Service Learning is an important part of the curriculum and the culture at Appalachian State University. One campus organization, Appalachian and the Community Together gives students the opportunity to participate in such projects through various outreach programs.
One of their programs is the Farm Day of Service. This annual event allows Appalachian State University students to serve at local farms in and around the local community. Participating students generally work outdoors in teams. Farm Day of Service "volunteers are asked to provide direct, hands-on service to participating farms."
ACT posted photos of their volunteers at various sites on their social media, coupled with creative hashtag, #ACTonit.
Students signed up to participate in this event through AppSync, a social media tool available to all university members at Appalachian State University. Members can browse an involvement directory, learn about or comment on campus outreach and events, or sign up for posted events. Farm Day of Service volunteer, Brianna Carter, did just that.
Brianna was assigned to the educational Appalachian Roots Garden , located next to the university, where she volunteered with a team of five students. Their work consisted of sifting clay and mixing and molding it with hay and brick to construct an earthen bench that can be found in the garden today. Pictured below is the finished product.
Thanks to Brianna Carter for Being Your Best You, (and contributing all of the lovely garden photos!) and contributing your time to this community garden that will host workshops for students and community members. Shout out to Appalachian and the Community Together for using social media tools to help Create Sustainability in Boone, NC!