Happy Holidays!

Hooray! Finals are officially over!! We at SOAL wish you and your family a wonderful, happy, safe, relaxing holiday!

And keep your eyes open in January, we'll be back Spring Semester with a revamped blog site!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Family Supportive Housing Needs Your Help with Their Toy and Gift Drive!

Attention San Jose State University!

Family Supportive Housing has reached out to the SJSU student organization community to help them gather toys and gifts for this holiday season! Their Christmas Shoppe is a room set up like a store where parents can “shop” for their children’s presents and the children can shop for their parent’s presents to give to each other on Christmas.

They need NEW clothing and accessories for children birth to 17 (i.e. coats, pajamas, socks, shoes, slippers, hats, scarves), toys and games (i.e. Fisher Price toys, Nerf Sports equipment, Barbies, art kits, and coloring books), clothing and accessories for adult men and women - including store gift cards, family needs (i.e. gas cards, child bus passes, prepaid phone cards, and movie passes), personal items (i.e. shampoo, soap, body lotion, bath sets, and hair dryers), first aid supplies, and Christmas wrapping materials!

The LAST DAY to donate gifts for the shelter to make it in time for Christmas is DECEMBER 13th! Either bring your item to the Student Involvement office in Clark Hall 140 OR drop it off directly at the Family Supportive Housing located at 1590 Las Plumas Ave I San Jose, CA 95133.

You can also volunteer to work at the Christmas Shoppe! There are opportunities to help families shop and wrap gifts or even decorate cookies and sing Christmas carols with the children! This will be a wonderful event

SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVING OPPORTUNITIES POST!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

As we grow older, we start forgetting bits and pieces of our childhood until one day we wake up and discover that we can only recall a handful vivid memories of those elementary school days. Above you see a drawing that I made when I was in first grade. And as you may guess, this turkey is one of my vivid memories. As I was packing up and empyting out my cubby for the weekend I remember feeling this over-dramatice sense of pride and excitment. I couldn't wait to take this home and show my mom what I drew; which of course was the best Turkey a first grader had ever drawn in the history of Thanksgiving. You may be shocked to find out that when I thrust this into my Mom's hands, rather than showering me with praise, she actually started laughing. I didn't understand what was going on. Was my mom really laughing at my masterpiece? It quickly got worse. My dad walked in and as soon as he saw it he started cracking up as well. Within a few seconds the tears started flowing out. After about 5 minutes everyone in my six person family was making fun of my turkey and there I was not understanding why my family had turned into a bunch of bullies. My brother was the first one to notice my distress and was kind enough, admist the giggles, to ask me, "So exactly how many legs does a turkey have?" I knew that answer, "Four! ... wait... um... hmm... two?" Not only had I drawn a partial chicken head on my turkey but I also gave this bird of prey two extra limbs! Now this story is why, for every Thanksgiving since the first grade, my father makes two extra turkey legs while everyone gets a good laugh at the little girl who didn't quite know her animals.

Now, what does this story have to with the SOAL blog you may ask? Well it doesn't have any real connection with it but it did make me think about how lucky I am to have that story, that meal, that family, and that home to look forward to every year on Thanksgiving. There are so many people out there - literally outside of the classrooms at school and outside of your home, that are not fortunate enough to have a place to live, food to eat, and a family to love. This Thanksgiving and upcoming holiday season I encourage you to help someone in need of care and compassion. I have compiled a list of some of the community service organizations that exist throughout San Jose. Many of them need help and if you could offer a few hours time, a check, canned food, a coat, or anything then you will be a part of making a stranger's holiday season (and remember, over 25% of the homeless in Santa Clara County are children) a happy and vivid memory that will last a lifetime.

Loaves and Fishes

"Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen is committed to providing nutritious meals and support services in a dignified, safe and caring environment for our guests. We provide these services to all needy individuals, with special concern for families and senior citizens.

