As individuals aspiring to go into public service, it is only natural that we begin by serving our community. As a group, PPS has always had its roots in community service and asks its members to hold these same beliefs. In the past, this key aspect of our organization has not held the members to the standard that it should. This year, the board wishes to change that by instating a number of new policies and changing a few old ones. Here are the new changes:
1. We ask that all members complete a MINIMUM of 2 group volunteer project (of at least two hours) and 10 hours of individual volunteer work per semester. **SPRING 2021 Semester- 6 Volunteer Hour Requirement (can be individual or group hours)**
2. In addition to the change in required hours, we are also changing what is considered to be an "individual volunteer hour." Individual volunteer hours should be legitimate volunteering (even though we think it is great that you helped your friend study, this isn't quite what we mean by volunteering). We provided a list below with some ideas of what could be considered individual volunteer hours. You DO NOT have to choose from this list. It is merely suggestions of what is considered to be individual volunteer hours. If you have a question about whether or not something would count, ask our volunteer coordinator, Ali Zeringue. Also, we ask that you provide contact information (a name with phone number and/or email address) for your individual volunteer hours.
3. We are also beginning to keep PERMANENT RECORD of all volunteer hours (group and individual) performed by PPS members so that it can be reviewed by the Pre-Professional Board when it comes time to writing recommendation letters for students wishing to attend medical/professional schools.
4. Finally, a new policy has been instated in regards to speaking with the Deans after meetings. According to this new policy, members who are considered "current and active" will be given priority to speak with the Deans after meetings. In order to be considered "current" you must be up to date on all dues and have no outstanding fees. In order to be considered "active" you will be required to complete a certain portion of your volunteer hours. We will send out emails informing you of how many hours you must have completed in order to be considered active for certain meeting. If you don't have the required hours, DO NOT FREAK OUT!!!!! You will NOT be removed from PPS and you will NOT be considered inactive for the rest of the semester!!!!!!! If you are not considered active, it only means that you will not be allowed to talk to that particular Dean. Just make up the hours before the next meeting and you are good to go.
We know that everyone is busy with school, work, and family responsibilities, but what we are asking is not much. The board all believe that these changes will help to make PPS better than it has ever been in the past and will benefit our members in making them better qualified for medical/professional schools. Below we have listed the approved group volunteer projects for the Fall 2021 Semester along with some suggestions for individual hours. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas PLEASE let us know. Thanks for all of your hard work!!
