Photo Story

 Title: Leadership in Action: A Photo Story of LBCC's Student Leadership Council

What is student Leadership:

The Student Leadership Council (SLC) at Linn-Benton Community College (LBCC) serves as the voice of the students, advocating for their needs, organizing events, and fostering a sense of community on campus. Composed of dedicated student leaders, the SLC represents a diverse group of individuals committed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment. Through attending conferences, planning events, and working closely with the student body, the SLC enhances the college experience for all. Student leadership goes beyond planning events; it embodies teamwork, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others. The SLC is tasked with organizing impactful events, providing feedback to college administration, and ensuring that student voices are heard. Participation in conferences like the Western University Leadership Conference and NACA equips members with skills to innovate and lead effectively, bringing new ideas back to the LBCC campus.

How These Roles Tie into SLC and Make It Whole

The roles of the Student Leadership Council (SLC) members, along with the Leadership Coordinator, Campus Outreach Director, and Volunteer Coordinator, all work together to create a cohesive, dynamic student leadership experience at LBCC. Each role plays a distinct but complementary part in fostering an environment where student leaders can thrive and contribute meaningfully to campus life.

The LBCC Student Leadership Council (SLC) team gathers with enthusiasm and determination as they prepare to kick off another impactful year of serving and supporting the student body.

  Meet the team:

• Student Leadership Council (SLC) members, including the President, Chieftain of Events, and Event Planners, are directly responsible for organizing events, representing the student body, and voicing students' concerns. The council helps create a sense of community on campus through student-run initiatives and leadership opportunities.

• The Leadership Coordinator supports the SLC by providing guidance and mentorship to student leaders. They ensure that the council members develop the skills necessary to lead effectively, helping them manage their roles, enhance their decision-making abilities, and empower them to advocate for their peers. By organizing leadership development programs, the coordinator strengthens the foundation of the SLC's work.

• The Campus Outreach Director enhances the reach and impact of SLC by forging connections with the broader community. They help organize events and initiatives that bring external resources, partnerships, and opportunities to the student body. This role ensures that SLC’s work is not confined to the campus, but that students can engage with and benefit from the wider community.

• The Volunteer Coordinator ties directly into the SLC's mission by encouraging student participation in service projects and volunteer work. This role aligns with the council’s values of leadership and community, allowing students to give back, build leadership skills, and connect with others outside the classroom.

  

Together, these roles ensure that the SLC is more than just a governing body—it becomes a vibrant, student-centered team that develops leadership, facilitates community engagement, and empowers students to take action. Each role supports the others, ensuring that SLC members are equipped with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to make a positive impact at LBCC and beyond.

The Student Leadership Council (SLC) at LBCC embodies a spirit of compassion, advocacy, and dedication, working tirelessly to create a better experience for their peers. By meeting with legislators to address the rising costs of textbooks and resources, they champion the voices of students who often struggle silently. Their community involvement, from volunteering at Storybook Land to organizing a Thanksgiving food drive, reflects a commitment to ensuring no family or student goes without. Efforts to combat food insecurity, along with the popular Film and Fork series—offering free meals and movies—showcase their desire to provide both practical support and moments of joy. The SLC’s work is not just about service; it’s about fostering hope, unity, and resilience in the face of real challenges, reminding everyone of the profound impact collective action can have.

Travis Overvig, SLC President, and Krystal Overvig, Chieftain of Events, guide a group of 25 students in creating intention bracelets during a hands-on workshop at LBCC, June 2024.

In my exploration of student leadership at LBCC, I had the privilege of speaking with Travis Overvig, the Student Leadership Council (SLC) President and Amanda Mendell, the Student Life and Leadership Coordinator. Through these conversations, I gained insight into the vital role the SLC plays in amplifying the voices of students, addressing critical issues such as affordability and food insecurity, and fostering a sense of community on campus. Travis and Amanda shared their perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of supporting students, revealing the passion and dedication that drive their efforts to make LBCC a place where every student can thrive.

