The Purpose of Arete'
The purpose of Bethel College's Social Science Club, Arete, is to provide an outlet for social activism, community service, and action-oriented learning. Projects are undertaken on the local, state, national, and international levels to improve the quality of life for those in need as well as provide opportunities to apply knowledge gleaned in the classroom to real life situations.Opportunities to attend professional conferences, symposia, and field trips will be provided to active members.
Who can join?
While the organization is geared towards Social Science majors it is not limited to them. The meetings are designed: to provide an opportunity to meet new people, to discuss issues and brainstorm possible solutions, to learn more about the Social Sciences, and to gain hands on experience in community service.
In the fall of 2006, the new social sciences organization Arete was created for all social sciences majors (sociology, psychology, human services, and history).
Arete' Projects
Arete had several successes over the course of the 2006-2007 academic year including:
Successful Quiz for Cash and Silent Auction Fundraiser
Collected and delivered carloads of supplies for victims of domestic violence including
~400 bars of soap
~150 bottles of shampoo or conditioner
~130 tubes of toothpaste
~100 combs or brushes
~Over 200 toothbrushes
~Over 200 disposable razors
~35 bottles of deodorant
~35 bottles of lotion
~Dozens of other necessities
Won $100 for collecting the most environmental pledges for reduction of global warming
Raised and donated $75 to PlayPump International
Raised and donated $75 to Habitat for Humanity International (for Hurricane Katrina survivors’ relief)
The 2007-2008 academic year has been even more productive:
A homelessness awareness meeting was held on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 to provide information regarding the problem of homelessness to Bethel students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the community.
On Tuesday, October 2, 2007 Arete hosted a demonstration to raise awareness of the homelessness issue. Around 100 students attended a "box out" on the front lawn of the campus and on the city square. Students and faculty slept in boxes and tents with statistics and facts written on them to raise awareness.
Arete collected around 200 T-Shirts for the homeless - which we sent to Memphis with Dr. Pete Gethje (Memphis Theological Seminary) who has a homeless ministry there (Manna House). He was very thankful and asked for sweatshirts this winter!!!
Arete filled over a dozen boxes with toys, school supplies, and personal hygiene items for children in Honduras. This project was conducted in support of Operation Christmas Child. Nicole Andrews (Arete PR committee member) will be delivering the boxes during the Christmas holidays while on a mission trip with her church.
On September 26, 2007 Arete hosted TCASK, the Tennessee Coalition Against State Killings, on campus. Mr. Isaac Kimes spoke to the group about the death penalty. Proponents of both sides of the issue were present to debate the topic.
Won Second Place in the 2007 Bethel College Homecoming Parade!
