Student Athletes as Agents of Social Change

Giving back or… Just Good Public Relations?

History of Student Athlete Advisory Committees (SAACs)

1989 – NCAA Convention attendees create a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

Since the late 1990s, SAACs have organized on Division I, II, and III campuses

SAACs also exist at the conference level, such as the ACC and SEC

SAAC’s are made up of student-athletes representatives of the various sports offered by their institutions

What is the purpose of SAACs?

SAAC members, typically chosen by their respective coaches, seek to have an input into regulations and policies that affect student athletes on their respective campuses (or conferences)

Community service is frequently listed as one of the purposes of SAACs

This Presentation…

Will delve into the community involvement aspect of the SAAC mission

When I coached Division III gymnastics in the 1980’s-early 1990’s

My athletic director would not allow me to ask my student-athletes to do volunteer work

SUNY-Cortland was not “branded” then or selling itself to alumni or future students

Service learning was yet not a part of the college curriculum

Now…in 2013

All schools regardless of Division – I, II, or III - sell themselves via athletics.

All are concerned about the image of the athlete at the institution and in the community, since athletics is important at every level.

So, what types of community activism do SAAC’s engage in?

Most SAAC groups average 1-3 projects a year, but many individual teams take on community services beyond the SAAC. Thanksgiving and Christmas Food drives Special Olympics volunteers Reading programs Mentoring Youth

Cats Give Back Week

University of Arizona Track & Field athletes mentored Wildcat Charter School students on goal setting, staying physically active, good sportsmanship.

The young students were also able to participate in some of the track and field events and learn how to use starting blocks.

Arizona athletes emphasized the importance of doing well academically in order to play sports.

Jar Wars

University of Louisville student-athletes raised $750 for Kosair Children’s Hospital, the SAACs chosen charity for 2012-2013

Athletic teams were paired up and given a jar for donations.

The paired teams received points for dollar bills and silver coins, but lost point for pennies.

The winning pair was the Men’s Track and Field team and Ladybirds Dance Team.

Reading With Our Future Fans

University of Iowa

Iowa State University

University of Northern Iowa

University of Michigan

Began with the University of Iowa SAAC, who adopted “Reading With Our Future Fans as a community service project

The goal is to “motivate young readers to reach their highest literacy potential by providing non-fiction books that excite, and promote literacy through college sports.”

“Reading With Our Future Fans is dedicated to enlightening our young readers to the fundamentals of practice, teamwork, performance, and good sportsmanship, while showing the student athlete's commitment to academic excellence.”

http://www.readingwithourfuturefans.org/aboutauthor.php

Thanksgiving Food Drive

SUNY-Cortland SAAC members teamed with “Loaves and Fishes,” a local non-profit meal provider to raise $700 to purchase meals for 56 Cortland residents.

They also delivered the meals and met the designated families

Buffalo Hugs & Healthy Kids Day

University of Colorado –Boulder student-athletes visit the Denver Children’s Hospital each semester to pass out stuffed buffaloes, sign autographs and visit with the children and their families

Prior to a football game and soccer game in the fall, student athletes lead local children in completing various athletic stations to promote active lifestyles. Children earn a T-Shirt and a free lunch by completing all the stations.

Hugs for Heroes

The Big East Conference SAAC Committee partnered with “Hugs for Heroes,” a nonprofit organization in Dover, MA to assemble care packages for 150 American Troops serving in Afghanistan

Each student-athlete wrote a personal letter to be included within the package along with a Big East Conference pin for each soldier.

SUNY-New Paltz and Special Olympics

SACC members of SUNY-New Paltz held a Special Olympics Unified basketball tournament on campus.

12 teams participated, with three teams in four divisions. Each team within their division received a gold, silver or bronze medal

How do students feel about their involvement?

“This was something that needed to be done just as much as anything else in my daily routine…Thanksgiving is an important time to contribute and help the people around Cortland that need us the most” Harrison Hefele, a member of the SUNY-

Cortland basketball team

Student-athletes reflect

“I know personally the whole experience for me really helped put things into perspective and reminded me how blessed I am for all that I have.” Lisa Patrone, a member of the Rutgers

field hockey team

Student-athletes reflect

"There is no better feeling than taking time out of our days and something for others who aren't as fortunate as we are. It's a great feeling to know that we can help out in our local community.” Christina O’Tousa, a member of the

Georgetown University women’s soccer team

Student-athletes reflect

“It feels really good to be able to partake in a day of service and utilize the lessons you’ve learned at St. John’s. It means a lot to be able to help people and seeing the smiles on people’s faces makes it all worthwhile.” Rikka Lovely, a member of the St. John’s

University track and field team, and St. John’s SAAC President

Student-athletes reflect

When taking a look around the gym during this event, all that could be seen were rosy cheeks and toothy grins. This day was a great success not only because of the enjoyment of the Special Olympic teams, but because of the opportunity that myself and the other students received to interact with and befriend this unique group of athletes. As much as we gave to this event, it was what we took out that truly defined the experience.“ Jackie Ulanoff, SUNY New Paltz SAAC president and a

member of the women's lacrosse team

Are these students giving back, or is it just good PR?

It’s a triple win! Yes, it is most definitely giving back – helping

others that may not otherwise be helped Yes, it is good public relations for the student-

athlete, their team, and their college or university

And… It’s also good for the hearts and souls of the

student-athletes, who learn about their community and serve as agents of social change