By Amanda Wilson
AVP, Student and Alumni Affairs

The National Day of Service and Remembrance honors the first responders, public servants and the nearly 3,000 lives lost during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This day also calls the community to action and to promote acts of kindness, compassion, and service for educating the next generation.

WVSA and Other Volunteers to Create a Little Free Library in Ranson

On Friday, September 11, the American Military University (AMU) and American Public University (APU) chapter of the West Virginia Students’ Alliance (WVSA) will sponsor and participate in a National Day of Service and Remembrance event at the Ranson Civic Center in Ranson, West Virginia.

Observing social distancing practices, a group of volunteers consisting of local students, alumni, university faculty, and staff members will promote literacy by repairing, painting, and restocking a Little Free Library. This miniature outdoor library offers a weatherproof box stocked with various books that local children and adults can read for free. Books can also be donated as well.

WVSA Chapter President Geoffrey Koch says, “WVSA is proud to volunteer in our local communities once again. The Little Free Library at the Ranson Civic Center is a wonderful example of embedding a no-cost, low-carbon footprint location focused on providing literature options to everybody. Preserving and improving on the selection of Little Free Libraries ensures these incredible sources of literature are available to those curious to explore new worlds or learn more about the one we inhabit.”

Participating in the Little Free Library Project

The Little Free Library project is one of hundreds of National Day of Service and Remembrance service activities championed by AMU and APU’s student organizations in 2020. Share your acts of service on September 11 by using #APUSGivesBack on your social media channels.

Members of the university community and friends can get involved in this worthy effort by contacting the Office of Student and Alumni Affairs at studentaffairs@apus.edu.

About WVSA

Established in 2017, WVSA’s goal is “to bring recognition to the issues facing the state of West Virginia and present opportunities to assist, serve, and lead projects that make a difference.” WVSA members consist of AMU and APU students, alumni, faculty, and university staff members.

WVSA is one of more than 70 student organizations at American Public University System. Each has its own mission rooted in leadership, service and community engagement. Student organizations follow the University’s Chapter Standards Program.

About the Author

Amanda Wilson joined American Public University System in 2008 after four years of teaching and coaching in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Amanda serves as the Associate Vice President of Student and Alumni Affairs, developing and expanding co-curricular programming and engagement opportunities for students and alumni primarily at a distance. Throughout her tenure, Amanda has developed the strategy and laid the groundwork for a variety of programs, including mentoring, student organizations, virtual communities, and campus leadership initiatives.

She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in leadership and holds a master’s degree in business and a bachelor’s degree in English. Also, Amanda is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and a member and Chapter Advisor for the West Virginia Students’ Alliance.