Social Action Leadership Team

The Social Action Leadership Team (SALT) is the Spirit-led social justice ministry of the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University in which students in community seek to embody the Christian call to be the ‘salt of the earth’ (Matthew 5:13).

Monday, January 30, 2012

[Salt-l] Creativity Meets Productivity: Join Us!

SALT'ers,

This week, Join us for our very exciting Pepper at 9:00 where we will hear from Jacob from Vision for Kenya (The organization which we are partnering with this year in the World Relief Campaign!)  He is planning on sharing with us some "behind the scenes" info about himself, the organization he is a part of, and the well project which we are funding this year.  It will be a great opportunity to learn more about the creative brains behind the project which we get to be a part of!  Make sure to invite others, we want to pack the house since Jacob is traveling from Chicago just to be with us for a short time! (http://www.facebook.com/events/265880730148754/)

Then, at 9:30, we will have our normal meeting, in which we will be devoting some time to the final planning of the "Freshmen Unite" project (as well as indulging in a surprise as well), and then moving into WRC business for the rest of the time.  Our committees will be focusing on getting creative, and moving that creativity towards productivity!  Remember, if you haven't joined us yet this semester, its never too late!

Peace,
Alissa Kretzmann
Valparaiso University Social Work Department '12
Social Action Leadership Team (SALT)-Chair
Residential Ministry-Campus Ministry Network Coordinator
419-610-7786

[Salt-l] Shaker articles!

Hi everyone!

We're preparing for the first issue of the 2012 Shaker! Submissions are due on Tuesday, February 14.

Tomorrow Jacob Sitati is coming to speak at Pepper, and Becca and I would love to have an article about his lecture for this issue of the Shaker! Please let us know if you want to write a brief 1/2 to one page single space review of the info session!

Other possible article topics include MLK Day events, Bible verses and devotional thoughts, SALT involvement in the Valparaiso community (or anything about the community!), WRC updates/reflections, and the environmental impact (or other social justice concern) about the new Zipcars! Also, if you feel called to write about any other topic, please do!

Please let us know if you want to write! We greatly appreciate it! Please email articles or questions to Becca Berry or Laura Ehlen.

Blessings,
Laura

--
Laura Ehlen
Valparaiso University Class of 2012
English, Theology, Christ College
SALT Shaker Editor
Sigma Tau Delta Vice-President

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

[Salt-l] Women & Islam meetup

Anyone interested in going to the event should RSVP to the email.
Anyone that wants to go to it as part of a SALT group should meet at
the S couch at 6:30.

Peter Baumgarten
_______________________________________________
SALT-l mailing list
SALT-l@lists.valpo.edu
https://lists.valpo.edu/mailman/listinfo/salt-l

[Salt-l] Fwd: Unveiling the Visible: Women & Islam

Please reply to the email address in the message not to me or the SALT list.

Peter Baumgarten

Begin forwarded message:

From: lumturije.akiti@valpo.edu
Date: January 23, 2012 12:36:40 PM CST
To: Peter.Baumgarten@valpo.edu
Subject: Unveiling the Visible: Women & Islam

Valparaiso University

Distinguished Students and Colleagues, 

The Muslim Students Association cordially invites you to:

Unveiling the Visible: Women & Islam

 
Monday, January 30, 2012
 
Harre Union Ballroom
 
1700 Chapel Drive 
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 
 
Check-in Begins at 6:00 pm
Program begins Promptly at 7:00 pm 
 
Special Performance by Khaled The Comic
 
 
Followed by
 
A Presentation on Women & Islam by Professor Faisal Kutty
 
 
 
This event is FREE and is first come first serve to the first 150 RSVP'd guests 
 
Dinner & Dessert are Complimentary   
 
Warmest Regards, 
 
Muslim Students Association
 

[Salt-l] 1-24-12 The one where we found our niches!

Hello fellow SALTers!

1-24-12 All group meeting

 

·      Social Justice Snippet: social justice is "a quality and fairness between human beings, understanding and valuing human rights and recognizing the dignity of every human life. " Keep in mind the impact of what we are doing in the WRC.

