This is a really lovely initiative, and I think it gives people a great opportunity to give back to the community while also meeting the immediate needs of the community - food for hunger. However, Im wondering what people think of the role privately-sponsored and facilitated initiatives have in bolstering a system that is increasingly austere, intent on cutting out social services, like meals for hungry children. Its a sensitive topic, I realize, but it reminds me of a student at Entry Program who made what I would call a critical, if not astute, point about how volunteering is a way for the government to get people (he was referring to immigrants specifically) to work for free. While some of my coworkers disagreed, citing the benefits of volunteering and the values of giving and generosity they are trying to espouse by promoting volunteerism, I think there is a kernel of wisdom in the students contribution. We should question what systemic and structural problems create the need for initiatives like Lunches with Love. Thoughts?
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 03:07:50 +0000
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