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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Summer is the perfect time to get more involved!July offers a powerful opportunity to reflect, reset, and refocus on the impact we can make. With school out and more flexible schedules, it’s the perfect time to engage in meaningful service, learn new skills, and strengthen connections within your community. The resources below offer valuable guidance on channeling summer energy into meaningful action. Every effort counts and contributes to lasting impact.
July is an ideal time for service projects that support our veterans, assist with summer food programs, and promote safety during extreme heat.
Supporting Veterans: As July is the month where we recognize the independence of our country, we should give back to those who have fought and continue to fight for our country. Veterans are a vulnerable population due to many factors, such as mental health challenges and the transition back into civilian life. Here are some creative ways to support our veterans:
• Create Care Packages: These packages are meant to provide comfort and show appreciation to local veterans for their service and sacrifice. Each package should include everyday essentials like socks, snacks, toiletries, and water bottles, as well as handwritten thank-you cards.
• Organize Fundraisers: Countless organizations around our state and country directly support our veterans. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and organize a fundraiser! Some organizations include the Wounded Warrior Project, DAV, Disabled American Veterans, Tunnels to Towers Foundation, and Homes for Our Troops.
Summer Food Service programs: Summer break can be exciting, but for many children and families, it also means losing access to daily school meals. That’s where the summer food programs come in. These programs provide free meals for kids and teens in need, and you can play a role in supporting them!
• Volunteer at a local meal site: Summer food sites are located in schools, churches, parks, and community centers! By being that helping hand that your community needs, you can help distribute meals, assist with cleanup, or support fun activities that keep kids engaged while they eat!
• Host a canned food drive: Organizing a food drive is a powerful way to raise awareness and provide real help to families in need. Here’s how to make yours a success!
– Collecting with a local pantry or shelter to turn one’s small goal in helping people in need, into a big community success.
– Choosing a drop spot with permission from businesses or local areas and placing bins with a sign, to show that this can be used as a donation box!
• Spread the word: One of the biggest challenges summer food programs face is awareness—many families simply don’t know they’re available. You can help change that!
– Design and print flyers or posters that include meals, locations, and times (etc)
– Use social media to share links, graphics, and reminders about information!
– Talk about it, simply sharing what you know with friends, classmates (etc.) leads to more exposure!
Combatting the Summer Heat: Summer is the hottest time of year! Temperatures can climb into the 90s, increasing the possibility of heat strokes and dehydration-based issues. With that, you should be prepared so you can have a safe and service-filled summer!
• Create Cooling Kits: Each cooling kit would include bottled water, a handheld fan, sunscreen, electrolyte drink packets, and cooling wipes. Adding a kind note of encouragement would be a nice touch. These kits can be given to those around you, as well as unhoused individuals, to help them stay safe and cool during the hot summer months.
• Host Pop-Up Hydration Stations: Set up Hydration Stations in high-traffic areas. Stations should offer free cold water, sports drinks, and cooling essentials like misting spray bottles and sunscreen. Additionally, you can hand out information on how to prevent heat exhaustion and where to find local resources.
• Words of wisdom: Never underestimate the power of your time, creativity, and compassion. Real change doesn’t always come from a big event, fancy title, or public recognition; it starts with one person who chooses to act. Whether you’re leading a food drive, helping a neighbor, or simply sharing helpful information online, you are demonstrating leadership. Being a changemaker means recognizing a need and stepping up, even when it’s something small. These small acts inspire others to join in! Not sure where to start? These platforms offer great ideas and real opportunities:
– https://dosomething.org: Join youth-led campaigns focused on social justice, mental health, sustainability, and more. Many projects are virtual and easy to do from home.
– https://www.volunteermatch.org: Find in-person or remote volunteer opportunities in your local area. You can filter by age, interest, or cause.
– https://www.pointsoflight.org/youthandfamily/: A youth-focused service site with ideas for families, schools, and student leaders. This resource offers toolkits for starting your service projects.