Leduc Center for Civic Engagement Mission… To enrich the lives of our students and community We do this through… a) Engagement in complex issues that integrate our collective knowledge, skills, and abilities with community challenges. b) Reciprocally grounded partnerships that develop and recast based on organizational and community priorities.

Dear UMass Dartmouth Resident Assistants, Here at the Leduc Center for Civic Engagement we strive to connect students, faculty and staff to meaningful opportunities to serve our community and make a positive impact. Please consider that we are here to help develop resources (i.e. materials and transportation) and connections that make a successful service experience for all. So let’s work together! It is often through service that students find a connection to friends, careers and academics that make the positive difference in their college and future success. Whether by sharing our information with residents, scheduling a service activity for your floor partners like you are essential to the goals of this work. We look forward to helping to turn your ideas and aspirations for your residents into a reality. Don’t hesitate to stop in and let us know how we can help. Yours in Service, Deirdre Healy, Director Community Service and Partnerships UMass Dartmouth | Leduc Center for Civic Engagement

Two Major Activities Community ServiceService-Learning

America READS Program Opportunity for UMass Dartmouth students to help to get elementary students to the third grade reading and math level by third grade. Over 160 UMass Dartmouth students tutoring and mentoring at local elementary schools. This is a workstudy, volunteer and experiential learning opportunity

College Positive Program UMass Dartmouth students expose local High School students to college options, resources, and materials to be successful in the college application process and mentor elementary and middle school children to be “college positive”. Students give campus tours and presentations. This is a workstudy and volunteer opportunity.

VITA is a strategic partnership between the IRS, Charlton College of Business, the Leduc Center, and the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern MA CEDC whereby UMass Dartmouth students are trained to serve as income tax preparers. Michael Griffin, a member of the Accounting & Finance Department at the Charlton College of Business at UMass Dartmouth recently provided an update for this year's VITA program. This past semester, 39 UMD students - mostly business (and a vast majority from accounting) volunteered many hours at the Community Economic Development (CEDC) Center in New Bedford in the VITA program. The volume of work at the CEDC was up 26% over last year with 1,530 tax returns (state and federal) completed, almost $2 million in tax refunds processed - much of which came from utilization of the earned income tax credit (EITC) and education credits. This work is a significant contribution to the area economy and a tremendous help to families who need a financial boost! For more information contact Mike Griffin or Deirdre Healy

Leadership Endeavor Scholars - UMass Dartmouth awards new Endeavor Scholarships each year to students who are selected based on their academic achievement, their leadership experience, and their dedication to community service. Recipients will spend significant time together in leadership training and development, innovative community-related coursework, plus service and outreach activities: a cohort experience that nurtures civic-minded responsibility. Leaders in Service - Selected UMass Dartmouth students have the opportunity to complete 30 hours of service and leadership training in exchange for a $250 stipend.. This program is dependent on receiving funding. Application available early Fall.

Our Partners

Service Activities… First Saturday (of the month) of Service usually 1-3:30pm transporation provided – register with Leduc Center for Civic Engagement UMass Dartmouth Students with Fall River’s Mayor Flanagan during First Saturday of Service at urban tree farm project.

9/11 Day of Service and Reflection at Dartmouth YMCA “Share the Harvest” All campus service event, transportation provided.

Connecting for Change Connecting for Change is a two-day event committed to promoting visionary, innovative and practical ways to create positive change in communities. Over 75 exhibitors, 40 workshops, an on-site farmers market, and lots of educational and entertaining programs engage 5,000+ visitors throughout the weekend. Events take place throughout 19 venues and designated areas in downtown New Bedford, creating an energetic marketplace for all involved. UMass Dartmouth students are involved as conference volunteers and attendees. Visit Leduc Center for more information.

MLK Day Service Rally

Food Justice Campaign WALK FOR HUNGER, BOSTON MA SUNDAY MAY 4 TH 2014 TEAM LEDUC!

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) Leduc Center facilitates and provides support for a variety of ASB programs. Topics include: Think globally, act locally Service with Wampanoag tribe, Martha’s vineyard Sustainability Hunger and homelessness Contact us to create your own!

Earth Eve Participate in annual earth day parade on AHA night in Apri l.

Spring into Service (an annual week of service activities during April school vacation week 2014 included: operation clean sweep, our brother’s keeper, share the havest and …) Battle Ship Cove: Restoration projects guarantee that this historic site stays beautiful and robust for the future! Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary: Volunteers helped ensure endangered beach birds had safe space for spring nesting ! Trustees of Reservation: Volunteers aided in the protections and transplanting of their bio-reserve of Atlantic Cedar Trees

Got an idea? Think we can help? Give Us a Call! Create a mural. Organize a unique service trip !

SERVICE LEARNING

Service-Learning Examples Charlton College –Adopt a Shore Line –Web page development College of Visual and Performing Arts –People Inc. –Downtown Fall River College of Engineering –Traffic Study Law School –Ongoing Clinics

Assessment: Service-Learning & Retention Student Retention “As a result of service learning class here...” Cum Totals: Agree & Strongly Agree N% of Total I will be returning next semester or year I am more involved in the campus community I have gotten friends involved in service I feel a part of the UMD campus I am choosing to graduate from UMD I feel part of the local community

For more information… Deirdre Healy Director Community Service and Partnerships Leduc Center for Civic Engagement LARTS 023 |