Loaves and Fishes supply the following services:
•No cost hot meals on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at InnVisions Montgomery Street Inn in San Jose, CA and Wednesdays and Fridays at St. Maria Goretti Kitchen in San Jose targeting families, seniors, single women, couples, and the disabled.
•Community Services to better serve the needs of our guests and to provide extensive information and referral services. We provide emergency outreach assistance, infant care supplies, and information and referrals for additional services.
•Extensive Holiday Programs including Senior Brunch, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas when we offer pictures with Santa Claus and "shopping days" for parents to take gifts home for their children.
•Grocery Bags are distributed to families on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 11:00am - 12pm at the St. Maria Goretti site."


InnVision

"InnVision the Way Home is Silicon Valley’s largest non-profit provider of housing, shelter, and services to the homeless, operating at over 20 sites from San Jose to Redwood City, serving 20,000 clients annually throughout the South Bay and mid-Peninsula, providing both emergency and longer-term housing, nutritious meals, and a vast array of services to men, women, children, veterans, and the mentally ill in an environment that is safe, friendly, and uplifting. Direct basic services include housing, food, clothing, showers, laundry facilities, health care, telephone and mail, computer access, case management, life-skills classes, job training, and children’s services. Extended services include household furnishings, free produce market, grocery distribution, and rental & utilities assistance programs."

San Jose Family Supportive Housing, Inc.

"The primary service we provide families is a private room and three meals a day. Working in conjunction with outside businesses, organizations, and individuals, we provide many other important services in addition to food and shelter. Services for children include: tutoring, child care, scool readiness program, after school activity program, activities and celebrations, and health care professionals. Services for adults include: intensive case management, on-staff employment and housing specialist, personal enrichment classes, computer classes, housing referrals and assistance, support groups, and aftercare."
Sacred Heart

“Our mission is to build a community free from poverty by creating hope, opportunity, and action.” We provide essential services, empower people to improve their lives, advocate for justice, and inspire volunteers to love, serve, and share.

"We serve all customers in need of food, clothing, housing, and energy assistance, offering stability and hope as part of a first step toward economic self-sufficiency. Our goal is for low-income individuals and families in Santa Clara County to meet basic needs and sustain their health and well-being. Equally important, we strive to increase hope and stability for individuals and families struggling with poverty through the respectful and compassionate delivery of essential services."

Below is a list of numerous other shelters in San Jose. I encourage you to take a look and give back to society this holiday season!

ALANO Club
99 N. Almaden Blvd, San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 998-9202

Men/Women Asian Women's Home
240 Moorpark Ave. Ste. 300, San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 975-2739

Domestic Violence Beth-El Baptist Church Outreach
San Jose, CA
(408) 779-2300

Families City Team Ministry Rescue Mission
1174 Old Bayshore Hwy, San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 283-2153

Men / Women EHC LifeBuilders James Boccardo Reception Center (BRC)
Nightly Shelter
2011 Little Orchard Street, San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 294-2100 x 402 (Intake Coordinator)

EHC LifeBuilders Markham Terrace Permanent
2112 Monterey Road, San Jose, CA
(408) 294-2100 Ext. 229 (Application)

EHC Lifebuilders Boccardo Family Living Center
13545 Monterey Road, San Jose, CA
(408) 686-1300

InnVision: Cecil White Center
358 N. Montgomery St., San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 271-5160

Men / Women InnVision: Georgia Travis Center
297 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 453-3124

Men / Women Markham Plaza
2000 Monterey Rd., San Jose, CA
(408) 278-7081

Families Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 279-7550

Sacred Heart Community Services
803 S. 1st St., San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 278-2160

Men / Women Salvation Army
405 N. 4th St., San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 282-1175

Men / Women San Jose Family Shelter
1590 Las Plumas Ave., San Jose, CA 95133
(408) 926-8885

Families St. Joseph the Worker House for Women
80 S. Market St., San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 283-8118

