A Community Service Day with Luvin’ Arms Benefited both Humans and Animals. Written by Senior CAP Instructor Erin Angel.

Although many people don’t realize it, the MLK Jr. holiday was originally designated in 1983 as a day of service. The idea was that people got the day off of work or school to do civic engagement or service, not just stay home and do whatever. And now, with so many difficult things in the news and all around us, we can feel powerless and apathetic if we don’t find ways to act. So the Cottonwood Alumni group is bringing back MLK Jr. Day as a day of service!

The Cottonwood Institute Alumni group is comprised of former Community Adventure Program (CAP) and Changemaker students who learned about the Cycle of Hope vs. the Cycle of Cynicism in class and now use it in their daily lives. Let us explain. Let’s say you see a problem in your community. Of course you want to help. But how? A person who might get caught in the Cycle of Cynicism won’t see how they can help with the issue, so they don’t do anything about it and start to feel powerless. After a while, they shut down and become numb to the world’s problems. A person who is in the Cycle of Hope may see the same problem, but they make an effort to imagine a better world and do some research to find out the causes of the problem. Then they take a step, big or small, to help out in some way. They may even invite some friends to join them. This person feels control in their world and has a sense of hope, and even though there will always be problems, they know how to make the world a little better.

Our Alumni are still passionate about social and environmental justice even after they graduated, and they are committed to keeping the bonds of service and friendship alive. They organized a day of service with Luvin’ Arms Animal Sanctuary as a way to make the world just a little better. They invited others in the CI community to join them in making enrichment toys for rescued farm animals using recycled fire hoses. Nancy, the kind and fabulous Luvin’ Arms Volunteer Coordinator, first introduced everyone to all of the pigs, sheep, goats, and cows. They made time for lots of hugs and belly scratches before they got down to the creative business of making toys for their new friends. Before the end of the frosty day, they installed some of the enrichment toys and got a chance to watch the animals’ curiosity as they explored and played. They ended the day with the satisfaction of making the world a better place while also enjoying each other’s company.

If you would like to support the work Cottonwood Institute does in helping young people realize their power and agency in this world, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!

A big thanks to the funders and supporters that make the Changemaker Program possible, including: Adams & Reese, Larrk Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Thorne Nature Experience, and Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program.