United Nations Women's Guild Offers Advice to Students Volunteers at Community Service Forum
Bruna Bisson Schiavetti, Felice Noelle Rodriguez and Anke Kessler of United Nations Women’s Guild
On November 9th 2015, John Cabot University hosted a Community Service Forum with speakers from the United Nations Women’s Guild (UNWG) Rome. The UNWG has been in existence since 1947 and raises funds for projects which benefit women, children and vulnerable communities all over the world.
Franco Pavoncello, President of JCU, warmly welcomed the UNWG, followed by opening remarks and a presentation of the panel by the Community Service Coordinator, Julia del Papa. The Community Service Program had the privilege of welcoming three guests: Ms. Anke Kessler, the Program Chair of the UNWG; Ms. Felice Noelle Rodriguez, the Vice President of the Asia Pacific Group; and Ms. Bruna Bisson Schiavetti, former President of UNWG Rome.
The speakers shared their experience about service to the community and gave advice to JCU students on how to find the right balance between volunteering, career and personal life.
The conversation was moderated by Valentina di Blasi, who encouraged interaction between the audience and the panel. Olga Cheremoshkina, President of IPAZIA, asked, “How can a small community, such as a student club, actually make a difference? How can it keep students motivated and involved in unpaid, voluntary activities?” In response to her question, the panel emphasized the importance of task assignment and management, as well as the significance of developing and nourishing personal skills. Furthermore, Ms. Anke Kessler quoted the Mantra of the Ocean (“Every rain drop raises the sea”) to illustrate that even the smallest gesture can have a big impact on the community. Comments from the audience also came from members of the JCU Women’s Leadership Initiative, as well as from external guests.
The Forum was closed with a quote from the Deputy Secretary General to the United Nations: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something”.