·      Rok talked to us as the Peace Corp recruiter about discovering yourself in order to find your path. Get out of your comfort zone in order to find yourself. Remember you can be happy everyday because each day is unique and an opportunity to make new positive change.

·      Freshman were given time to plan a social. They proposed a lock-in in the chapel with popcorn and hot chocolate!!!!

·      Then it was time to vote on our tchotcke for the WRC

·      Our WRC is again, Kenya dig it? Supporting a $14,000 project to build a well at a hospital in Kenya.

·                  We voted and we chose the rope bracelets with the colors of the Kenyan flag.

·                  We may decide to get a second tchotcke that would be cheaper for things such as the 5K.

·      Split into our four groups to begin working on the WRC: 1. Community Engagement, 2. Campus Awareness, 3. Campaign Legacy, 4. Campus Partnerships.

 

Announcements and Events

·      MLK day with IIRON happened this last Sunday and was an example of the power of a group of people coming together for change.

·      Davis family- Christmas gifts and sheets were delivered to them

·      If anyone has any coats or anything to donate, we are going to do a second delivery. If you have items, e-mail             alissa.kretzmann@valpo.edu or

·      On MLK day SALT gave a presentation about the benefits of education in areas where they may not already have it. Tried to empower those attendees to use the education and talents that we have.

·      We made a large donation to Housing Opportunities of Paper Goods. But they are always in need of more donations.

·      Meal card donations happened as well last semester

·      1/25 Human Trafficking Event in Hobart (6:00ish leave for carpooling)

·      1/26 History of Linwood Ave in Valpo. CC Symposium. 6:30pm

·      1/26 at 12 is the first SALT social lunch. Meet by the tray return

 

If you have questions see these resources:

            http://www.valpo.edu/chapel/salt/index.php

            http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/2201558493/

            http://valposalt.blogspot.com/

-- 

Have a great rest of your week and be SALT-y

Jenni 

Valparaiso University '13
BSN-Nursing
Christ College- The Honors College
Ambassador in Admission

Re: [Salt-l] Please Consider...

Yo salters!
For those of you who don't know me, I'm a junior IECA/French major at
Valpo who has gone on the Harvey trip for the past two spring breaks,
once as a student and the second time as the quasi student leader.
While I can't participate this year (I'm in France!), I'm writing,
like Collin, to convince you guys that this truly is a once in a
lifetime experience, especially among those of you aren't from urban
backgrounds...
Given the funny and moving stories all of us who've participated can
attest to, it'd be a shame not to continue the relationship Valpo has
built with Restoration Ministries up to this point, but I'm assuming
you're a little hesitant because most of you don't really know what to
expect from a trip like this...
ALL THE MORE REASON TO GO...
Get out of your comfort zones a little. I can 100% guarantee that it
will be unlike any other service trip you've been on before (and while
the other two are great opportunities as well, they probably are at
least a little similar to the ones you've gone on in the past, right?)
This all might seem a little ambiguous, BUT I l have limited time and
space with which to make you guys see.
For those of who still need a little convincing, I've included a link
to pictures taken on last year's trip.
At least give it a little looksy...

Peace!
Lindsey Skala

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150156388100560.335578.504290559&type=3

On Sat, Jan 21, 2012 at 2:29 PM, Kathleen Parilac
<kathleen.parilac@valpo.edu> wrote:
> ...joining us in Harvey, Illinois for the first week of Spring Break. Though
> this location is much closer to Valpo than New Orleans and N. Dakota, it is
> still a very worthwhile service trip. I'm really hoping to go to Harvey this
> year, but because of the low registration numbers, the trip may or may not
> be made a reality. The Harvey House is a fantastic ministry, and the
> students who have visited in the past have truly gained lasting memories and
> lessons. Volunteering here provides the opportunity to work side by side
> with people who have overcome some of life's deepest struggles and are
> working hard to get back on their feet. Our willingness to support their
> work, hear their stories, and volunteer our hands and hearts means a lot to
> them.
> Restoration Ministries also reaches out into the community through their
> after-school program, thrift store, boxing club, and more. So, if you're
> interested in Social Work, Psychology, Education, addictions counseling,
> non-profit work, social justice, business management, Christian ministries,
> or just volunteer work, this trip may be a great opportunity for you.
>
> If you're interested in learning more, you can visit their website at
> www.restorationministries.net. There is a "testimonies" link where you can
> read the stories of some of the women who have gone through the Tabitha
> House residential program. I read a few, and was very touched and inspired.
>
> Thank you for reading and for considering. Please feel free to email me with
> any questions. The cost is $150, but do not let this hold you back. We will
> work together to create a letter to send to family and friends asking for
> donations. We can also fund raise and work to further alleviate the cost.
>
> Registration will remain open until January 27th. Please email
> Sri.Frazee@valpo.edu if you would like to commit to join.
>
> Peace,
> Kathleen
>
> _______________________________________________
> SALT-l mailing list
> SALT-l@lists.valpo.edu
> https://lists.valpo.edu/mailman/listinfo/salt-l
>
_______________________________________________
SALT-l mailing list
SALT-l@lists.valpo.edu
https://lists.valpo.edu/mailman/listinfo/salt-l

