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Kinney Moderator and Senior Services/Independent Living (Fall 2009)
Carrie Tennant
Hey, I am Carrie Tennant, one of the Kinney Moderators. As a freshman, I got involved with the campus soup kitchen, Souper Contact. I loved serving there and had a real heart for the people I met. As a result of my work at Souper Contact, I became the Kinney Hunger and Homelessness Coordinator my sophomore year. During the week, I found myself frequenting several Hunger and Homelessness sites in addition to Souper Contact, including More than a Meal and More than Art. My volunteering exposed me to new and meaningful relationships with the people I served. I was involved in exciting and fulfilling work.
My work as the H and H Coordinator helped me realize that I enjoy helping other students connect with those that they serve. I have come to understand that the lives you seek to change through service actually change you. That is a beautiful facet of volunteering that I hope for all Rhodes students to experience. I am so excited to serve as a Kinney Moderator this year and I look forward to helping other Rhodes students invest in the community and learn from it in ways like I did.
Kinney Moderator and Senior Services/Independent Living (Fall 2009)
Amanda Law
Hey y’all, my name is Amanda Law and I am a Kinney Moderator for Rhodes. I got involved with volunteering while in high school, spending my study halls working with 3rd graders on literacy. It was at that time that I came to understand the importance of equal education for all. I came to college with a passion for youth and spent my freshman and sophomore years working with the Children and Youth branch of the Kinney program. My junior year, Children and Youth merged with Mentoring and Education so that tutoring kids and caring for them were no longer separate goals of the Kinney Program but could instead be accomplished simultaneously. As the Mentoring and Education Coordinator, I helped our volunteers create a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn in and succeed. I am excited to continue volunteering at Rhodes this year and I look forward with much anticipation to all that Rhodes students will do for the Memphis community for years to come.
The Arts
Kelly Parry
The Environment
Michael Castellarin
I’m Michael, a junior at Rhodes and the Coordinator for Rhodes’ Environmental Kinney Program. From my work in the Bio department, I learned that I want to spend my life doing environmentally based research. But I also desire to pursue environmental activism and that is something I dived into last year. At that time, some of my friends and I realized that Rhodes lacked an environmental focus and we decided to create that focus on campus. We began to recruit other students that we knew cared for the environment and also sought support from some of the faculty at Rhodes. All of that work resulted in the creation of the Kinney Environment Program and since then, I have worked as the program’s Coordinator. The Environment Program has experienced incredible success. Last year, we launched our first Earth Day Summit. The Summit set a new precedent in bringing together local politicians to meet at Rhodes and discuss the environmental state of Shelby County. In addition to planning events like the Summit, the Environment Program has aided in creating Green Rhodes. Green Rhodes is a campus organization designed for philanthropy initiatives and to raise awareness on environmental issues. This organization just received support from the college and is working hard to support our community and campus through environmental projects.
The environment matters to me and it has been awesome to watch Rhodes students prove this year that the environment matters to them as well.
Faith-Based Services
Allison Dove
dovam@rhodes.edu
She is a Senior Greek and Roman Studies major. She loves anything that is done outdoors from competitive running to mountain biking to backpacking and is presently loving learning how to draw. She started volunteering as a freshman at the Neighborhood School in Binghampton and loved it! As her involvement continued, she became a Site Coordinator for the Neighborhood School and loved connecting students with service so much that she applied for and became the Kinney Coordinator for Faith-Based Ministries. Now she is serving as the Kin Co for Faith-Based Ministries for the third year and loves to see new students get involved with the Memphis community and planning advocacy and outreach events on campus so that students can better understand how their personal beliefs connect with service.
GLBT Advocacy
Whitney Warren
warwh@rhodes.edu
I’m Whitney Warren, an Urban Studies major. I serve as the Kinney Coordinator of GLBT Advocacy here at Rhodes. GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender) Advocacy is a relatively new branch of the Kinney program (instituted this past year) and it works to raise awareness on GLBT issues, to draw attention to and aid in overcoming heterosexist behavior, and to create a safe environment for everyone at Rhodes to have a voice on campus. After only one year, GLBT Advocacy has already seen growth at Rhodes. We joined with Women’s Services in promoting reproductive health through planning Condom Awareness Week. The week raised awareness on health issues and responsible choices for Rhodes students. GLBT further promoted sexual health through our GLBT Health Awareness week. With the assistance of the Rhodes Counseling Center, the week included Safe Zone training programs (e-mail link) where professors and students learned how to be safe, non judgmental places of support for GLBT and questioning friends. I am excited to have the opportunity at Rhodes to promote a cause that I feel drawn to and I believe that GLBT Advocacy enriches Rhodes’ celebration of diversity and will continue to benefit our student body in coming years.