ALANO Club
(408) 998-9202
99 N. Almaden Blvd. San Jose, CA 95113
Men/Women

Asian Women's Home
(408) 975-2739
San Jose, CA 95128
Domestic Violence

Beth-El Baptist Church Outreach
(408) 779-2300
810 Tennant Avenue San Jose, CA

Casa de Clara
(408) 297-8330
318 N. 6th St. San Jose, CA 95112
Families

City Team Ministry Rescue Mission
(408) 283-2153
1174 Old Bayshore Hwy. San Jose, CA 95112
Men / Women

EHC LifeBuilders James Boccardo Reception Center (BRC)
Nightly Shelter 95125
2011 Little Orchard Stree San Jose, CA
(408) 294-2100 x 402 (Intake Coordinator)

InnVision: Georgia Travis Center
(408) 453-3124
297 Commercial St San Jose, CA 95112
Men / Women

Markham Plaza
(408) 278-7081
2000 Monterey Rd. San Jose, CA
Families

Salvation Army
(408) 282-1175
405 N. 4th St. San Jose, CA 95112
Men / Women

San Jose Family Shelter
(408) 926-8885
1590 Las Plumas Ave. San Jose, CA 95133
Families

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!!

The White Ribbon Campaign 2010

"From this day forward, I promise never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against women, sexual violence, and dating/intimate partner violence"

The White Ribbon Campaign is rallying all male-identified students of SJSU to come and sign the pledge to be aware and be a part of the solution.

Pick up your ribbon and sign the pledge at the Campaign table (Student Union) or the Office of Student Conduct & Ethical Development (at any time).

97% of acts of violence are committed by men.
97% of men are not assailants.

A minority are responsible for the problem.

A majority can stop it.

NOVEMBER 15 - 19

Sponsored by SJSU's Student Conduct and Ethical Development and Men Creating Change

This past Thursday- Salsa Club's Salsa in the Village and Poverty Under the Stars

This past Thursday was filled with excitement at SJSU! The Salsa Club burned up the makeshift dance floor in the Campus Village quad! Members of the club taught a free Salsa lesson then there was an hour of free dancing to sizzling salsa, cha-cha, and bachata music. At 9:00pm the SJSU Salsa Club team performed followed by numerous individual/pair performances. The SJSU community wishes all of the dancers luck at the upcoming San Francisco Salsa Congress!

At the other end of campus, more than 50 students camped out on the grass in front of the Tommie Smith and John Carlos statue. This year's 5th annual Poverty Under the Stars event focused on the great recession and the current economic status for many Americans: jobless and homeless. "The event featured vaious speakers, a video about real-life instances of homelessness, entertianment, and the main event, which was simply camping outside and understanding what it's like to be without the comfort of a warm home" (from Jordan Liffengren's Spartan Daily story, read the whole article at SJSU hosts fifth annual 'Poverty Under the Stars' to bring to light issues caused by the Great Recession).

Events Happening this Week! UPDATED

Blue = Student Organization Event
Green = San Jose City Event
Purple = SJSU Event
Pink = GREAT Session

Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Grand Opening of Spartan Smart Cart- 10:00am-1:30pm, Smith/Carlos lawn
-Come to the grand opening of the Spartan Smart Card for Fall 2010! Free give-aways and prizes! Lots of delicious fresh local and organic fruit and veggies and healthy beverages!
Finding a Job in a Tough Economy Workshop- 12:00pm-1:15pm, Mod A
-Develop practical job search strategies to be successful in a down economy
An Evening with Maggie Estep- 7:00pm-8:30pm, University Theater
-The Center for Literary Arts and MACLA Present: An Evening with Maggie Estep. Poet, fiction writer, and spoken-word artist. Author of seven books including Diary of an Emotional Idiot and Alice Fantastic, and the CDs No More Mr. Nice Girl and Love Is a Dog from Hell. She has performed on MTV, HBO's Def Poetry Jam, and Charlie Rose, and her work has appeared in The Best American Erotica, The Village Voice, Harpers Bazaar, and Time Out NY. Co-sponsored by the Poets and Writers Coalition.
Wednesday, November 17th
Poker Walk- 11:00am-1:00pm, starts in front of Event Center

-Get ready to walk around campus and try your luck at poker. Collect your first card at the sign-in table and 4 other points during the walk. Turn in your cards at the finish line and the best hands will win prizes. Sign-in is at the fountain in front of the Events Center. Walkers can start any time between 11:00 and 12:30. It will take approximately 30 minutes to walk around campus.

