Service-Learning

Both Sides of the Brain Service-Learning is a form of applied learning Helps the student learn about themselves Helps the student learn about their community Helps the student better grasp the course material

Win-Win The community benefits in the short term from the service provided and in the long term from a more engaged citizenship. Last year… 1100 FOB students earned grades helping 169 small business and non-profits grow their capacity.

What Students report getting out of Service- Learning Students report: Work experience on my resume. Have a new understanding of services in my community. Learned something to help me with career choices Have a better understanding of course material Have a better understanding of how non-profits work. Have something I could speak about in a job interview about how I have applied my business skills. Think I might like to work or volunteer my skills in a non-profit setting again. Feel good knowing I made a difference for a community serving organization.

Skills employers look for… Problem-solving Communication (written & oral) Integrative thinking Teamwork

Agenda Project description & Timeline Service-Learning success tips Non-profits & small business Other tools and resources – and Conference call etiquette List of choices Picking a project

Project Description - Timetable CONSULTING PROJECT: To meet with your client, assess their need, develop a solution based on the needs and resources available or accessible to the client. Prepare a professional report. Video Presentation of solution to Client, and Professor Final step – 10 minutes online Reflect on what you’ve learning about the course material, yourself and your community during this project…by completing on-line Survey.

Timeline Matching groups to organizations: Today! Face-to-Face Client meetings: Oct 8 in class time 2-3pm (needs assessment) Interim Report presented to client Nov 5 (2-3 pm 15 minutes per team). Hard copy to professor in class. Final Reports and Video Presentation due: Nov 26 (submit video link and soft copy of report to your client) Report team hours into project

S-L Success Strategies Preparation – Know what you need to know! – You’re running the meeting – with intros and a light outline of first visit goals/agenda Accountability – Keep in touch with your client…regularly – Confidentiality Agreement- Print it, bring it, sign it!! Professionalism – Dress, communication style, punctuality, courtesy – These clients may be one of your referrals in future hiring process!

Non-Profits and Small Business Will generally be immensely grateful for your help It can be a lot like herding cats Don’t communicate at the speed of light… you will need to think ahead about what you need I’m there to help manage expectations

Extra Resources Posted on Sakai – These slides – Client contact information and project description – Confidentiality Agreement – Etiquette – Conference call – how to

List of Choices 1. Niagara Regional Police- Diversity in recruiting 2. Niagara Centre of Native Women- Virtual Team management 3. Oak Centre- Policies and Procedures 4. Goodman Career- CACEE data benchmarking

Contact Info Taro Hall X5023 Don’t wait for full panic…. Be proactive!