Maryland Associationof Student Councils
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Maryland AssociationGive your school's delegates the chance to attend MASC events and benefit from MASC's leadership, advocacy, and communication activities! Join Now
Some links on this page are to outside sources. Please note that MASC has no ownership or control of outside resources.As leaves begin to turn and the temperature drops with the fall season, there are countless ways to engage your community! From Friday Night Lights to pumpkin lattes, many of us cherish this vibrant season. But what truly enhances the fall spirit is the opportunity to give back. Embrace the season of gratitude by organizing fall community events and volunteer opportunities for members of your community and school. Together, we can make a difference while enjoying all that fall has to offer!
Fall Festivities
Trunk or Treat Drive-Through With your student government, organize a Trunk or Treat drive-through for your school or local community. Encourage participants to creatively decorate their car trunks with Halloween-themed decorations to create a festive atmosphere for families. Kids can dress in costumes and stroll from trunk to trunk collecting candy. This event not only fosters community spirit but also offers a fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. To increase participation, consider reaching out to local elementary schools to spread the word. You might charge an admission fee or a fee for participants to set up their cars, allowing you to generate revenue that can be donated to your student government or a charity of your choice. Check out the link below on how to host a Trunk or Treat Drive-Through.
https://totsfamily.com/how-to-organize-a-trunk-or-treat-event/
Fall Festival Another great idea is to host a fall festival to spread seasonal cheer. Your student council can collaborate with local organizations to offer a variety of activities such as fall crafts, pumpkin painting or carving, sack races, and other fun games. Partnering with local businesses can also enhance the event by adding more activities and attracting attention. Explore the links below for inspiration on organizing a fall festival, including ideas and activities you can incorporate into your event!
How to Plan an Epic Fall Festival, with 15 Event Themes, Ideas & Activities | TicketSource
Creating a Fall Festival to Remember | Fall Event Planning Tips (funcrewusa.com)
Volunteer! If hosting a Trunk or Treat or fall festival isn’t feasible, consider encouraging your student government association to volunteer at existing community events. This is a wonderful way to demonstrate your commitment to service while still contributing to local celebrations.
Cemetery Cleanup Gather a group to help clean a local cemetery, honoring the memories of those who have passed. Before organizing the cleanup, get permission from cemetery caretakers to understand the needs and the necessary supplies. This respectful activity not only enhances the appearance of the cemetery but also allows participants to pay tribute. Additionally, you can host a donation drive for flowers/wreaths so they can be placed at headstones. Check out the link below for practices on how to clean a cemetery/headstone!
Cleaning – Cemetery Conservators for United Standards (cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org)
Donate Costumes! Organize a clothing donation drive centered on collecting old Halloween costumes. By gathering gently used items, you can assist families in your community who may struggle to afford a costume. Consider marketing this initiative as a Halloween costume swap, allowing families to exchange costumes that no longer fit or are no longer needed. This idea ensures that everyone can find a costume they love, allowing them to participate in Halloween festivities without the financial burden. Check out the link below to learn how to host a Halloween Costume Swap!
How to Host a Halloween Costume Swap (greenchildmagazine.com)
As we step into September, it’s crucial to reconnect with our school environment to set the stage for a successful and fulfilling year. Building a strong, supportive community begins with each of us actively engaging in service. This month also serves as an important time to remember and honor the local heroes who have made significant sacrifices. MASC encourages school and regional student councils, as well as individuals, to extend their heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated members of our community. Local heroes include healthcare professionals, teachers, neighbors who go out of their way to help others, social workers, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces, among many others.
Honoring and Remembering Local Heros: On September 11th, 2001, our nation endured a tragic attack on the Twin Towers, claiming over 2,500 lives. Amid the devastation, countless first responders displayed incredible courage, risking their lives to save others. Today, we honor their sacrifice by transforming 9/11 into a day of service and unity. Whether volunteering, donating, or participating in community events, we can reimagine this day as one of hope and connection. YSA offers eleven reflections and project ideas to help us engage in meaningful acts of service, turning remembrance into a catalyst for positive change.
Supporting Students Mental Health: The school year can be a challenging time for many students, making it essential to focus on mental health and well-being. Here are some effective ways to help students manage stress and prioritize their mental health to ensure an amazing school year:
Stress Relief Workshops: Organize workshops that teach stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. Consider incorporating innovative approaches like therapy with dogs, which can provide additional relaxation and comfort.
Mental Health Awareness Campaign: Launch a campaign to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This can be done through social media and by hosting a dedicated Mental Health Awareness Week at your school. During this week, you could organize events and activities focused on mental health education and support.
Podcast on Mental Health: Create a podcast featuring personal stories related to mental health. This platform will allow individuals to share their experiences, fostering understanding and empathy while providing valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of mental health journeys.
By implementing these initiatives, you can help create a supportive environment that encourages students to prioritize their mental health and well-being throughout the school year. Check out the links for more ideas on how you can promote mental health in your community!
49+ Best Mental Health Project Ideas for Students: Artistry for the Mind (creativeprojectideas.com)
3 Mental Health Project Ideas for Students | EVERFI
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.