Jennifer Yvonne Cannon
   

I volunteered for a non for profit called HEY GURL(Girls Under Reconstruction Accomplishing Life).  This organization is located in Maywood, IL, a western suburb of Chicago.  The purpose of this organization is to provide mentor ship and a positive network for girls in the community.  The service activity I helped the organization with a sexual assault and awareness event. Prior to the organization’s event, there were three sexual assaults within the community.  As discussed in class, we learned that sexual assault affects the individual and the family unit as a whole. By assisting speakers who told testimonies, and provided expert opinions I was able to network with professionals by listening to their stories, and engaging in conversation with all participants of the event.  By doing so, I was able to gain insightful information on the topic of sexual assault.  Through the organization’s event on sexual assault, I believe the community became more aware of the issue. Although, members knew about the sexual assaults that occurred in the community, this event gave them an outlet to express their concerns and take a stance on the issue. Overall, I think the organization is power instrument for the community as a whole. Although HEY GURL is geared towards women, I believe it has the potential to touch the lives of many.