Professor Michael Hendricks, Applied Community and Economic Development (ACED) graduate student Matthew Stinson, and ACED alum Dan Myers participated in a panel discussion at Normal Theater on November 11, 2024, regarding their experiences serving in the Peace Corps. The discussion occurred after the debut showing of India 42: A Peace Corps Story. Dr. Brent Simonds from the School of Communication produced the documentary that features a behind-the-scenes look at Peace Corps volunteers who served in India working with sustainable agricultural practices in the 1960s and how the experience impacted their lives. Hendricks served in Nicaragua and China, Stinson served in Rwanda, and Myers served in St. Vincent. Along with two other panelists, Hendricks, Stinson, and Myers answered questions from Dr. Simonds about their experiences serving in the Peace Corps and how their service impacted their lives.

This semester, the Delta Psi chapter of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. continued its tradition of service by donating to The Immigration Project and Border Angels. These groups tirelessly serve immigrant communities by promoting human rights, justice, and universal access to legal aid. It's about showing support for people who are most in need, not simply about the money. The Immigration Project focuses on providing legal aid and resources to immigrants, empowering them to build stable lives. Border Angels advocates for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice. This work is done in an attempt to reduce the number of fatalities along the US-Mexico border by educating and assisting the communities on both sides of the border. A Brother's Reflection: Why This Matters For many brothers, this initiative is deeply personal, including Brother Rodrigo Sanchez, who has seen firsthand the struggles immigrant families face. Rodrigo shared his thoughts on the donations: "We went to The Immigration Projext to donate the money and they had a shelf that was a leave what you can, take what you need. It was almost empty and we felt bad so we went to Aldi and bought a bunch of canned foods. My parents are immigrants and this one hit home. The struggle my parents faced wasn't easy, and I am priveleged to have a better life because of their sacrifices." Looking Ahead Through volunteer work and educational initiatives, Lambda Theta Phi intends to strengthen its collaboration with both organizations. “These donations are a step toward living our values,” said Jacob Abasta, Social Relations Officer for the Chapter. At the core of who we are is service. Together, we can make a difference and help build a world where everyone is given the opportunity to thrive. Stay tuned for updates as Lambda Theta Phi continues to lead through service, compassion, and solidarity.

Read the November 2024 RSO Newsletter through your browser, or continue below.   Happy November, Redbirds! It feels like just yesterday we welcomed you back for the start of the semester. As the days get shorter and the weather cooler, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we've come and look ahead to the exciting events still to come. With only a few weeks left before the end of the semester, there are still many opportunities to help you stay connected, relieve stress, and make lasting memories. Whether you're looking to get involved in something new or unwind before finals, there's something for everyone. -Student Activities, a unit of the Dean of Students Office The RSO of the Month! Men's Water Polo Club at Illinois State University is an independent student organization dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their skill level or experience. The club focuses on teaching the basics of water polo and fostering teamwork among players. Even if you're not a strong swimmer, there's room to showcase your talents and grow. The team is highly supportive, helping one another improve along the way.  This year, the club joined the Missouri Valley Conference, and in their first tournament, they achieved an impressive 3-1 record against Iowa State, the University of Missouri, and Indianapolis University. Newcomers Jerry Bordelon and Colin O'Donnell made a strong impact, each scoring six goals, while Bryce Lehn, who had no prior experience, contributed an assist.  Congratulations to the Men’s Water Polo Club!     Want to see your group featured here? Nominate your organization for RSO of the Month by filling out the RSO of the Month application! Winners will receive $50 for their RSO from the Student Government Association. RSO of the Month application Voting Information  Don't Forget to Vote! Election day is November 5. The Bone Student Center is a voting center. Visit the Center for Civic Engagement's Redbird Voter Guide for more information. RSO Re-Registration  2024-2025 RSO Re-registration RSO re-registration for 2024-2025 has closed. If you missed the deadline, your RSO will be "frozen" in Redbird Life. Once an RSO is frozen, the RSO is unable to access resources, apply for funding, or take advantage of all the privileges active RSOs get.  If you need to re-register late, please email StudentOrgs@IllinoisState.edu, and we can assist you! General Announcements  RSO Leader Workshop Join the Student Activities team to learn about upcoming funding opportunities, how to reserve spaces on campus, and how to prepare for the upcoming academic breaks. The RSO Leader Workshop will occur in the Student Involvement Center (227 Bone Student Center) on November 13 between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Feel free to stop by as long as your schedule allows!    Bone Student Center Booking Want to reserve a space in the Bone Student Center? Open bookings will begin on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 8 a.m. This is the start of bookings in the Bone Student Center for RSOs for the Spring 2025 semester. Note: Reoccurring practices and meetings held Monday – Friday can be scheduled during the time blocks of 5-7, 7:15-9:15, and 9:30-10:30 p.m.  