Human Services Club

-- Dara Trooien-Leitner

Are you someone interested in human services? If so, have you ever thought of joining the Human Services Club (HSC) at Metropolitan State University? The following are answers from the Human Services Club President Ying Lee, about what the club does, what is gained from being a member and how being president for the past two years has benefited her.

METROPOLITAN: What does the HSC do?

LEE: We support students in deepening their understanding of human services as a discipline and profession by sharing our experiences studying and working in the human service field. We plan events, which we feel will benefit human service students at Metropolitan State University. We seek and create connections by providing activities and opportunities for students.

METROPOLITAN: Do you have to be a Human Services major to join?

LEE: No, there are actually no requirements to join. We accept all students who desire to participate.

METROPOLITAN: Where does the club get ideas for activities?

LEE: Our members.

METROPOLITAN: How long has HSC been around?

LEE: The club has existed for nine years but has just been recently active for last three years.

METROPOLITAN: How many members does the club currently have?

LEE: [There are] 17 active members all majoring in human services with various areas of emphasis.

METROPOLITAN: Why was the HSC started?

LEE: To promote academic and social support in a cooperative environment with students, staff and faculty at Metropolitan State University.

METROPOLITAN: What do the members gain from being part of the club?

LEE: You can help to plan activities and obtain resources related to human services. You gain leadership skills, because we ask for a lot of help in organizing an event. Members who were involved in the career fair last year did a wonderful job taking on small assignments and working together as team. Members will also network with other students, professors and community professionals.

METROPOLITAN: What can members expect to participate in?

LEE: We are offering our members free Webinars through the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, [featuring topics] such as writing your first grant, starting a nonprofit, the budget basics and board boot camp. These Webinars will help Human Service majors better understand the functions of a nonprofit. We feel that this would be a great tool for students entering the human services and nonprofit field.

METROPOLITAN: Do you have any events coming up?

LEE: We are currently working on a tour of the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building in St. Paul, which was a member’s request. She is helping us to plan the event as we speak.

METROPOLITAN: What do you hope members will get out of visiting the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building?

LEE: The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) touches the lives of one in four Minnesotans with a variety of services intended to help people live as independently as possible. DHS is the state’s largest agency, with an annual budget of approximately $9 billion and 7,200 employees located throughout Minnesota. The Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building acts as a central office—any insight into the daily functions of this place would be more then educational.

METROPOLITAN: When is it?

LEE: A tentative date of April 13, but please check our Web site at http://www.metrostate.edu/cps/hs/club.html.

METROPOLITAN: What activities have you held in the past?

LEE: We held a very successful human service career fair here at Metropolitan State University last year; but to the disappointment of many students, [we] will not be offering one this year. We have also held a human service panel.

METROPOLITAN: Why not?

LEE: To our disappointment, the SAFAC (Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee) did not grant us the funding. They stated that it appeared to be a function that should be largely put on and fully paid for from the Career Services and/or Human Services Departments and not the student organization.

METROPOLITAN: What do you feel you have gained from being a part of the HSC?

LEE: I’ve gained a lot of leadership experience and have gotten to know a lot of cool and resourceful individuals. I’ve met people from many human service organizations throughout the Twin Cities, such as the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, The Minneapolis Foundation and Hmong American Partnership. There are services available to people that I never knew existed, such as various crises centers, and just the overall governmental human services that are available to people has been enlightening.

METROPOLITAN: Do you feel students should be a part of a student organization of some kind?

LEE: Yes, I think it’s important for students to participate in school activities and [to] be active in student run organizations; after all, it is our money, we should take advantage of it.

METROPOLITAN: What do you want students who are interested to know about the club?

LEE: We don’t have a big budget, but we’re all very friendly and our club advisors are great. And being an active member in the club will also look great on your resume.

METROPOLITAN: You said that you have gained leadership skills through your involvement with the HSC, is there anything else you’ve learned?

LEE: It has been a great learning experience! I’ve learned that a good leader is someone who works well with others. When organizing the career fair, I learned that you have to stand up for what you think is right, and then follow through, enlist in the help of others, and make sure that they know they are appreciated. I’ve also learned the importance of self-empowerment, and the importance to encourage and sponsor it in others.

If you are interested in joining HSC, please contact Advisor Nancy Miller at (651) 793-1364, or by email at Nancy.Miller@metrostate.edu.