Homelessness and Hunger
Liz Jeans
jeaeb@rhodes.edu
Hi my name is Liz Jeans. I am a junior, chemistry major, French minor, from Scottsdale, Arizona. I began volunteering at Rhodes the second I walked onto campus! I love volunteering because it gives you a real feel of self-accomplishment and opens your eyes and mind to things that you may have never considered. As well, I have been able to make many new friends who have the same morals as I do through service work. I am the site coordinator of the Homelessness and Hunger division of Kinney.
Right now in H&H, we are really building our relationship with the Memphis Family Shelter, which is a great organization that houses 15 families escaping from abuse. As well, H&H program caters to everyone (Habitat for Humanity, MIFA, Meals on Wheels, More than Art). We have service sites that deal from art to handiwork to soup kitchens to babysitting. Everything you could think of! A fun fact about me is that I actually grew up on a farm!! So please get to know me and the sites of H&H! I’d love to make a new friend, while volunteering!
Hospitals and Healthcare
Nina Guo
guoni@rhodes.edu
My name is Nina Guo and I am a Biology Major, French Minor and the Hospitals and Healthcare Kinney Coordinator at Rhodes. As a pre-med student, I was drawn to the Hospitals and Healthcare program. Working at St. Jude held a huge appeal for me and I was inspired by the children I volunteered for and the families I helped at the Ronald McDonald house. Thanks to my sorority and the campus wide Sack fair, I got plugged in with St. Jude and have worked with the hospital in various ways since freshman year. With my continued involvement in the Hospitals and Healthcare Program, I found that Rhodes had many other opportunities for volunteering in a heath care facility. In addition to multiple service opportunities through St, Jude, we have a connection with the MED hospital of Memphis. Volunteers shadow, observe, and provide basic care for patients in the burn, trauma, OB/GYN, newborn, and ER centers of the hospital. There are several other community partners our Kinney branch works with as well to provide volunteer experience for Rhodes students.
Still, The Hospitals and Healthcare program is not only about health experience but also health education and social justice. Last year, during the Hospitals and Healthcare Awareness week on campus, we focused on Memphis healthcare issues, emphasizing that Memphis has one of the highest percentages of uninsured people in America. The Hospitals and Healthcare Program provides Rhodes students with an opportunity to invest in the Memphis community and also be exposed to the needs of the community, allowing those students to pursue their passions and make a difference for the people around them.
Mentoring and Education
Eric Dailey
daier@rhodes.edu
My name is Eric Dailey and I am a Political Science major and a coordinator for Mentoring and Education for the Kinney program at Rhodes. Kinney has been an incredible part of my Rhodes Career and as I prepare for this year, I look forward to working as the Mentoring and Education Coordinator with a fellow student, Carson Duffy. Last year I was stunned by the variety of service opportunities offered through the Mentoring and Education Program. Now, I can’t wait to get new students involved with helping youth in Memphis city schools. Rhodes is a place where you have virtually infinite opportunities to offer unlimited impact to the surrounding Memphis community, all you have to do is get involved. Kinney makes that easy.
Mentoring and Education
Carson Duffy
dufcs@rhodes.edu
My name is Carson Duffy. I am a sophomore from Charlotte, NC majoring in Urban Studies with minors in Education and Spanish (at least that is the plan so far). I have been involved with volunteering since day one at Rhodes through the Bonner Program. I began my freshman year volunteering at Souper Contact. I have done everything from meal routes with MIFA to Habitat for Humanity to the More than Art program. I was very involved with Bridges PeaceJam and will continue to work with that program by leading the PeaceJam “club” at Central High School this year. I am very passionate about Education and its ability to give people the opportunity to change their lives. That is what led me to my current position as co coordinator of Kinney Mentoring and Education! There is a place for everyone in this area! If you’re interested in teaching/tutoring math or reading you would love working in one of our Partner Memphis Public schools! If you are more interested in building a relationship with a child, Big Brother Big Sisters and Adopt A Friend would love to have you! There are also many opportunities through the Memphis city schools and Youth Villages to do a onetime service event with a bunch of your friends! Eric and I would love to hear from you!!!!
Multilingual/Multinational
Diana Villa
vildi@rhodes.edu
I am Diana Villa, coordinator for the Multinational/ Multilingual program here at Rhodes. I’m a senior and am pursuing a Political Science/ International Studies bridge major. My service at Rhodes has shown me that life experiences, whether good or bad, equip you to give back to your community. When you serve from the places where you can connect with your cause, you receive the greatest reward from the experience.
As a Bonner Scholar, I spent my freshman year exploring various service sites in Memphis and volunteering in various capacities. I knew I had a passion for Latino rights but was unsure how to best pursue that in the Memphis community. When I was approached by the former Multinational/Multilingual coordinators about increasing my involvement with that program, I quickly said “Yes” and have not stopped since. I served as the M/M coordinator both my sophomore and junior years at Rhodes. During that time, we have launched a new Saturday school through the tutoring program Casa Maria. The school is called Sabado Gigante and it reaches out to Latino children from the surrounding community through music, art, conversation, and fun. This program has seen great success and we are now seeking a permanent location for the school so we can continue to teach and mentor these children.
