We’re less than a month into 2018, and for some, it’s been a year of broken resolutions, Trumpism and Tide Pod snacking. But it’s not too late to make 2018 a year of becoming a better member of the Syracuse community.

As students, we’re not only members of the Syracuse University community, but the greater Syracuse area as well. We have a moral obligation to take on an active role in society to help our neighbors — not just those living in our residence halls. SU and SUNY-ESF offer a number of clubs that enable students to contribute to helping communities in need.

Rather than shutting yourself in a cozy dorm to avoid the cold, head to the closest dining hall to foster change. The Food Recovery Network, a national organization that fights food waste on college campuses, has a chapter at SU to salvage as much food as possible from dining halls for those in need.

“Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs, and that’s how food is wasted,” said Shewa Shwani, president of the SU and SUNY-ESF chapter.

Kevin Camelo | Digital Design Editor

The New York Public Interest Research Group is another organization that develops programs to resolve social and economic issues in local communities. NYPIRG works to educate students and other members of the community about hunger and homelessness by hosting monthly food drives and educational panels.

“We work with a number of organizations on the ground who provide services for the hungry and homeless right here in our local community,” said Ethan Thompson, president of the NYPIRG chapter at SU and SUNY-ESF. “It is our goal to not only educate the community but to help individuals get engaged with the solutions.”

As community members and human beings, we must do our part to help those in need. If everyone on campus strived to do more, we could make substantial difference as a community. This can also be done with the stroke of a keypad and a few hashtags.

“Sharing social media posts or talking about the issue in the comfort of one’s home can be a starting point, but they are not a means to an end,” Thompson said. “We need to stand up and stand next to our brothers, sisters and neighbors who are in need.”

If you’re interested in joining NYPIRG, contact syracuse@nypirg.org or visit the SU and SUNY-ESF chapter’s office at 732 S. Crouse Ave. The Food Recovery Network can be reached at frnesfsu@gmail.com.

Lauren Silverstein is an undeclared freshman in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at lsilve03@syr.edu.

Published on January 30, 2018 at 8:47 am