While I am thrilled that the Technique chose to dedicate their “Focus” section to community and worldwide philanthropy based at Tech, I am disappointed that none of the articles mentioned Circle K, which is the premier volunteer community service organization at Tech. The collegiate affiliate of Kiwanis International (equivalent to Key Club for high schools), Circle K is the largest volunteer service organization of its kind in the world, and Tech’s chapter one of the largest community service organizations at the institute in terms of both membership and service hours completed. Circle K conducts service projects throughout the year with many of the outside volunteer coordinators mentioned in last week’s articles, making a tremendous impact both in the Atlanta and international communities.
Ministries and service organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Kashi Street meals, Medshare International, and Crossroads Atlanta specifically recognize GT Circle K. But more importantly, so do the children that we serve at places like the Bellwood Boys and Girls Club and Tech organizations we partner with like the Youth Enrichment Program and the Community Service Council. Circle K embodies the institute motto of “Progress and Service” with innovative, dynamic, and synergistic approaches to community service in a friendly, low-pressure, and always spirited way. For much of Atlanta “outside the bubble,” we in Circle K are the ambassadors of Tech and it is a role that we proudly embrace. For others we are just anonymous college kids that stand up against an empty stomach or an illiterate child. With all due respect to the fraternity and sorority communities, the headline got it wrong, Circle Kers—not Greeks—head the philanthropic efforts at Tech.
Joe Charbonnet
Treasurer and President Emeritus, GT Circle K