UNICEF Club

The La Costa Canyon UNICEF Club does a variety of things to help our LCC campus and community. Club President Maya Burke, a Senior, shared the basics of the club to raise awareness, and give more information to anyone who is interested in joining.

"UNICEF Club engages students to get involved with global justice and humanitarian causes around the world through educational events where information about global issues impacting children, such as clean water, employment of children, access to food and healthcare and human trafficking, are discussed, advocacy events where students have an opportunity to weigh in on legislation impacting children, community building events to both educate, involve and help the local community with respect to children’s issues and fundraising events to help fund programs to mitigate the negative impact or improve the lives of children that are impacted by the issues noted above. About once a month, in Room 1309, the classroom of our advisor, Mr. Melzer," said Burke.

Members love the club because they get to socialize and form relationships with people of similar interests. This group helps the world become a better place all the while doing it with the people they enjoy spending time with.

"I absolutely love the enthusiasm and interest at the meeting when I presented an education event regarding education and gender inequity. It’s such an important issue and in the U.S. we may be less aware of how the issue impacts people globally. ASB has been very accommodating of our club and I really enjoyed club rush. Our personal club community is very new but I find it is supportive and welcoming. Club members are able to relax while gaining valuable information and sharing out their own. We are open-minded and encourage our members to ask questions," said Burke.

So why should an LCC student join the club? Well, it's a fun way to gain volunteer hours while also learning and gaining important information and experiences. The club gives a glimpse at problems people all around the world face and also allows you to step forward and make a change towards those problems.

"There are so many benefits to being in the club but there are few main reasons why I would recommend a LCC student joining the club. It’s a great way to become aware of the unique impact on children globally from healthcare, education, labor, safety and other issues, and help educate those around you locally, nationally and globally through education, advocacy and fundraising events to support UNICEF's work. UNICEF believes students play a critical role in helping the world's children survive. The Advocacy events are a great way to hone advocacy skills through getting involved in legislation efforts that impact children locally, nationally and globally. They say that giving to others brings a lot of joy in your own life. That’s what UNICEF has done for me. And as people go on to their next chapter after high school, they’ll be more aware of how to help and can keep doing that in the future and how to connect with like-minded people. I initially joined after transferring to LCC in 10^th grade. I was an officer for a club that promoted awareness of and helped survivors of human trafficking. I wanted to raise awareness on that issue and many others that affect people worldwide. With the help of students at LCC, a UNICEF club seemed like the perfect fit for doing all of that," said Burke.

UNICEF has opened up so many opportunities for students at LCC, and started so many new relationships. If you are a La Costa Canyon student who has a love for helping others and making a change, consider joining the LCC UNICEF Club.