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2 Opportunities to Reduce Food-Insecurity within the Missouri State Community

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1. AmeriCorps at Missouri State University  

A new AmeriCorps Program – R.E.L.I.E.F.  (Recovering from Covid-19 through Education, Local partnerships, Interdisciplinary Efforts, and Food assistance) – will be launching in Spring 2022 on MSU’s campus.  

Housed within the Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning departments, 10 AmeriCorps positions are open for anyone 17 years of age or older. 

Why serve with AmeriCorps at Missouri State University?  

This position will support the Bear Pantry at MSU with the goal of making healthy food accessible to the MSU community.  

A few responsibilities of this position include: 

  • Developing monthly healthy lifestyle and nutrition workshops 
  • Conducting real-time needs assessments  
  • Assisting in the pantry’s coordination, expansion, and sustainability in the Missouri State University campus and in the greater Springfield community 

What does the AmeriCorps position offer?  

Education award, disaster relief training, and a monthly living allowance with 30 working hours per week.  

Who is eligible to become an AmeriCorps member?  

To serve with AmeriCorps, applicants must be:  

  • 17 years old or older 
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident  
  • Able to commit to 30 hours/week from February 1, 2022 to July 31, 2022 

How to apply for AmeriCorps at Missouri State University?  

Email your resume and cover letter to AlexJohnson@MissouriState.edu  

2. Student Leadership at the Bear Pantry  

Not Sure that AmeriCorps is for you, but still interested in involvement with the Bear Pantry?  

The Bear Pantry is adding new student leadership positions in the spring semester. Undergraduate students enrolled at MSU are eligible to join the BP Team. Fill out this quick form and a Bear Pantry staff member will be in contact with you in January 2022!  

5 Ways to Get Involved with the Bear Pantry

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The Bear Pantry on Missouri State’s campus has seen massive growth this school year. From usage of resources to an increased interest in supporting our initiative to end food insecurity read for more information on how you can contribute to our mission:  

1. Volunteer  

  • Sign up to volunteer on GivePulse. Each time slot is 2 hours. Please only sign up for time slots you are able to be present at. Please cancel through GivePulse if no longer able to complete the service opportunity. 
Volunteers repacking hygiene products

2. Host a Donation Drive  

  • Connect with us through email bearpantry@missouristate.edu to let us know when you plan on hosting your drive and how we can support. 
  • Share a list of items to give others ideas of what to donate.  
Food Drive hosted by the Meyer Library

3. Visit our Amazon Wishlist

  • Whether you live on campus or across the country, our Amazon Wishlist is a simple way to donate high-priority food or hygiene products to the pantry.  
Our fridge filled with non-dairy milk options donated by Angie using our Amazon wishlist

4. Monetary Donation through the University’s Foundation  

  • Donations can be given online or through mail to the following address:  
    • Missouri State University Foundation 
      Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center 
      300 South Jefferson, Suite 100 
      Springfield, MO 65806
Boomer visiting the Bear Pantry

5. Keep up with the Bear Pantry on Social Media  

Kayla with a produce delivery to the pantry – follow us for exciting updates
Interested in more Information? Reach out via email BearPantry@MissouriState.edu or request a Bear Pantry Staff member to speak at your organization’s next meeting by filling out this form 

Globalize our Campus through Peace Corps Prep

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Peace Corps

The Peace Corps Prep program is a flexible certificate that can easily be earned in conjunction with most Missouri State degree programs. This program allows for a variety of interests in:  

  • Agriculture  
  • Community and economic development  
  • Education  
  • Environment  
  • Health  
  • Youth Development  

There is plenty of room to expand your service skills and global knowledge for potential use in the U.S. Peace Corps, related programs, or to stand out in the general workforce.  

How to Start Your Peace Corps Prep Journey?  

Step 1: Connect with Missouri State’s Peace Corps Prep Coordinator 

  • Alex Johnson is the Center for Community Engagement Director and is in charge of advising Peace Corps Prep students!
  • Set up a meeting with Alex here to learn about the ins and outs of the certificate program, select relevant courses, and stay on track to complete by graduation.  