New Student Union Groundbreaking Ceremony- 12:00pm-1:30pm, 7th Street Plaza

-The Student Union, Inc. is pleased to invite the campus community to a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Student Union on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. The ceremony will start at 12:00noon on the 7th Street Plaza. This is a free event and will have entertainment, refreshments and give-aways! Please come celebrate with us as we begin a new legacy for the Student Union.

SJSU Theater Presents "Twelfth Night"- 7:00pm, University Theater

-Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare Directed by Kathleen Normington, November 12,13,17,18,19,20 at 7p.m. University Theatre. Visit http://www.tvradiofilmtheatre.com/10TwelfthNight.html for more information

Men's Basketball vs. University of San Francisco- 7:00pm, Event Center

Black Mosque Honor Society Canned Food Drive- 10:00am-2:00pm, Student Union

-Bring non-perishable canned food to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank!Discovering Your Career Path Using LinkedIn- 11:00am AND 12:45pm, Ohlone Room, SU

Google @ SJSU- All majors Welcome! - 3:30pm-6:00pm, BBC 201

- Interested in learning about Google products and winning some cool Google swag? Drop by any time between 3:30-6:00pm! http://tiny.3dslice.com/sjsu. Sponsored by MISA

Intuit: Launch Your Career- 4:00pm-6:00pm, Intuit World Headquarters

-Sponsored by LBSA; learn about FDRP: financial rotational development program, RDP: rotational development program, and other internship activities. Contact membership.lbsa@gmail.com for more info.

Thursday, November 18th

LGBTQQIA Discussion Group: Queer Culture- 1:30pm-2:45pm, Building BB
-A safe and supportive place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans., queer, questioning, intersex, and ally students to connect with other members of the community and discuss a wide variety of topics.

Business of People: Human Exploitation- 5:00pm-7:00pm, Mosaic
-Around the world people are abused, misued, and exploited to work on a daily basis to serve the needs of corporate juggernauts, while the rest of the world has been mislead for years about what these corporations are getting away with. Come find out why this happens and what we can do to stop this global exploitation of people. Free Food!

The Three Poisons: Oil, Coal, and Nuclear Power w/ David Freeman- 12:00pm - 1:15pm, BBC 320

- Listen to former California "State Energy Czar" talk about oil, coal, and nuclear power AND the renewable energy alternative

Friday, November 19th
Fall 2010 Mudpie Recess- Every Monday and Friday, 10:30am-1pm; Starting at Statues Garden by Clark Hall, then break out to Event Center, Greenhouse and Washington Square Hall's Sustainable Agriculture Garden.
-Begin and end your week with some edible gardening fun! No experience is required. Come join us and play with plants and develop cooking skills! This campus garden collective is open to the community, and all fresh, healthy harvest goes to our volunteers! We appreciate any youth groups to come visit as well! See Map: http://growsjsu.wordpress.com/media/sjsu-fall-2010-campus-map-with-gardens/ Dates: 11/15, 11/19, 11/22, 11/26, 11/29, 12/3, 12/6, 12/10

Nuts & Bolts Workshop Coming NEXT WEDNESDAY!

Learn how to balance Leadership and Academics! This workshop will be on Wednesday, November 17th, from 5:00 - 6:00pm in Clark Hall 140! RSVP by 11/16 to Diana Rubio at Diana.Rubio@sjsu.edu