Service-Learning

From Campus to Career 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

Service-Learning Frustrating Chaotic Messy learning Strangely satisfying

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. 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 Intro to Service-Learning / Matching groups to organizations: Sept 21 Face-to-Face Client meetings: Oct 5 in class time (needs assessment) Problem statement due to Professor: Oct 26 Client Response due: Nov 2 (Print for Professor) Second client visit: Nov 9 (can request site visit, at community partners convenience) Final Reports and Presentation due: Nov 30 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 website – These slides – Confidentiality Agreement – Etiquette – Conference call – how to

Community Partner: Canadian Mental Health Association Niagara Branch George Kurzawa Ext 626 Our Clinical Manager position has been operating for a few years but is in need of a review. She feels her job description does not accurately reflect what she does or should do at the agency. We would like a new job description. (One Group) We would like more feedback and involvement from our clients and families, regarding our operations. This project would investigate (survey, focus groups etc), provide recommendations, and report back to the client advisory committee. (Three Groups)

Community Partner: Community Living- Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln Debra Grieve-Knight ext 204 Community Living serves individuals with development disabilities We would like to submit the following project for consideration: Using our current Competency Assessment we would like a group of students to review,research and develop a series of appropriate corresponding Technical Competencies for all front line service providers within our agency. We would like a new job description created that better reflects the roles and responsibilities of the Employment Services workers. One team for each project *

Community Partner: Paul Hansell Foundation Nathanial Taylor (Recent Goodman Grad- Intern) Paul Hansell Foundation is working to increase awareness of mental health issues for youth. They are a sponsor of Wellness Week at Brock and want to ensure they understand the needs and opportunities of all Brock stakeholders. Stakeholder analysis/engagement Two Teams *

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