Introduction

Starting the school year in Fall, one of the best ways to become involved in student affairs and community service is by checking out Associated Students Community Affairs Board. CAB is an on campus, student run non-profit organization that is dedicated to connecting students with volunteer opportunities. CAB members or “CABbies”, help to enhance the educational experience of all UCSB students by providing information and easy access to community service work. Through a wide range of projects and community programs, CAB seeks to augment classroom experiences, create opportunities for career exploration, connect UCSB to the community in a meaningful way, and promote the ethics of public service.

CAB began its 57^th year with the return of its traditional events as well as the creation of newer ones.

Pardall Carnival

The year kicked off with Pardall Carnival, as volunteers helped table and manage the crowd. CAB worked in conjunction with the Isla Vista Community Relations Committee (IVCRC) and a variety of other on-campus organizations. Altogether the event turned out to be a splashing success.

Speakers

CAB had a variety of speakers from local non-profit organizations come and present at its weekly meetings. The speakers provided opportunities with AmeriCorps, Best Buddies, AS Food Bank, Hearts Adaptive Horseback Riding, CALPIRG, and Freedom4Youth.

Weekly Volunteer Opportunities

Weekly volunteering events, such as Breakfast Club, Adopt-a-Block, and Juguemos continued their run in CAB. Each event provided an opportunity to work with different aspects of community service. Breakfast Club connected students with with the local houseless population, and was held in Anisq’Oyo Park. Every week, leaders and volunteers set up and shared breakfast with the houseless to foster a better sense of community in Isla Vista.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adopt-A-Block dealt with environmental concerns, and frequently there was collaboration with the A.S. Environmental Affairs Board (EAB).

For this event, volunteers came out and helped pick up trash on the streets of IV. This event helped to beautify the community and it was also fun to meet new people while walking the route. Finally, Juguemos was an event where volunteers played after school sports with the children at Isla Vista Elementary School. It was a good experience to bond with the kids, as well as fellow volunteers.

Annual and Quarterly Events

Some big events that CAB held during the year included Care-Expo, Relay for Life, and You Matter. Care-Expo was held in Corwin Pavilion, and turned out to be a success. Thanks to the connections that CAB provided, many students were able to browse a number of intership opportunities with a variety of service organizations. Relay For Life was held at the UCSB track. It was a 24-hour walk that helped raise cancer awareness and sponsor support for cancer research. CAB had a number of volunteer come and help out; this year we sold fruit skewers and handed out sunscreen for our Skin Cancer cause.

You Matter is a quarterly event that is a pretty big deal for CABbies. It is the one day they can directly support fellow students through finals week by giving out free snacks, hugs, and flowers. Face painting and massages are other highlights of the event, and they are things CABbies look forward to sharing at the end of each quarter.

Alternative Break Opportunities

To provide volunteer opportunities during Winter and Spring breaks, CAB provides Alternative Break opportunities outside of Santa Barbara. This year CABbies went to Santa Catalina Island during Winter Break to work on restorative projects that helped beautify the island. During Spring Break, volunteers went to New Orleans for restorative work in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. As part of these efforts, they got to work alongside children and gain a new kind of perspective about the New Orleans community.

All in all, it was an exciting and fun year during which CABbies had many opportunities for commiunity service and became part of the extended CAB family.

Getting Involved-Contact Numbers

To become involved with CAB, please contact the office at (805) 893-4296 or cab@as.ucsb.edu. Or, check out the CAB website at http://cab.as.ucsb.edu/. CABbird are very friendly and helpful, and would be happy to assist you!