The Good Ideas Club

Participating in events on campus that they perceive to be fun and engaging, The Good Ideas Club aims to create a think-tank of creative individuals dedicated to the development of new ideas, member Michael Nowak said.

The club meets once every two weeks and hopes to advance themselves and the community by participating in practical, small-scale projects to theoretical, large-scale endeavors.

In other words, the point of the The Good Ideas Club is to have fun with whatever is available, Nowak said. He cited the Homecoming game and rally as an example of a club activity.

One Laptop Per Child

An organization that works with disadvantaged elementary school students in Madison, One Laptop Per Child uses XO laptops to teach students the basics of computer science.

The laptop is specially designed to introduce kids to computing, member Megan Kinneberg said, and gives students hands-on experience solving problems.

Currently the group is working with Hispanic elementary students in underserved parts of Madison, using the XO laptops to help the kids learn about engineering, teamwork and creative problem solving, Kinneberg said.

In addition, the organization does volunteer work around Madison, often in conjunction with groups such as the Boys & Girls Club and other local groups, Kinneberg said.

Hypnotiq

UW’s original hip-hop dance crew, all students are welcome to participate with Hypnotiq. According to member Jee-Ahn Suh, Hypnotiq is not so much a competitive group, but rather more of an outlet for dancers to come together and have fun.

Hypnotiq also holds free workshops to benefit the Madison community as a whole. Founded in September 2006, Hypnotiq performs at many events on and off campus, Suh said.

In addition, the organization sponsors local and national hip-hop choreographers to further provide UW students with opportunities to explore different hip-hop styles.

There is no cost to join, but members must provide their own dance equipment.