The ACT club, primarily students, is trying to change the world by taking small steps. In one of their meetings on Sept. 26, they discussed their goals, typically addressing social issues through student activism. ACT is open to helping new students when they seem out of place.
Sophomore Natalie Hall said that the club is a welcoming and fun environment where everyone can come and express their ideas and aspirations.
“The leaders are friendly and helped me out even when I didn’t know what I was doing,” Hall said. “They helped me express my interest by asking questions. They were very welcoming.”
ACT Secretary Declan Gaines said ACT focuses on issues that aren’t given enough attention in the real world. He says the world presses on problems but doesn’t take real action.
“The best part of ACT is just being able to help the community grow community relations and solve big community and global issues that haven’t been taken action upon,” Gaines said. “Whether it’s climate change or cancer treatments, taking a deep dive into different elements in life that are problematic and trying to fix them together.”
Freshman Clare Peterson said she wants to make a difference in the world by taking action instead of just speaking about the subject. She thinks ACT can make a real difference and fulfill their potential to change their perspective of the world.
“I joined ACT to make a difference and help the world through its hardships, especially now (with things) like climate change and what we can do to fix the problem in our area.”
Gaines said making a difference can grow Park’s community even more, which helps solve even more significant problems worldwide.
“The best part of ACT is just being able to help the community, help grow community relations, and solve big community and global issues,” Gaines said. “The more people we have, the easier it is and the more ideas we can gain to help the world and even people.”
According to Peterson, she hasn’t regretted joining ACT; she thinks it’s the best for her and has the qualities she’s looking for in a club.
“Joining ACT was the best thing I have done this year. I really like helping through social activities and volunteering in these types of activities. Connecting with other people, and overall just experiencing this amazing campaign.”
Hall said her friends inspired her to join and that she could make a change by expressing her ideas.
“My friends made me confident enough to express my ideas, and without them, it would have been hard to think I would be here,” Hall said.“This was my second meeting, and I felt as if I could express anything I had in my head. Before joining, I thought, ‘What if I could express my ideas, help people, and have my friends around me?’ So it’s a win-win.”
According to Gaines, ACT is for people who want to help the world socially throughout its crises and do good deeds to solve real-world problems.
“ACT is a club where people are meant to help other people, but also the world, whether medicines for significant diseases, inequality, or anti-social people. It’s about spreading awareness through these problems; whether it’s posters or videos, it doesn’t matter. If it has a significant impact, that’s what counts,” Gaines said.
ACT meets most Thursdays from 3:20 to 4:20 p.m. in room C377. For information and updates, check out their Instagram @act.slp.