Monday, January 23, 2012

[Salt-l] Finding your niche in the WRC...and in life!

SALT'ers,

Remember to join us this week for SALT as we "find our niche!"  Our regular meeting will begin in Huegli Hall at 9:30pm where we will be describing further the World Relief Committees and choosing which committees we can find our niche in! 

Also, we are excited that Rok, our Peace Corp representative will be joining us before the meeting for a Pepper, beginning at 8:45pm for those who are interested in hearing more about opportunities with the Peace Corp.  Rok will also hopefully be joining us for our informal After-SALT Social at the Cafe following the meeting, so make sure to stick around for that!

Alissa Kretzmann
Valparaiso University Social Work Department '12
Social Action Leadership Team (SALT)-Chair
Residential Ministry-Campus Ministry Network Coordinator
419-610-7786

Re: [Salt-l] Please Consider...

Here's some words from past participant Collin Rue:

Visiting Harvey, which I plan to go this year as well I gained a bigger perspective on desperation, and how God meets us where we are, no matter how dirty or filthy we feel. God is there for us all, we don't have to clean up to come to him, his love meets us where we are at. Harvey opened my eyes to people that are in situations that were in dark places both spiritually and physically and are reaching out to God for strength and love. I strongly encourage anyone to check out this trip, it is definitely worth while. Seriously

On Sat, Jan 21, 2012 at 2:29 PM, Kathleen Parilac <kathleen.parilac@valpo.edu> wrote:
...joining us in Harvey, Illinois for the first week of Spring Break. Though this location is much closer to Valpo than New Orleans and N. Dakota, it is still a very worthwhile service trip. I'm really hoping to go to Harvey this year, but because of the low registration numbers, the trip may or may not be made a reality. The Harvey House is a fantastic ministry, and the students who have visited in the past have truly gained lasting memories and lessons. Volunteering here provides the opportunity to work side by side with people who have overcome some of life's deepest struggles and are working hard to get back on their feet. Our willingness to support their work, hear their stories, and volunteer our hands and hearts means a lot to them.
Restoration Ministries also reaches out into the community through their after-school program, thrift store, boxing club, and more. So, if you're interested in Social Work, Psychology, Education, addictions counseling, non-profit work, social justice, business management, Christian ministries, or just volunteer work, this trip may be a great opportunity for you.

If you're interested in learning more, you can visit their website at www.restorationministries.net. There is a "testimonies" link where you can read the stories of some of the women who have gone through the Tabitha House residential program. I read a few, and was very touched and inspired.

Thank you for reading and for considering. Please feel free to email me with any questions. The cost is $150, but do not let this hold you back. We will work together to create a letter to send to family and friends asking for donations. We can also fund raise and work to further alleviate the cost.

Registration will remain open until January 27th. Please email Sri.Frazee@valpo.edu if you would like to commit to join.

Peace,
Kathleen

[Salt-l] Action Alert--Feb. 9th


Interested in volunteering and getting involved in the Valparaiso community?
These emails titled "Action Alert" will be sent out from time to time to inform you about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Here's Action Alert #1:
February 9th
Cafe Manna Soup Kitchen at St. Teresa of Avila
Two shifts: 4:15--5:30 and 5:30--7:00pm
8-10 volunteers needed per shift

This could be a great SALT bonding experience!
Check your calendars and email me back if you're interested in helping out.

