JACCE Event Calendar for 2007 - 2008

September 8 - The Plunge

The 13th annual Plunge will take place on Saturday, September 8 as an activity of orientation with students, faculty and staff members working in teams at nonprofit agencies in the Rockford area.  The day begins with breakfast in the dining hall, followed by a bus trip to the pre-selected work site, and lunch and reflection in the park. 

View an Article from the Decus on The Plunge: August 21, 2004

September 11 - One Day's Pay

One Days Pay is a nationwide, congressionally-endorsed effort to establish a long-term, meaningful and positive way to observe 9/11 each year. Founded in 2003, the campaign has already engaged more than three million Americans in acts of community service by performing a good deed.

View Candlelight Vigil Pictures from the 2005 9/11 Observance

September 16 -National Neighborhood Day

National Neighborhood Day is celebrated the third Sunday in September to show our appreciation to our fellow neighbors. JACCE provides the Rockford College community a chance to show our appreciation to our fellow Rockford community through activities planned off campus.

September 17 - National Constitution Day

The United States was formed on September 17, 1787, with the signing of our Constitution, the blueprint of our American society. With the signatures of our 39 delegates, the states were unified into one, the United States of America . To commemorate the day that has changed the course of this country's future, JACCE fellows provide the campus community with trivia games; for those lucky winners, a wonderful prize is awarded.

September 21 - International Day of Peace

Created by the General Assembly of the United Nations, the International Day of Peace is a world-wide attempt to cease fire. This celebration takes place every year on September 21; participating countries urge their people for a cessation of fire. For one day, all over the world, events for Peace take place to observe the day of non-violence. Our campus community believes in peace and for this day, the JACCE provide activities for our Faculty/Staff and Students.

For more information about this day and events taking place in the world, please visit http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/ , because in the words of John Lennon, “All we are saying is give peace a chance…”

October - Community Awareness Month

During the month of October, Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement will focus on promoting civic responsibility and citizenship on local and national levels by offering various programs including political debates, dialogues on current issues, interaction with governmental agencies and voter registration during election years.

October 27 - Make a Difference Day

Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October.

                       

November 4 - Trip to Hull House

As an attempt to provide the working class people with social and educational opportunities, with the partnership of Ellen Gates Starr, Jane Addams helped create one of the first settlement houses in the U.S. With an annual trip to Chicago , students are able to visit this remarkable establishment to commemorate the work of these amazing women to better their community.

November 6 - General Elections

   The United States is built on a foundation of Democracy. We, as citizens of this country, are given the responsibility of holding true to ourselves and our country. In order to do so, we must be well informed of our candidates before making any decision to elect them into any office. To help the RC community make a well formed opinion, the JACCE fellow provide the campus with candidate information and their stand on prominent issues.

November 12-18 - Hunger and Homelessness Week

The JACCE, during the second week of November, offers programs and volunteer opportunities to promote awareness of the continuing crisis of hunger and homelessness around the world. 

Past programs include Food and Clothing Drive ; Thanksgiving Dinner, PB Jam, Cans on Tables, “Who Says You Can't Go Home,” and a campus-wide scavenger hunt with student, staff and faculty.

December (TBA)  - Christmas Dinner for the Homeless

Christmas is a wonderful holiday to spend with friends and family in a warm healthy environment. For those unfortunate, JACCE, along with the help of volunteers, provide a Christmas dinner in December.

January 21- Martin Luther King Day

On the third Monday of January, we celebrate the life and the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by remembering the injustices he fought.   We remember his fight for the freedom, equality, and dignity of all races and peoples as well as Dr. King's message of change through nonviolence.

                   

February - Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated annually in the United States in the month of February to recognize the significant contributions people with African heritage have made and continue to make in such areas as education, sports, medicine, art, culture, public services, economic development, politics and human rights.

February 14 - Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is the day for people to show their love and appreciation for others. The week before Valentine's Day, JACCE collects stuffed animals and Valentine cards. To show our appreciation to the elders, the collection is sent to nursing homes.

February 18 - Presidents' Day

  Presidents' Day, celebrated the third Monday in February, is to honor this country's presidents, such as Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. To continue commemorating our presidents, JACCE provide the RC community with information from our past presidents, so that their achievements are never forgotten.

                      

March - Women's History Month

In 1987, March was declared Women's History Month by Congress to acknowledge the contributions of women in history as well as remember the struggle for the right to vote.

April 3-9 - Alternative Spring Break

For the past 12 years, Rockford College students, staff, and alumni travel to Starkville, Mississippi, to spend spring break week building a house for Habitat for Humanity and performing community service work for the local Boy Scout camp in exchange for lodging.

                           

April 22 - Earth Day Celebration 

This annual national observance and celebration promotes the respect and care for the Earth and all its inhabitants. Various campus community activities including campus cleanup are planned and promoted by the Jane Addams Service Fellows.