Our Refugee Empowerment Program is also growing. One of the program’s goals is to revitalize a campus interest in international issues. Brendan Reegan and Jenna Hunt, the Refugee Empowerment Interns, are leading Rhodes students in providing refugees in the Memphis community with a voice, support, and education so they do not suffer in silence.
Other exciting programs include Abriéndos Puertas, our high school tutoring program. With each of our service opportunities, the M/M program exists to equip Rhodes students to be people of international impact, whatever profession they pursue. The program created a venue for me to live out my passion for social justice and it can do the same for you. Come get involved!
Peace and Justice
Cecilia Jordan
jorca@rhodes.edu
My name is Cece Jordan and I am the Kinney Coordinator for Peace and Justice at Rhodes. I have a passion for pursuing equality and nonviolence and I am eager to assist others in working towards these goals. Here are some of the amazing opportunities that Rhodes Students are involved with through the Peace and Justice Program:
National Civil Rights Musuem- This is a great volunteer opportunity for people interested in helping out around the museum. There are several different jobs for volunteers such as helping with King Day, April 4th Celebrations, the Freedom Award, or opening receptions for new exhibits to the museum. You can also serve as a greeter or host if you like talking to people. Check out the website! www.civilrightsmuseum.org
Mid-South Peace and Justice Center- This site always needs volunteers in many areas such as their Food not Bombs program, the community gardens, or help with basic day to day office needs. For more information www.midsouthpeace.org
Peace Jam Slam- Peace Jam ”is a foundation that dedicates itself to creating a new generation of young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates.” Volunteers help facilitate small group discussion and lead team building activites. For those of you interested in a one-time service opportunity Peace Jam Slam is October 23-25. Check out www.peacejam.org for more information on the mission of Peace Jam. This year, the Slam is partnering with the Ghandi King Conference at Christian Brothers University and volunteers are invited to attend the conference for free! So get involved.
Please contact me to get involved! My time as Peace and Justice Coordinator has opened my eyes to the change I can personally have in my community and in the lives of those around me, both on campus and in local high schools. Own your impact and start working for peace!
Senior Services/Independent Living
Sarah Holloway (Spring 2009)
holsk@rhodes.edu
Special Projects and Publicity
Brianna McCullough
mccbh@rhodes.edu
I’m Brianna McCullough, a senior English Literature major from Lewisburg, Tenn. I serve as the Kinney Coordinator for Special Projects and Publicity. I first became involved in service at Rhodes when I mentored students through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at Springdale Elementary. Because I enjoyed working with youth, I joined the Rites to Play planning committee and have served as public relations chair for three years. This free children’s carnival, held during Rites of Spring, has provided children of the Memphis area an opportunity to have fun and to hang out with college students. This year, we broke a record, with over 1,000 children, parents, and Rhodes students in attendance!
Because of my positive experience working as a counselor at church camp, Student Council camp, and Volunteer Girls State, I decided to embark on a new adventure as a Bridge Builders Jr. Conference Counselor this summer. I applied for the Rhodes Summer Service Fellowship and immediately fell in love with my job at BRIDGES, a nonprofit that advances racial, economic, educational, and environmental justice. Here I found my passion: teaching others to overcome their differences in order to work toward a common goal. Through our work on the Kinney team, we are able to inspire Rhodes students to get involved and to perform service in order to better their community. My goal is to reach as many students as possible so that their lives are enriched by experiences of service.
Women’s Services
Courtney Waters
watcs@rhodes.edu
Hi I’m Courtney! I am an International Studies major and the Women’s Services Kinney Coordinator! As a Bonner Scholar I came to Rhodes with the intention of serving the Memphis community. My volunteer experience has been diverse and I have developed a strong concern for many areas of service in the Memphis community. The greatest passion I have discovered is the one I have for working to promote awareness about women’s issues. I was drawn to women’s services through volunteering with various agencies and causes in Memphis such as, Planned Parenthood, the Vagina Monologues, Advocates for the Youth, the YWCA, and the Memphis Crisis Center. I have also indirectly worked with organizations such as the Memphis Sexual Assault Resource Center and The Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. During times when it feels as though no one is concerned about women’s issues in Memphis, these organizations are a breath of fresh air.
Women’s Services is such a specific area, and many people forget that there is still a struggle for justice that is happening with women everywhere. From rights to reproductive health services to protection in domestic situations women are often at a disadvantage. A myth on our campus is that this area is only for women. That is absolutely not true. I want everyone to become involved in Women’s Services, because women’s issues affect everyone. Currently, the community does not voice a strong concern for this problem area. This needs to change. Even in the absence of a strong voice of concern, I believe that there are people who care about women’s issues and who are passionate about working to eradicate them. My goal for this year is to diversify the Women’s Services area by encouraging greater campus involvement.
Director of Community Service
Walt Tennyson
tennysonw@rhodes.edu