Also, let me know if you ever have an idea for a place to volunteer. And, if you're interested in a low-pressure leadership role in SALT helping organize volunteer projects, I'd love to talk with you.

--Kathleen

Saturday, January 21, 2012

[Salt-l] Please Consider...

...joining us in Harvey, Illinois for the first week of Spring Break. Though this location is much closer to Valpo than New Orleans and N. Dakota, it is still a very worthwhile service trip. I'm really hoping to go to Harvey this year, but because of the low registration numbers, the trip may or may not be made a reality. The Harvey House is a fantastic ministry, and the students who have visited in the past have truly gained lasting memories and lessons. Volunteering here provides the opportunity to work side by side with people who have overcome some of life's deepest struggles and are working hard to get back on their feet. Our willingness to support their work, hear their stories, and volunteer our hands and hearts means a lot to them.
Restoration Ministries also reaches out into the community through their after-school program, thrift store, boxing club, and more. So, if you're interested in Social Work, Psychology, Education, addictions counseling, non-profit work, social justice, business management, Christian ministries, or just volunteer work, this trip may be a great opportunity for you.

If you're interested in learning more, you can visit their website at www.restorationministries.net. There is a "testimonies" link where you can read the stories of some of the women who have gone through the Tabitha House residential program. I read a few, and was very touched and inspired.

Thank you for reading and for considering. Please feel free to email me with any questions. The cost is $150, but do not let this hold you back. We will work together to create a letter to send to family and friends asking for donations. We can also fund raise and work to further alleviate the cost.

Registration will remain open until January 27th. Please email Sri.Frazee@valpo.edu if you would like to commit to join.

Peace,
Kathleen

[Salt-l] A word of thanks for your participation in alleviating poverty this Christmas

Friends,

For those of you who were able to participate in this year's Adopt a Family project, I wanted to give you a word of thanks.  Between all of the organizations and individuals who participated this year, we were able to provide Christmas gifts to 35 children in 11 different families.  Although not all of us were able to see the faces of the grateful families, I hope that thinking about the following will help you understand the importance of your generosity this past holiday season.

Think about just how hard it would be to be facing the kind of poverty which prevents you from being able to purchase gifts for your children.  The kind of poverty that has to humbly ask for help from college students.  This is the kind of poverty that our adopted families are facing, right here in our community.  Granted, we know full well that our limited Christmas gifts were not enough to remove our adopted families from the unfortunate situations they are facing, because the financial struggle upon impoverished people is deeply connected to systemic problems like unemployment, poor access to health and education and racism.  Addressing these issues is a much harder, much longer process, but in light of MLK Day, I think that it is appropriate to be reminded that difficult dreams are still worth dreaming...and that they have to start somewhere.

We thank you again for alleviating the sting of poverty for our adopted families this year and encourage you to participate again next year.  In the mean time, we hope you continue to join with SALT as we seek to be a part of sustainable, long lasting solutions and social justice for the world around us.

Peace,

Alissa Kretzmann
Valparaiso University Social Work Department '12
Social Action Leadership Team (SALT)-Chair
Residential Ministry-Campus Ministry Network Coordinator
419-610-7786

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

[Salt-l] Last call for volunteers to be at the Campus Ministry Fair!

Hey SALT'ers,

This is my last call to encourage you all to either swing by the Campus Ministry Fair, or, even better, to help represent SALT.  Anyone able? If so, you could show up a little before 5:30 in the Piano Lounge!  This is a great chance to mingle with representatives from other campus ministries, to practice a little bit of "Intrafaith Dialogue," and to show your love for SALT!  As always, let me know if you are interested or have questions.

Peace,
Alissa Kretzmann
Valparaiso University Social Work Department '12
Social Action Leadership Team (SALT)-Chair
Residential Ministry-Campus Ministry Network Coordinator
419-610-7786

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

[Salt-l] 1-17-11 group meeting: The one where we chose a logo!

Hi All!

