The Social Action Leadership Team (SALT) is the Spirit-led social justice ministry of the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University in which students in community seek to embody the Christian call to be the ‘salt of the earth’ (Matt. 5:13).
Taking seriously this call, SALT students develop and practice a Christian theology of social action, and raise awareness and encourage a Christian response to social justice issues. As an essential part of this mission, SALT partners with both international and local communities in order to address critical needs within those areas. Every year for the past two decades, SALT has selected a specific project in need of funding and organized a fund-raising campaign around it known as the World Relief Campaign (WRC). These projects may vary greatly in location and type but consistently offer a sustainable asset to the selected community. Once the project and target monetary goal are established, SALT works to educate and organize the campus and the city in order to both increase awareness of the need within that region and raise funds. Begun and completed during each spring semester, the World Relief Campaign is a fast-paced and large-scale fundraising drive.
SALT is excited to announce the 2010 WRC: Casas for Kids: From House to Hope! This campaign will benefit children on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. SALT will fund the construction of a house to be used as a foster home for four to five children in the village of Los Angeles. SALT will be working in cooperation with Praxis Center and CICRIN Orphanage in Los Angeles to carry out this fund raising campaign and educate the Valparaiso community about the impact that a consistent and loving home can have on a growing child.
There are three major goals of Casas for Kids:
- First, SALT has set a monetary goal of $12,500 to be raised by May 2010 which will be used to fund the construction of a foster home in Los Angeles, Nicaragua.
- Second, SALT seeks to educate VU and the Valparaiso community about the culture and people who live in Nicaragua (specifically those on Ometepe Island), and the effects of safe and nurturing homes for children in this area.
- Finally, SALT hopes to equip and inspire student leaders to become lifelong activists.
Looking to get involved? Help us by giving online! or participating in our Run for Shelter 5k this Saturday, April 10th around VU's campus. Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the chapel and is $20 to participate, with the race begins at 10.
Follow SALT on Twitter at SALTatVU for further updates and ways to get involved, including a link to a Chili's Bar & Grill Donation Voucher for Tuesday, April 13th. For more information, check out www.valpo.edu/chapel/salt or read our case statement at http://www.valpo.edu/chapel/news/casas-for-kids-case.php
Help us help Nicaragua!