New Student Volunteer Group Joins Harvard

A half-dozen community service organizations already exist in the College, but Jason Q. Purnell '99 wants to add another.

He plans to launch the Association of Youth for Social Change (AYSC) to complement Phillips Brooks House, HAND and other existing volunteer groups.

The goal of the AYSC is to work in Boston-area high schools to educate students about serving their own communities.

"The major difference between us and other Harvard community service organizations is that we are trying to make the youth we serve active participants," Purnell said yesterday.

The AYSC plans to focus on three main areas--community service, education and communication--according to Claire Van Eenwyk '99, a member of the organization.

Purnell originally formed the AYSC in 1992 while in high school in St. Louis, Mo.

He said he decided to bring the organization to Harvard after noticing a gap in the community service groups that Harvard offers.

Before the AYSC can be officially recognized by the College, the group must be "financially viable" and have two faculty advisors.

The AYSC has submitted an application for funding to the Undergraduate Council and contacted local businesses, Boston-area foundations and Education for Action, a Harvard organization that funds these types of ventures, for additional money.

Currently 13 Harvard students are involved in the AYSC, according to Purnell, meeting the Dean of Students' Office's ten-student requirement for official recognition.

Since the organization was originally incorporated in Missouri, it must file for Foreign Corporation Status in Massachusetts to be able to open a bank account.

Purnell said AYSC may be affiliated with Phillips Brooks House in the future.

"I have invited Jason to stay in touch with my office as his plans develop," said Assistant Dean of Public Service Judith H. Kidd. "There is no other relationship at present."

Purnell said he expects the AYSC to organize during the fall semester and to begin implementing programs in the spring semester

Purnell said AYSC may be affiliated with Phillips Brooks House in the future.

"I have invited Jason to stay in touch with my office as his plans develop," said Assistant Dean of Public Service Judith H. Kidd. "There is no other relationship at present."

Purnell said he expects the AYSC to organize during the fall semester and to begin implementing programs in the spring semester