1-17-12 All group meeting

 

·      There is a SALT bible study that is led by Andrew

·      If interested in getting involved in this relaxed and enjoyable study or in leading a devotion at a SALT meeting contact: Andrew.Denecke@valpo.edu

·      The WRC

·      Raising awareness in our community and also educating ourselves while raising a substantial amount of funds for a specific cause chosen             by the group.

·      "Kenya Dig it? A WELL-ness project" is this year's WRC

·                  Building a well at a hospital in Kenya to help not only with  healthcare but also with water needs in the community.

·      We heard from Pastor Jim about his own personal connection to how the WRCs have impacted him.

·                  Emphasized the importance of networking and grass roots fundraising. Heard two examples of past SALT-ers and how                                     what they learned through the WRC has helped them in their futures.

·      We discussed the tchotcke and what we might want it to look like.

·                  Maybe a piece of linen (like TOMs shoes) that is decorated.

·                  Binder Clips

·                  Livestrong type bracelets

·                  Incorporate the flag or at least the colors

·                  Hot pink button?

·                  Rope bracelet with the three different colors of the flag

·                  Stickers?

·                  Krista will look into pricing

·      Logo decision- we had 4 awesome designs to choose from. And we             chose one! Yay!

·      To tackle this project we will split into 4 groups: "5K"-Community             involvement, "Education Dinner"- campus engagement, "End             Celebration" Tracking the legacy of the WRC, "Coffee House"- Campus             partnerships

 

Events and Announcements

·      1/19 5:30-6:30pm Campus Ministry Fair- to volunteer, e-mail Alissa.Kretzmann@valpo.edu

·      Emphasizing social events this semester we have our first after SALT social next week.

·      We are also interested in SALT weekly lunches and some potluck             dinners.

·      Check out our collection of SALT-y books at each meeting

·      SALT t-shirts are ready to be ordered.

 

If you have questions see these resources:

            http://www.valpo.edu/chapel/salt/index.php

            http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/2201558493/

            http://valposalt.blogspot.com/

--
Valparaiso University '13
BSN-Nursing
Christ College- The Honors College
Ambassador in Admission

Monday, January 16, 2012

[Salt-l] Make Social Justice a priority this semester!

SALT'ers,

Welcome back!  I am excited to announce that tomorrow, Tuesday, is our first meeting of the semester!  Make social justice a priority this semester and meet us in Huegli Hall at 9:30pm to hear lots of exciting updates about recent and upcoming projects as well as the low down on the World Relief Campaign!  Remember, its never too late; we are excited to get to know you or to remember you, no matter how long it has been since you have sat with us on our heated floors!

Also, join us at 9:00 for a Pepper session where we will be discussing focus groups and evaluating the efficiency of how we have done focus groups in the past, as well as brainstorming how we could be more effective in the future.  As an organization that seeks to be purposeful we need to continually be thinking about how we are doing things and how we can be doing things in an even better, more focused and sustainable way in the future.

Upcoming Events:
Tomorrow night, Tuesday at 8:00 in the Ballrooms, there will be an informational session about SALT Spring Break Trips, talk to Kathleen Parilac if you would like to help us promote the trips, or just join us if you would like to know more about the trips yourself!

Thursday, 5:30-6:30pm in the Piano Lounge, a Campus Ministry Fair is being sponsored by the Campus Ministry Network, we need SALT'ers to represent SALT (Reply to Alissa) or just stop by and check out what ministry opportunities are happening on campus!

Thursday night, 6:30-7:30pm in Mueller Hall, "AbUSed: The Postville Raid" [Film screening of a SALT'y type documentary]

Alissa Kretzmann
Valparaiso University Social Work Department '12
Social Action Leadership Team (SALT)-Chair
Residential Ministry-Campus Ministry Network Coordinator
419-610-7786

[Salt-l] Volunteer Opportunity.

Hey SALTers,

If you're interested in mentoring a potentially at risk, elementary aged child, consider joining College Mentors for Kids. http://www.collegementors.org/

It's an on-campus organization that meets weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30pm. You could choose which activity day you'd like to attend.

If you'd like to take part email Olivia.Catey@valpo.edu ASAP. Interviews will take place tomorrow and Wednesday.

See you at SALT tomorrow!
-Kathleen