 When asked about what the voice of the students means, Travis shared how central it is to their mission. "It's all about listening to and amplifying their needs and concerns," he explained. He emphasized that every student should feel heard and valued, which is why the council conducts surveys during events and elections to understand the challenges students face. “This feedback helps us find ways to support them and ensure their success,” he added.

A typical day for the SLC president is dynamic and filled with meetings. "Every day is different," Travis said. "I meet with students, faculty, and administrators, prepare for our weekly SLC meetings, and lead biweekly Executive Board meetings." He also choses to attend Event Task Force meetings to assist with event planning and student engagement. "It’s the best way to hear from students directly," he noted. Much of his time is spent strategizing and solving problems, particularly regarding ongoing challenges like tuition increases.

When discussing affordability, the president highlighted the SLC's advocacy efforts. "We work with college administrators and state legislators to push for financial aid reforms and increased funding, like for the Oregon Opportunity Grant," he said. Travis also mentioned their collaboration with 11 other community colleges to form the Oregon Community College Student Association (OCCSA), creating a unified platform for advocacy. Locally, they partner with LBCC’s Textbook Affordability team to expand Open Educational Resources (OER) and are exploring new scholarship opportunities to help ease students' financial burdens.

To address food insecurity, the president shared exciting developments like the campus food pantry initiative and the Fork & Film series, which provides free meals and entertainment. "We’ve also tripled our funding for food insecurity programs," he explained, pointing to efforts like the Thanksgiving Food Drive as examples of their commitment to student well-being. They encouraged students to reach out for help, noting that the SLC works closely with Roadrunner Resources to connect students with support and that feedback from student surveys continually shapes their efforts.

 In my interview with Amanda Mendell, Program Assistant for Student Life and Leadership. I gained insight into her crucial role in fostering student development. With four years of experience, Amanda is dedicated to helping students identify their passions and navigate leadership opportunities while ensuring the administration remains attentive to student voices. She finds the most fulfillment in observing students’ personal growth, transforming from uncertain individuals to confident decision-makers. Despite the rewarding aspects, Amanda faces challenges in managing a high volume of ever-changing projects and admits that saying no can be difficult. Her typical day involves overseeing the front desk schedule, delegating tasks, coordinating with the volunteer office, and processing club-related administrative work. One of her most memorable experiences was organizing LBCC’s first Pride Drag Show, an event she recalls with pride and joy. Reflecting on her time as a student leader in 2011, Amanda noted the shift towards greater student autonomy and larger team dynamics but expressed a desire to reinstate the mandatory SLC meetings, which fostered closer bonds. She acknowledges the current team's passion and alignment in goals, despite diverse paths, and emphasizes the need for increased funding to support their initiatives.

Horace Leake, SLC Event Planner, checks in at the NACA Conference in Riverside, California, ready to explore new ideas for enhancing campus life at LBCC

 I had the opportunity to cover a conference attended by some of the council members, the NACA Conference in Riverside, California, the Waverly Park Clean-up, a Halloween party and a tricycle race event. I will briefly showcase some of these impactful events hosted by the SLC.

Alex Loveday, SLC Clubs Director, lends a hand during the park cleanup on October 28, 2023, contributing to LBCC’s efforts in fostering a cleaner, more sustainable community.

The LBCC Student Leadership Council stands as a powerful advocate and support system for the student body, tackling critical issues like affordability, food insecurity, and student engagement with passion and dedication. Through initiatives on campus and participation in events and volunteering, the SLC continues to amplify student voices and create a thriving, inclusive community. Their efforts enhance the transformative power of leadership and collaboration, ensuring every student has the resources and opportunities to succeed. Together, the SLC team embodies the spirit of service, proving that student leadership can truly make a difference.

Students race through the LBCC Courtyard during the tricycle races on May 14, 2024, enjoying pizza, friendly competition, and a fun-filled afternoon of campus community engagement.

A student channels their inner Bob Ross at the Halloween party hosted by the SLC in the Commons, bringing creativity and fun to the spooky festivities, Halloween 2024.