Steppin' Out Recognized For Outstanding Contributions

by Amanda Lewis, Student Newswriter

Steppin' Out, Baylor's bi-annual day of community service, was recognized with the Ruthe Jackson Youth Leadership Award, presented at the 36th annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference July 8-11 in Dallas. Keep Texas Beautiful honored 40 civic organizations, businesses, schools and youth groups for their contributions toward restoring the state of Texas.
Steppin' Out, which is held twice a year in the fall and spring, earned first place in the university division for its work transforming homes in the Waco area through painting, cleaning and landscaping. In addition to beautifying nearly 100 job sites, volunteers visited local nursing homes and helped clean up the shores of Lake Waco. Since its inception in 1985, Steppin' Out has become one the largest university service programs in the nation, involving more than 100 student groups and 2,500 participants.
"Our goal is to instill an intentional attitude about service within our students," said Jessica Truglio, Baylor's coordinator of community service. "As members of any community, they will seek out ways to be actively involved. This involvement propels change not only in the community but within each individual as well."
The Keep Texas Beautiful awards recognize individuals and groups for their commitment to litter prevention and cleanup, illegal dumping enforcement, solid waste management, beautification and community improvement. Serving the state since 1967, Keep Texas Beautiful has reduced roadside litter by 52 percent and cosponsored several environmental campaigns, including "Don't Mess with Texas" and Texas Recycles Day.
"We want Steppin' Out to serve as a spring board for service," Truglio said. "Students, faculty and community members are able to have exposure to service while hopefully creating a desire to be involved on a deeper level."
For more information about Steppin' Out and other Baylor service opportunities, contact Truglio at (254) 710-6938.