Community Service

In order for WMAV members to fully grasp the complexities of violence in our society and to envision solutions to violence, it is critical that they make the connection between individuals and their community. Community service projects like the one at Roosevelt Park give young, college men an opportunity to be positive, peaceful role models for boys and to see the concrete results of their efforts in child’s face or in an improved city park.

Thirteen WWU men devoted 6 hours of their Saturday to the project at Roosevelt Park. They removed trash and debris from Fever Creek, cut back blackberry bushes, pulled weeds, and planted native vegetation. There was also time for a quick game of ultimate frisbee, and a highlight of the day was the opportunity to hang out with boys from the Roosevelt neighborhood.

	Benefits for the neighborhood and its residents: Cleaner, more natural park Cleaner, healthier creek Positive community self-image Healthy, positive interactions among children and men Evidence that they and their park matter
	Benefits for men of WMAV: Witnessing life “off the hill” Camaraderie Healthy interactions with other men Having a positive impact on children, boys A concrete, identifiable outcome of their work

This community service project was one on the minds of WMAV for many months and was finally put into production November 2005. With a donation from LOWE's Hardware store, the frame of the building went up. Then another donation of a construction Co. helped us seal the deal. Struggling with weather, lack of money, school schedules, and obstinate neighbors, the bike shed was finally completed by July of 2006. This Community Service project was an important part of the way WMAV likes to connect with the community and make a concrete statement about how the strength men have can help change society.

Theresa Tripp, Kirsten Hammer, Cheri Kilty and all the staff at Womencare Shelter for doing a magnificent job standing up for the women in our community!

LOWE'S Hardware Store for their donations of wood to our project

The men from a Belllingham Construction Co. that donated $500 dollars to help us finish this project.

John O'Donnell, Jeremiah, Brian Pahl, Andrew Reed, Garret Moon, Joel Holland, Erik Frank, Joshua Crayton, and Joshua O'Donnell for dedicating their time, effort, and money to the finishing of this project. These men truly understand the meaning and importance of community service.