Upcoming ASUA project could align college and high school students

ASUA senators discussed a program Friday in which UA students would assist high school students to create a community service project for their high school or surrounding community.

"Our goal is to provide as many opportunities to explore venues to help their community," said Joseph Fu, an Associated Students of the University of Arizona senator who is helping to develop the program.

The Tucson Youth Committee, if implemented, will choose five representatives from each high school in Tucson. Leaders at the UA can apply to be a mentor, and each mentor would guide high school representatives in identifying problems in high schools and organizing a plan to solve them.

Mentors would assist representatives for a year and help them through workshops, 20 hours of community service and create a service project for their high school or surrounding community.

An application process for mentors could start within the next two months. Fu said many UA students that have already expressed interest in becoming a mentor.

Fu said ASUA senators hope the Tucson Youth Committee would help develop leadership skills at the high school level to conquer problems that haven't been addressed in the past. Fu hopes high school representatives can identify the problems that may be plaguing the high school or community.

Fu said high school students are in drastic need of role models, like UA students, to look up to.

High school applicants must be in their sophomore or junior year.

"Representatives must have creativity and leadership potential," said Pita Salido, an ASUA senator who has also helped organize the committee.

If selected by ASUA for the committee, Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup must approve each high school representative.

Fu said funding for the committee would come from the city and local corporations. He said UA administrators are offering their support, too.

Fu said ASUA will need to organize workshops to teach high school representatives and mentors the necessary skills to create a community service project. Speakers would be invited to the workshops.

ASUA senators plan to review more information about Tucson Youth Committee in future meetings.

ASUA approves club funding

Senators approved the allocation of $1,482 of ASUA funds to various clubs on campus.

The Order of Omega, the Hispanic Business Student Association and Camp Wildcat all received funding for upcoming events.

The Order of Omega, a greek council that manages all fraternities and sororities, received $515.20 for an annual Halloween trick-or-treat event for students, faculty and members of the community.

The Hispanic Business Student Association was granted $690.80 from ASUA to go to an upcoming business conference.

Camp Wildcat, a philanthropy club, was given $276 to cover transportation to a retreat.

Helping Hands, a club that assists underserved communities, requested funding, but approval for the money was postponed because a representative from the club did not come to the meeting.

Cats RIDDE proposed to cut down drinking and driving

Senators gave their weekly reports, which included discussion of a program that would drive intoxicated students home on weekends.

Cats RIDDE, a program that would help UA students avoid drinking and driving, is currently establishing an initial operating budget, said ASUA Senator Ashley Rose Eden.

Cats RIDDE needs money for insurance, headquarters, rental cars, phones and other resources, said ASUA Senator Erin Hertzog.

Hertzog said she and Jason Cobb, founder of Cats RIDDE, learned about risk management at a seminar last week.

"We are making progress," Hertzog said.

Arizona student governments may unite

Fu suggested in his weekly report to begin a council with members of the UA, ASU and NAU student governments.

"It would be an effort to unite the state schools," he said.

Fu said the council could discuss issues with the state, such as decisions by the Arizona Board of Regents.

ASUA minutes to go online

Stephanie Hartz, ASUA senator, said she plans to post the ASUA Senate meeting minutes online for all UA students to see. She said she is working to establish a Senate Web site.