1. + Building from the Ground Out: Capitalizing on Service Networks to Create Community Service Learning Projects Deborah McMakin, Ed.D., M.S.W, LICSW Assistant Professor, Psychology & Philosophy Emily Abel, M.Ed. Academic Advisor & Coordinator, Program Leading to Undergraduate Success (PLUS)

2. + Agenda Introductions Service Learning Project Case Example Project Planning & Development Case example Individual & Group Brainstorming

3. + Session objectives Identify ways to strengthen and utilize existing relationships with campus personnel and community partners to reach service learning goals Identify strategies for collaborative goal setting within the community and higher education

4. + Introductions Name Where you work/what you do Favorite childhood television show What do you hope to get out of today’s session?

5. + Service Learning: Working Definition “Service learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities” (Learn and Serve America National Service Learning Clearinghouse). Service connected to coursework Learning comes from reflection

6. + The Project: An Overview 6 Rec students middle/high school students visited two FSU undergraduate classes for pre-service teachers Mini lecture & small group discussions “What makes a good teacher?” “Typical” Day Q & A

7. + Project Co-Construction FSU Rec Center The Project

8. + Project Development Framework Preparation Project Identification Planning Action Reflection Evaluation

9. + Project Identification (Needs assessment) Pre-Service teachers Limited community experiences College students Child development “What makes a good teacher?” Course Content FSU- Mentoring Metrowest Recreation Center Communities

10. + Our Project Networks Alumni (Jessica) University Career Office (FSU Career Services & Employer Relations) Colleagues & Existing Programs (Emily & FSU Mentor Program )

11. + Capitalizing on Existing Networks and Planning: Build Relationships Meetings and visits Emily had existing social capital with which to understand rec center organizational culture (roles, power, perspectives and expectations) Emily as cultural broker Informed relationship building necessary for needs assessment & collaborative planning

12. + College Life: Experiences & Assumptions

13. + Planning: Bridging Needs & Objectives Exposure to college environment Experience in a college classroom Challenge preconceived notions about college & students Exposure to middle & high school students Experience talking with students about teaching Challenge preconceived notions about students, their likes/dislikes Rec Center Psych of Dev

14. + Planning: Situating the Project

15. + Planning: Logistics Orienting activities Transportation Parking Lunch April vacation schedule

16. + Challenges & Lessons “Best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” Attendance barriers Limited resources for: preparation action reflection evaluation Learn about the Rec Center

17. + Who is in Your Network? Individually, take 3-4 minutes to brainstorm who is in your current and potential networks with which to cultivate a service learning partnership Share your ideas with your group; there is always the potential to create new partnerships

18. + Needs Assessment Individually, take 3-4 minutes to brainstorm the needs of the community, students/and or organization, as well as limitations and barriers Share your ideas with your group and learn from one another

19. + References and Resources Bringle, R.G., & Hatcher, J.A. (1995). A Service Learning Curriculum for Faculty. Michigan Journal of Community Service Learning, fall, pp. 112-122. Campus Compact: http://masscampuscompact.org/http://masscampuscompact.org/ Database: http://www.idealist.org/http://www.idealist.org/ Geiger, Elke. Service-Learning Toolbox. http://www.nwrel.org/ruraled/learnserve/resources/SL_Tool box.pdf http://www.nwrel.org/ruraled/learnserve/resources/SL_Tool box.pdf