Geraldine E. Stirtz, M.Ed. Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning (OSL) Traci D. Schellhase, M.S. UNK Academic & Career Advisor

 Reflections from authors:  Service can be an attitude, a relationship, and a way of being in the world. “We can help through what we do. But at the deepest level we help through who we are.” (Dass & Gorman, 1985, p227)  “Another reason many people engage in service is their recognition of responsibility as an essential aspect of life in a democracy…participation is not only a right but an obligation.” (R.Wade, 1997) Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

Our democracy is changing! ◦ AmeriCorps developed to provide opportunities for citizens of all ages to serve ◦ Educational institutions are recognizing the value of service  to the students as well as the community ◦ Employers are seeking employees with service experiences because…  Service… engages people in the lives of others  …helps in building relationships  …strengthens communities  …promotes life-long civic engagement  once involved, individuals stay involved Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

Provides Major Federal funding support Encourages the use of service-learning to enhance and strengthen the base of National volunteer efforts UNK Rural Corps Project one of many supported throughout the US ServeNebraska, funded by the Corporation, provides statewide grants and encourages training in service-learning to enhance the meaning of service for participants. Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

Office for Service-Learning Goal:  “Build a Corps of Engaged Citizens in South Central Nebraska ◦ Past year - 15 Varied Host Sites  opportunities for citizens 18 and older  Receive stipend, an education award, based on hours served & position size  Full, Half, Reduced Half, Quarter, Minimum Time slots ◦ Members-70+ enrolled, past 4 years Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 Provide support for agencies and programs in the community  Sustainable partnerships previously established with Office for Service-Learning  Coaching, training for Supervisors very critical ◦ Understanding AmeriCorps structure and purpose ◦ Reporting challenges – measuring impact ◦ Restricted Member’s Activities ◦ Responsibilities to/for Members ◦ Relationships  Community awareness-promotion  On-going training and support  Express/celebrate appreciation for partnerships Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

A program that helps Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the nation’s educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs, with a goal to achieve direct and measurable results, encouraging all Americans to engage in service.

Learn & Serve America AmeriCorps Senior Corps Learn & Serve America  State Ed Agencies (K- 12)  Higher Ed Institutions  Community-based Orgs  Tribes Local Projects  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices Nat’l Demonstration Projects  HQ  Nat’l Organizations Foster Grandparents  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices RSVP  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices Senior Companions  Sponsoring Agencies  State Offices Nat’l Demonstration Projects  Nat’l Organizations  Sponsoring Agencies National, Regional & Local Projects  SE Region Campus  NE Region Campus  Central Region Campus  Western Region Campus  Capital Region Campus A  Promise Fellows Grants  State Commissions  Nat’l Organizations  Tribes & Territories State Grants  State Commissions Ed Award Program Grants  State Commissions  Nat’l Organizations  Tribes & Territories Tribes & Territories Grants National Direct Grants  Nat’l Parent Organizations Presidential Freedom Scholarships  HS Jrs/Sr Nat’l S-L Clearinghouse  All S-L practitioners & researchers Nat’l L&S America T/TA Exchange  All S-L practitioners A  State & National A  NCCC A  VISTA  Sponsoring Agencies VISTA Leaders  HQ  Sponsoring Agencies The National Service Network Programs & Partners Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 American Red Cross  Arc of Buffalo County  Kearney Community Learning Center (KCLC)  Kearney Public Schools (KPS)  Rowe Sanctuary  UNK Frank House Historical Museum  UNK Office for Service-Learning  Great Platte River Road Archway  Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity  United Way of the Kearney Area  Habitat for Humanity  Kearney Area Community Foundation Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 Project/Program development  Educational  Community engagement  Fundraising  Secretarial work  Fulfilling previously paid positions Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 US Army Veteran  Served a half-time and a full-time position ◦ 2010 & 2011 grant years  Developed various community programs  Recruited individuals in rural communities  Accepted a full-time position in August 2012 Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 Unemployed college graduate  Served 2 half-time positions  Developed educational curriculum for visitors and tour groups  “I grew up in the Scouts doing camping and that sort of thing. Working here seemed like a good fit, combining my love of the outdoors with environmental education.” Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 Served one reduced half-time position, 2010  Increased campus awareness of service-learning  Assisted with organization and preparation of monthly member meetings  Helped assist Program Director w/ training  Worked with small groups of ELL students Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 Professional Development Training ◦ Various topics  AmeriCorps/Corporation/ServeNebraska Overview  Service-Learning (OSL Director)  Career Planning & Resume Building (Career Services)  Conflict Management (Mediation Center)  Multicultural Awareness (Social Work Faculty)  Working with Persons with Disabilities (Arc Program)  Disaster Preparedness (Red Cross)  Member Projects  Reporting ◦ Developed Reporting Forms Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 Promoted on campus and in community ◦ Posters in buildings & businesses ◦ Brochures developed, printed, distributed at campus events ◦ announcements in campus system ◦ Flyers distributed to faculty asking to share ◦ Student bulletins and campus paper information ◦ Radio/TV conversations ◦ Area newspaper stories Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,

 Questions?  Contact for assistance or additional Program grant funds from the Corporation for National & Community Service Supported through ServeNebraska Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning,