Figaro Loresto, Caroline Birdrow, Xiaoxia Champon, and Colleen McKendry
The ASA GivesBack team, a group dedicated to connecting ASA members with one another and their communities, hosted its third annual GivesBack project at the 2024 Joint Statistical Meetings in Portland, Oregon. The project featured several components aimed at making a meaningful impact.
One initiative involved writing letters to older adults through the Love For Our Elders, an organization whose mission is to combat loneliness by connecting with seniors through handwritten letters.
Another activity encouraged participants to color and decorate pages for Color a Smile, an organization that distributes cheerful drawings to individuals in nursing homes and hospitals, through the Meals on Wheels program, and to service members.
Additionally, the team invited conference attendees to contribute to one of several community puzzles, creating an environment in which to connect with others and recharge.
Beyond the meetings, ASA GivesBack members remain active year-round. They help judge the ASA’s virtual science fair and Fall Data Challenge, organize happy hours (including at ASA meetings), and invite members to participate in a variety of contests and campaigns.
The ASA GivesBack team has arranged the following initiatives to engage with statisticians and data scientists and inspire the next generation:
- Stats Talk for Students/Teachers
A career panel discussion is planned as part of the group’s ongoing Stats Talk series. It will feature professionals from diverse fields sharing insights about their careers in statistics and offering guidance for students on how to navigate their career paths. - Meme/Haiku Contest
Held around Thanksgiving, this contest lets participants express their creativity by connecting statistical concepts using memes or haikus. - ‘Thank a Mentor’ Campaign
Each spring, the GivesBack team invites ASA members to share their stories of gratitude for the mentors who have shaped their journeys and influenced their careers. The submissions are due by April 1, and selected entries will be featured in the May 2025 issue of Amstat News.
How to Get Involved
Whether a student, teacher, or professional, there are plenty of ways to participate. Share your experiences, offer your insights, or help spread the word to make these events a success. Stay updated by following GivesBack on Facebook or joining the email list.
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