I spoke with Grace Desjardins, the Music Matters Social Ventures' Chair, as well as Justin O'Beirne, the Music Matters Co-President...
What does Music Matters do?
Music Matters is a campus org. that host a variety of music-oriented, social events to fund their community outreach/social ventures. They are geared towards promoting community support through a mutual love of music!
What demographics does Music Matters engage?
Largely, Music Matters is geared towards all Michigan undergrads but they have a variety of different programs through their social venture branch targeting specific demographics like high school students of Detroit and lower income students here at U of M.
Can you speak a little more on your mission statement/values?
Music Matters is primarily focused on the connection that can be drawn between music and community as well as sponsoring community oriented events to spark social change!
Grace, what inspired you to participate in this club?
"I joined sophomore year and was initially interested because of a reference from Justin. He recommended me to the Social Ventures Committee and I immediately felt drawn to the committee's focus on community involvement and giving back."
What events/resources does your organization have available?
"Music Matters Social Ventures Committee sponsors a "BigThinkers" scholarship, that is funded by our other events, like Springfest (an out-door music festival), Battle of the Bands, and Open Mic Night. The BigThinkers scholarship is a need based scholarship of $1,500 awarded to a current U of M student as well as an incoming freshman to help fund academic expenses. This year, there were over 90 applicants, a 200% increase from last year! Music Matters also offers two, $2500 grants to two different student orgs at U of M funded by their community partners!"
As far as events, the Social Ventures Committee also hosts a "college day experience", that is effectively an all-expense-paid tour of U of M, and kind of a "day in the life" of a college student, for Detroit high school students. Social Ventures additionally hosts two panels a year open to the public, presented by their community partners. This year, their most recent panel included faculty of Michigan Medicine presenting on Opiate Addiction Awareness.
What would you guys recommend for someone looking to get involved?
"Come talk to anyone in MM, everyone is very open and friendly and the club environment is very social and welcoming. Explore as many committees as possible to see where your interests lie and where you fit in!"
Is there anything else you guys would like to share?
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