RSO Support Do you need extra guidance or support for your RSO? We are here to help! Reach out to StudentOrgs@IllinoisState.edu, and someone from our office will meet with you to help ensure your RSO can be successful this year!  RSO Funding Funding for 2024-2025 Opportunity Fund  The Opportunity Fund is currently closed. Visit the RSO funding website for more information.   Program Fund This funding opportunity is currently closed. However, 2025-2026 academic year applications will open in early December. Additional Funding Opportunities Review the RSO funding website if your RSO is looking for other funding options  RSO Funding Training Reminder, if you received any funding from the Program Fee Board for this academic year, don’t forget to set up a training appointment with Heather Marshall, our RSO Financial Associate, using the Bookings link  Redbird Life Tip of the Month  Updating your RSO Information Keeping your RSO's contact information up to date in Redbird Life is crucial for reaching new students. Students use Redbird Life to explore organizations that match their interests. To stay connected with the campus community, make sure to regularly update your roster, leadership roles, and primary contact details.  Check out the Redbird Life resource page for step-by-step instructions on adding your RSO information to your page and managing the functions Redbird Life offers.  Campus Policy Spotlight  Policy 6.1.1. Each month, we highlight a campus policy that can often impact RSOs or RSO operations. This month, we are highlighting ISU Policy 6.1.1. This policy emphasizes the importance of reserving all campus spaces and offers guidance on their proper use. To learn more about the policy, visit the Illinois State University Policies and Procedures website and review Policy 6.1.1.      Information & Opportunities  Chill and Thrill Chill out and de-stress with the University Program Board on Wednesday, November 6, from 5-8 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center for the end-of-semester event, Chill and Thrill! There will be make-and-take crafts, yoga, plate smashing, and more! Please fill out the UPB Volunteer form if you want to volunteer for the event.    Scholarship Opportunities The Illinois State Alumni Association, Black Colleagues Association, and Latinx Alumni Network provide scholarship opportunities for current and future Redbirds of Illinois State University. The deadline to submit is December 4, 2024. Scholarship information can be found on the Alumni Association website.     Funding Opportunity  Civic Engagement Service-Learning Grants, co-sponsored by Senior Professionals, the Center for Civic Engagement, and the State Farm Foundation, are available to Illinois State University registered student organizations or individuals collaborating on an in-course project designed to make a positive impact in the Bloomington-Normal/McLean County community. Up to $1,500 will be awarded in December of 2024 for local Civic Engagement projects led by ISU students. The funds must be used during the 2025 spring semester. More information can be found on the Senior Professionals website, or contact Senior Professionals Coordinator Laura Kowalczyk at lakowa2@IllinoisState.edu.   Reserving Rooms Want to reserve a space in the Bone Student Center?  Make sure to fill out a booking privileges form! Then visit the Bone Student Center scheduling webpage to reserve your space.  Looking for a classroom space? Check out the Conference Services website and contact the appropriate area for your reservation.   RSO Newsletter submission Submit materials to be featured in this section of the newsletter by filling out the RSO Newsletter submission form.    New RSOs this Month New groups are always forming on campus, and we are excited to welcome these RSOs that started this month. Click on the links below to learn more about these organizations in Redbird Life.    New RSOs on Redbird Life   Association of Male Educators  Redbird Zine Club  Redbird Student Marketing Organization    Student Involvement Center The hub of all things RSOs. We have lots of fun resources available for your organization!   Conference Space  Computers with Adobe Creative Suites  Free 15 pages of printing per day per RSO  Black & white or color     Button Makers  24 buttons per semester per RSO  RSO mail pick up  Digital display screen General seating areas  We also provide free marketing opportunities for RSOs. Submit a Marketing Request through the online form!    Contact us at StudentOrganizations@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2151. Bone Student Center, 227 Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. Closed: November 27 - 29, 2024    Student Activities StaffJacob Rottinghaus (he/him) Student Involvement Program Coordinator Email: jtrotti@IllinoisState.edu Taylor Otterson (she/her) Student Involvement Graduate Assistant Email: isu_totters@IllinoisState.edu Heather Marshall (she/her) RSO Financial Associate Email: hllough@IllinoisState.edu Important Links General Resources Find information on navigating Redbird Life as an RSO, FAQs, marketing opportunities, and so much more! This section also includes annual orientation information for presidents, treasurers, and advisors.   Redbird Life If you have any questions regarding Redbird Life, please contact Jacob Rottinghaus.   Funding Information Learn about how to apply for funding, how to set up an RSO bank account, and review purchasing guidelines to ensure your student organization uses its funding allocation properly! If you have questions about funding information, contact Heather Marshall.    Event Planning Find information about how to reserve space, manage risk, and promote your event on campus. Follow the guidelines, and remember to plan ahead! Student Activities Website Redbird Life Student Activities Dean of Students Illinois State University Campus Box 2700