This semester, students in Communication and Language Studies Lecturer Mary Robins’s “Small Group Communication” course partnered with community nonprofits to create awareness and fundraising campaigns. Over a six-week period, Robins’s 27 students grouped up and raised more than $900, which will assist the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, Salvation Army, Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, Toys for Tots, and Dare to Dream Ranch.

Working with representatives from each organization, students raised money through tabling events, placing toy and food collection bins across campus, putting up fliers, and making social media posts. Many volunteered or toured the facilities so they could share the organization’s mission with Bryant’s community. In addition to giving back to others, students gained a better understanding of the communicative practices that make small groups successful and learned to diagnose and rectify potential obstacles to good group work.

Students shared their experience with classmates and organization representatives Tuesday afternoon. Those raising funds for Toys for Tots talked about their tour of the Providence-based warehouse where they saw the collection and distribution process in action. Listening to Major Wes Anliker, the group learned about the Marine Corps Reserve’s annual campaign where, last year, they distributed more than 88,000 toys to nearly 20,000 children throughout Rhode Island.

“We wanted to do our part in helping them surpass that number,” senior Jack Scott told his peers.

Wrapping up the afternoon presentations, students working with Dare to Dream Ranch explained how the organization provides alternative therapy programs for U.S. military veterans struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. After sharing how much they raised, they couldn’t help but smile when noting that the funds will support free or low-cost service dogs for veterans in need.