Maryland Associationof Student Councils
Give your school's delegates the chance to attend MASC events and benefit from MASC's leadership, advocacy, and communication activities! Join Now
Maryland AssociationGive your school's delegates the chance to attend MASC events and benefit from MASC's leadership, advocacy, and communication activities! Join Now
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Back to School Drives: Help make a difference in students’ lives this school year! Ensure that every student starts off on the right foot by hosting a school supply drive to collect notebooks, pencils, folders, erasers, and other essential school supply items – every contribution counts! Consider reaching out to teachers at your school to see what supplies they could use in their classroom for the upcoming year (some teachers will have wish lists). Check out the links below on ongoing drives, and also how to implement a school supply drive in your community!
• How to Start a School-Supply Drive for Your Community – Backpacks USA
• How to Run a Successful School Supply Drive (betterworld.org)
• Back to School Backpack Drive (nccf-cares.org)
• Operation Backpack® – VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas
Implement a Summer Reading Program: Start or support a summer reading program for children in your community, encouraging literacy and a love for reading. Check out the link below for tips on how to implement a successful summer reading program.
• Summer Reading Programs Tips and Themes (signupgenius.com)
Clean up your school’s campus: Organize a campus beautification project by gathering volunteers to help plant, clean weeds, and pick up trash around your school. Consider helping teachers set up classrooms and create engaging bulletin boards to inspire students on the first day of school!
National Awareness Days:
National Nonprofit Day: Commemorated on August 17th, National Nonprofit Day recognizes nonprofit organizations and their ongoing efforts to serve the local community. There are several nonprofit organizations that you can support including (but not limited to) the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club of America, Red Cross, UNICEF, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society*. Many of these national organizations have local chapters across MD that offer volunteer opportunities. Check out the link below for more information about National Nonprofit Day!
• NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY – August 17, 2024 – National Today
*The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is currently accepting students for the ‘24-’25 Student Visionaries of the Year program. Participants embark on a 7-week journey to raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission while developing skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management. For more information visit https://www.llsstudentvisionaries.org/
Women’s Equality Day: Celebrated on August 26th, Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in the United States. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate:
• Dive into resources about the suffrage movement and the 19th amendment
• Organize screenings of films or documentaries that highlight women’s stories, contributions, and struggles for equality.
• Launch a social media campaign to share facts, quotes, and stories about women’s achievements and the ongoing fight for equality.
• Partner with local organizations that support women’s rights and equality
Check out the links below for more information about Women’s Equality Day and how to support the ongoing movement for equality.
• WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY – August 26, 2024 – National Today
• Women’s Suffrage – The U.S. Movement, Leaders & 19th Amendment | HISTORY
• 25 Organizations Fighting for Gender Equality | Human Rights Careers
Summer is the best time of the year! We enjoy going on vacations, relaxing, and spending time with friends. During this season, we celebrate an important holiday: the 4th of July! The 4th presents opportunities to both celebrate and serve the community! Remember that anyone can make a positive difference, no matter how small an action may seem.
Reflecting on History and Celebration: Take a moment during this month to explore and take a deeper dive into the history of the 4th of July. This date is important because it marks the day the Declaration of Independence was passed by the Continental Congress in 1776. Beyond the celebrations, fireworks, and barbeques, the 4th of July offers an opportunity to reflect on both the triumphs and complexities of our nation’s history. By exploring various websites and watching informative videos, you can gain a deeper understanding of the historical events that shaped our country. With the information you learned, feel free to discuss it during barbecues or any fun summer events, to inform your family about the significance of this holiday. Check out the articles below to learn more!
• What Is the 4th of July? Meaning, History and Celebrations 2024 (rd.com)
• Fourth of July – Origins, Early Celebrations & Traditions | HISTORY
• For some Americans, July 4 is a time not to celebrate, but reflect | PBS News
• July Fourth and early Black Americans: It’s complicated | Cornell Chronicle
Celebrate Heroes: Independence Day is a perfect time to celebrate our local veterans and first responders for their incredible service and sacrifice. Whether through lively community events or appreciation meals, we can show our gratitude and let them know their efforts are deeply cherished. There are numerous ways you can show your gratitude:
— Create patriotic-themed cards and crafts: These colorful creations will bring smiles to the faces of heroes at local veterans’ homes, firefighters, police stations, and community centers. Use this opportunity as a chance to unleash your creativity while making a positive impact in your community!
— Assemble Care Packages: Fill packages with snacks, essential toiletries, and handwritten notes of appreciation for deployed service members. Partner with military support organizations to ensure that these care packages reach those who need a morale boost the most. Check out these military support organizations to see how you can help!
• Homepage – Operation Gratitude
• Care Packages – Support Our Troops
Be Prepared!: The spirit of July 4th celebrates unity and community, and being prepared for emergencies strengthens these bonds. Obtaining first aid/CPR certification not only equips us with essential skills but also fosters resilience within our neighborhoods. This July, help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer by attending or hosting training sessions in your local community to promote the learning of vital techniques to handle emergencies confidently. Check out the Red Cross website to find information for classes on first aid, CPR, and AED (offers in-person and virtual options). The Red Cross also has several resources regarding emergency preparedness.
• Red Cross Training | Take a Class | Red Cross
• How to Prepare For Emergencies | Be Red Cross Ready | Red Cross
Together let’s celebrate with peace of mind, knowing we’re prepared to keep our community safe and thriving.