bright and motivated and filled with enthusiasm, and it was fun to talk to them about their plans. The people of Dungannon and the surrounding areas were gracious and generous.
The woman who lived in the house I worked on came by the Phoenix Building at night and led us to waterfalls and hiking trails. People confided in us and made us feel a part of their extended family. Often the biggest challenge for our group was to simply slow down. We had been told, "Everything moves slower in Appalachia." By the end of the week we had all adapted to the pace. We still completed all of the work, but just found different ways to approach it. Materials were often scarce and the difficulty in finding the appropriate tools, nails, wood, etc. challenged us to be more creative and resourceful. It also gave us more of an appreciation for the struggles of the local people. One of the many important lessons of my Appalachian experience was that people will find a way to be happy in spite of their circumstances.
