Highlighting Cass Clay Alive for Dragon Volunteers
How does your organization serve our community?
CassClayAlive! is a healthy living initiative of Dakota Medical Foundation. Our goal is to reduce overweight and obesity rates in 2-19-year-olds in Cass and Clay counties by 20 percent by 2020. It is a collaboration of health-minded organizations that have joined to make Cass and Clay counties the healthiest place in America to raise children. Where children live, learn and play – their food and fitness environment – is one of the most important factors influencing whether they end up fit and healthy or not. This is the first generation of children expected to live shorter and sicker lives than their parents. So we’re working in schools, childcares, and other settings to help kids establish physical activity and healthy eating habits for a lifetime.
How can student’s best serve with your organization?
We have opportunities for one-time service projects for organizations plus internships, research projects, and individual volunteers.
Are there particular skillsets that you are looking for in your volunteers?
Strong communication skills, creativity, passion for health (not necessarily health background), adaptive.
What specific volunteer opportunities does your organization have for MSUM students?
- A great opportunity for Dragons is StreetsAlive! 2015 – happening onJune 14th, July 12th and August 30th. StreetsAlive! works to inspire people and organizations to adopt and celebrate more physically active lifestyles – to help change our culture to make active living the status quo. It’s about embracing public spaces for activity and community engagement. It’s about encouraging people to walk and bike to work or school. It’s about connecting neighborhoods and people.
- Energ-i-ze Events – Family Fitness nights at local elementary schools – not your typical health fair. (Most Thursdays during the school year.)
- Join the Movement – YOU can help lead this change – get started now – make a case for healthy eating and active living! One small change can make a big difference; be that influencer who changes the status quo! YOU can Join the Movement and be a part of an informed, engaged community of wellness orientated people. YOU can make the healthy choice the easy choice where you live, work and play.
- Snacktivism – Join a movement to encourage people to consider children’s snacking environments and take action to make healthier options available. Eighty-five people have committed to this movement and are making healthy snacking changes in local environments.
Do you have any internship opportunities for students?
Yes we accept part-time or full-time interns spring, fall or summer semesters. If you’re interested, stop by and visit during the Volunteer & Service Fair or use our website to reach out to us.
What do you appreciate about MSUM?
We appreciate the willingness of MSUM staff, faculty and students to be involved in community efforts and provide valuable learning experiences for students through hands-on opportunities with local organizations. For example, the MSUM student-run ad agency Flypaper has produced several meaningful projects for CassClayAlive! that have greatly enhanced our work in the community.
Is there anything else we should know about your organization?
A fun fact – at Dakota Medical Foundation, CassClayAlive! leads daily movement breaks for staff to encourage physical activity throughout the day as it enhances brain activity and productivity. Maybe it’s something you can try in your own life!