Are you in your final years at Missouri State? Guess what! Most upperclassmen may already meet most of the requirements for the PCP certificate. Interested in making it happen? Reach out to see what final steps will lead you to graduate with this certificate!  

Step 2: Review the PCP Student Guide  

This guide outlines the competencies and requirements that will be met through the Peace Corps Prep program.   

This guide outlines the competencies and requirements that will be met through the Peace Corps Prep program  

  • Complete 3 courses that align with your area of interest  
  • Accumulate 50 volunteer hours during your college career 
  • Hone your foreign language skills – coursework will vary based on an area of interest 
  • Take 3 courses that focus on cultural differences or behaviors  
  • Partake in a significant leadership experience   

Continue to check in with your PCP advisor to ensure you are participating in service-based experiences to enhance your public affairs work.  

Step 3: Complete the Exit Checklist  

Ready for graduation? Make sure to review the exit checklist to ensure all requirements have been completed before graduating so the Peace Corp can issue your certificate. This checklist will also be included within a Peace Corp application to display your qualifications if chosen to do so in the future.  

Connect with Alex Johnson at alexjohnson@missouristate.edu or find more information here

Building a City Where No One Sleeps Outside

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What is Eden Village?

The organization began as the “Gathering Tree,” a safe hangout spot open in the evenings for the homeless to play games, get coffee, and use the computers. Eventually, the Gathering Tree grew into a tiny home community known as Eden Village in 2018.  

Eden Village offers housing for homeless and disabled individuals in Springfield, MO. This community is made up of tiny homes, a community center, and a garden. A full kitchen, laundry room, computers, offices, and book and DVD library fill the shared community center for all to use. In addition to providing these tangible resources, Eden Village supports residents with an opportunity to gain service skills. They may work in the community garden, woodworking shop, and neighborhood store.  

Village Locations:  

  • Village 1 – 2801 E Division 
  • Village 2 – 3155 W Brower 

How to Serve?  

  • Sign up for their monthly volunteer events – Third Saturday Workdays to help with: 
    • Landscaping 
    • Gardening
    • Painting  
    • Cleaning  
  • Check out other opportunities Eden Village provides on Give Pulse 
  • Fill out the volunteer form on their website 
  • Contact Nate and Kelbi Schlueter at 417-894-3972 

Transforming College Campuses Through Community Engagement

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Welcome back to campus Bears! The Center for Community Engagement is offering an exciting new program for freshman students interested in strengthening their service and leadership skills.  

What is the Bonner Leader Program?  

An interactive work-study program for college students that emphasizes service learning, community outreach, and leadership initiatives that align with Missouri State University’s public affairs mission. The Bonner Leader Program provides students with tangible service experiences that they can take beyond the classroom.  

Who is eligible?  

  • First-year students who:   
    • Are eligible/have been awarded work-study (is displayed on FAFSA) 
    • Display responsibility in roles at school, work, home, or within the community  
    • Have an interest in honing their leadership skills by serving the Springfield area 

Responsibilities:  

  • Participate for the duration of your undergraduate college career (4 years)  
  • Serve 8-10 hours per week (280 hours each academic year)  
  • Engage in 2-4 hours of weekly trainings and learning experiences during Bonner meetings  
  • Partner with a community organization for a summer of service (1 summer while an undergrad student)  
  • Research to complete a community-focused senior capstone project  
  • Encourage other MSU students to get involved in service opportunities  

Learning Commitments:  

Opportunities: 

  • Network with 18,000+ Bonner Leaders and alumni across the country  
  • Opportunities to engage in the campus and surrounding Springfield community  
  • Leadership development and mentorship from faculty  
  • Earn income throughout college through a federal work-study program 
Interested in becoming a Bonner Leader? Reach out to Alex Johnson (alexjohnson@missouristate.edu) and submit your application with a cover letter and resume today!