On October 29, Honors Communication students at Saint Xavier University did Social Cause Presentations on various local nonprofit organizations.
Professor Cynthia “Cyndi” A. Grobmeier, a Faculty Specialist from the Department of Communication, coordinated the event to feature three groups of students who presented from her class. The presentations were held in McGuire Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
In an interview sent via email on October 25, Grobmeier stated, “In their first round of speeches, this cohort of Honors students have bravely and openly talked about personal experiences that have touched them in profound ways as well as issues that are important to not only them, but our greater society, ranging from environmental issues to racism and more.”
This honors speech assignment counts as a COMM-101 Persuasive Speech requisite for students. Grobmeier’s expectations consisted of giving them time to work ‘in pairs,’ research a Chicago area nonprofit, and “gain a deeper understanding of the issue the nonprofit was founded to address, to the next level.”
“The next level” for the alternative project requires additional insight about the non-profit from the students’ perspective. It also means that groups should consider creative ways to persuade their classmates to take some action, such as to “follow the organization on social media, volunteer, donate, etc.,” she said.
Grobmeier continued: “Most of the students are not familiar with the nonprofits they are talking about because they had to choose from a list,” exclaiming, “but they have been so excited to learn more about the amazing work these organizations are doing in our own backyard!”
However, two select honors communication students from Grobmeier’s class went the extra mile with those project guidelines. They presented their own nonprofit in conjunction with special guest Alderman David Moore, representing the 17th ward for the City of Chicago.
First-Years JaKyla and JaKayla Blockman, who are twin sisters both majoring in Nursing, focused on a nonprofit called Moore for Youth, mentored by Alderman Moore. This organization has become near and dear to them, where they worked at Moore for Youth for years and are currently recruiting volunteers.
In an interview conducted on October 29, JaKyla Blockman, the president of Moore for Youth, felt ‘good’ about presenting their own project to introduce the non-profit and their workplace experience. “It doesn’t have that much notification, and not a lot of people knew about this organization,” she said, adding, “It’s a really great feeling to go up there and just speak from your heart, and we’re just really passionate about it.”
Their past leadership roles also represent education, efforts, and service to the community and other areas surrounding them.
Blockman continued: “Going from first being volunteers, to being interns, to now having our organization. That’s just a cool transition to show that we really care.” She found that everyone who gets involved may do it “just to do it,” but over time, they could also “give their time” to the organization.
Her sister, JaKayla Blockman, the Vice President of the non-profit, also mentioned that they had ‘spent weeks’ just talking about how “we are so excited and happy.” Blockman noted, “I can take away that we are truly changing the lives of the youth in our community.” She noted, “This is us, this is worth who we are, and this is what we spent years doing.”
During the presentation, the twin sisters promoted Moore for Youth’s “positivity and happiness” that supports both the organization in the city and the state of Illinois. They discussed the importance of their nonprofit and how it could prevent the high crime rates and frequent gun violence occurring daily in Chicago, Englewood being fourth in the top ten dangerous neighborhoods.
The overall goal is to make a difference in their community, help bring together youth, and ‘stand up’ against violence across the Chicagoland area.
She continued: “It was so significant for everyone else because you really don’t have a case where two college students are going to present their own non-for-profit in front of the class for their project.”
On the same day of presenting to Grobmeier’s honors class, they proudly wore matching white T-shirts of the nonprofit’s name outlined in blue lettering, showing them off to pay homage to the organization.
The Blockman sisters agreed that their ability and flexibility in deciding on Moore for Youth for this project was a ‘truly good’ choice. They were glad to have been “given this opportunity” and share it with colleagues and peers.
Alderman Moore, who spoke after their presentation, claims that Moore for Youth “is bigger than the 17th ward,” and he “doesn’t push politics.” As the organization’s founder, he highly encouraged Grobmeier’s class not to be afraid to have “difficult conversations.”
Moore discovers that “our youth” is the next up-and-coming generation whose voice has a chance to be heard and “empowered,” bringing them one step closer to “a seat at the table.” He feels as though this ‘matters’ to the non-profit.
In addition, part of Moore’s role for the City of Chicago is to be there in the presence of youth and adults. Moving forward, he envisions that these young people’s voices may impact the city as a whole.
“[Too many] of our older leadership are stuck in their ways, as where our youth are more open-minded and more open to compromise,” mentioned Moore. He later added, “[They] are more open to see things a different way,” with a chance to grow through the ‘diversity’ of these voices and make better decisions.
Moore continued: “Whether [the city] is dealing with COVID, systematic racism, or economic development, our youth are going to be the ones who impact that greatly.”
Moore believes that young people are more likely to rise to the challenge and be willing to change, uniting rather than dividing our country. He cannot wait for them to address these ‘uncomfortable’ ongoing issues. Moore also tells Grobmeier’s honors students that it is ‘okay’ if people have a difference of opinion as long as they are “civilly engaged.”
When interviewed after the October 29 event, Alderman Moore recognized that the twin sisters invited him to come and see them present, delighted to be there at their request.
On another note, Moore had even acknowledged that these students’ futures are “very promising,” praising Grobmeier for her contributions.
Although Moore is not familiar with the ‘full’ Saint Xavier mission statement, he feels it is important that Moore for Youth ties this back to service. If young people see this change in the world around them, this could better help create an impact “on the world itself.”
“If you are doing service, you are servant,” Moore noted, further explaining, “If you are a servant, then you are providing resources that not only benefit the school but the community around the school.”
He sees the university’s growth and its resources as a ‘guide’ for students. Once they graduate and leave SXU, he hopes this could lead them “to other places” they want to go in the real world.
In her October 25 email, Grobmeier said this group of honors students is seeking graduate school and beyond to continue their education. With practice in conducting research-based work, other projects and presentations they are assigned will help their listening, interpersonal communication, and public speaking.
Grobmeier also looks forward to preparing her honors students with these specific sets of skills so they would have exposure to “the professional level of speaking.”
Over the course of the Fall 2021 Semester term, Grobmeier notices that many of them have crafted some ‘awesome’ projects together, and the academic rigors in the SXU Honors Program “will serve them well as they move into their major courses or careers,” she stated.
Similar to her honors class, “so many of our Communication Majors find work in the nonprofit sector after graduation,” and in Grobmeier’s view, this is admirable.
Grobmeier wished that she had headed towards the direction of professional speaking much sooner, saying she would have “liked to have been pushed a bit more” when she was a college and grad student herself. Still, she hopes “they find value in what they’re learning now” and keep their options open in careers they pursue.
By the end of the week, Grobmeier’s class voted on which presentation suited and “moved them the most,” and she donated on the students’ behalf to that non-profit.
“I firmly believe that any time you can expose people to the amazing work, so many nonprofits are doing good in their own communities, it not only serves the Mercy Mission but the common good,” Grobmeier said.
About Post Author
