Salem-area Universities Support Community Focus on Service

By Jillian Daley, Statesman Journal

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The new year ushered in another season of giving, and about 30 people with Western Oregon University's Progressive Student Alliance marked that spirit by organizing a garbage cleanup effort Sunday along Highways 99W and 22.

President Clinton in 1994 declared Martin Luther King Jr. Day a national day of service — a day to help the community — and the Sunday cleanup was one of dozens of Mid-Valley events planned this week or last. This year, there will be more than 12,100 events nationwide, more than double last year, according to mlkday.gov. Polk County Democrats secretary and volunteer coordinator Beth Fleisher said there are more than 200 events planned in Oregon.

Sunday's effort along two state byways also is in keeping with the wisdom of President-elect Barack Obama, who will be inaugurated Tuesday, Fleisher said. "Obama has called on everyone in America to look at what we can do to improve the country," she said.

Progressive Student Alliance treasurer Alicia Davis thinks King would have approved of the day of service. "It's a way to get people to take pride in their community and bring the community together," Davis said.

A clothing drive for the Women's Crisis Service Shelter is planned for today. Clothing-drive organizer Gwen Grams said Obama also inspired the women's-shelter event — group members worked on his campaign. "It's just a bunch of Obama volunteers, and we're just trying to keep the energy going," Grams said. She wants to continue doing similar events throughout the year. "We don't want this to be a single-day thing," she said.

Willamette University, in partnership with many area nonprofits and community groups, has 10 events planned throughout the week, said Ben Clanton, a student and coordinator for the college's day of service events. The Willamette volunteers include faculty, students, staffers and alumni, Clanton said. Clanton said community members working together can unite the community, breaking down racial barriers — part of King's dream. "Having the day of service, we're working to keep that dream alive," he said.