“SALSA has impacted me in so many ways over the past four years. By spreading little pieces of hope and happiness throughout the greater Brandon and Sioux Falls community, I feel that I am making a tangible difference and helping disenfranchised individuals right within my backyard.”

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           - Mazzi Moore, current BVHS Youth Action Council member

 

SALSA is a growing club at BVHS, but what is SALSA? Despite its familiar-sounding name, it stands for “Serve and Learn Student Association,” an organization focused on connecting high school students with opportunities to volunteer in the community. With no fee to join SALSA is a great and easy way for anyone to find nonprofit organizations and log and track volunteer hours. 

 

Brandon Valley High School has a SALSA meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 AM in the BVHS Community Room. Even if you already volunteer, SALSA makes it simple to log and track those hours with the Volunteer Matrix. Here is the link: https://helplinecenter.volunteermatrix.com/. 

 

Joining is as simple as attending a meeting. The Youth Action Council is available to help new attendees feel welcome. One of this year's YACs, Mazzi Moore, says, “By hanging posters throughout the school, we invite students to reach out to a YAC member if they are anxious about attending their first meeting alone.” 

 

But why volunteer? If you volunteer you will be helping others and making a difference while learning new skills, exploring potential careers, and meeting new people.

 

“I can certainly attest that many students join the club as a resume booster; however, the impact on others is what motivates them to stay.”

         - Mazzi Moore, current BVHS Youth Action Council member

 

If you have any questions you can contact the club advisor, Mrs. Lockner, or any of the YAC members, which include Mazzi Moore, Logan Brakke, Alexavia Waysman, Libby Klein, and Olivia Rieffenberger.

 

“Helpline Center: Partner: Salsa - Serve and Learn Student Association.” Helpline Center | Partner, volunteer.helplinecenter.org/organization/001G000000u0J4oIAE. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.