<<The following content is a report about one of our local CARP chapters. These series of “Chapter Highlights” are where we share the progress of one location to others in our network.>>
CARP @ Chabot at their 2014 Spring Break Retreat
“Consider a tree for a moment. As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don’t see what goes on underground – as they grow roots. Trees must develop deep roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don’t see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree.” – Joyce Meyer
Chapter by the Bay
This CARP chapter by the San Francisco Bay has had an active year. From weekly lunch meetings on campus to festive socials whether hiking or at their Halloween party, this club has showed that this is the place to be. As if that wasn’t enough, they also contribute to their campus community. As successful and active this club seems to be, CARP @ Chabot Community College, set in Hayward, California, is really more than meets the eye. Keep reading to see why…
Semester Activities
As is custom in all CARP chapters, members participate in: Weekly small group discussions on 1 of CARP’s 5 core values, Monthly socials, & Biannual campus/community impact projects
Posters the team used to advertise for their awareness event.
Given this simple structure, CARP @ Chabot saw an opportunity to make their gatherings meaningful. In particular, we wanted to celebrate their work in raising awareness about North Korean refugees via the advocacy organization, Liberty in North Korea (LiNK).
Making an Impact
Prepared with compelling flyers, they hosted their event on October 7, 2014 during the “College Hour” from noon to 1pm. The President of CARP @ Chabot, Naomi Froehlich, promised a “short yet extremely insightful and amazing event” which caters to the busy lives of college students.
A representative from LiNK mentioned, “This fall, we’re bringing a NEW event to your town that focuses on the voices and ideas of our North Korean peers. The North Korean PEOPLE are overcoming one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today. We can help!”
By using Ted-talk style presentations, LiNK is able to convey the experiences of North Korean refugees, their journey to freedom and how people within its boundaries are trying to spur change. Here are two testimonies highlighted on their event page:
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
CARP @ Chabot Officer team (from left: Irina, Matt, Naomi).
More than just talking about principles and their relevance in college students’ lives, CARP provides an opportunity for students to take action and apply values that are important to them. For CARP @ Chabot, their actions speak louder than words in terms of what they demonstrate they value: human dignity, freedom, advocacy, peace, awareness, and more.
The Key to Success: Teamwork
Their success in their club is attributable to another principle they value: teamwork. At the core team are Naomi Froehlich, Irina Miller, and Matt Lapres who attended a CARP Officer’s Training at the University of Bridgeport at the beginning of 2014. Building on that training, they have expanded the team and have developed an exciting, fun, and engaged community of peers that welcomes different perspectives in the lifelong learning process.