Transcript Exploring Careers Through Experiential Learning

Civic Engagement at
Mary Baldwin College
Tips for Having a Successful
Service-Learning or
Community Service Experience
Workshop Agenda
1. What is Civic Engagement?
2. Reasons to Participate
3. Selecting the “Right”
Community Partner for You
4. Approaching Community
Partners
5. Tips for Success
6. Ethics and Responsibilities
7. Remember to Say “THANKS”
8. Contact Information
“Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world: indeed, it’s the only
thing that ever has.” --Margaret Mead
What is Civic
Engagement?
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“Civic engagement means working to
make a difference in the civic life of
our communities and developing the
combination of knowledge, skills, values and
motivation to make that difference. It
means promoting the quality of life in a
community, through both political and nonpolitical processes.”[1]
[1] Thomas Ehrlich, Ed. Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, Phoenix: Oryx
Press, 2000, vi.
Service Learning vs.
Community Service
From Learning Through Serving: A Student Guidebook to ServiceLearning Across the Disciplines
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Service-Learning: Students engage in
community service activities with intentional
academic and learning goals and
opportunities for reflection that connect to
their academic disciplines.
Community Service: Students Engage in
activities to meet actual community needs
as an integrated aspect of the curriculum
Service-Learning
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Connect course content with actual
experience
The point is for you to grow your skills
and knowledge because you are
bringing your capabilities to REAL
WORLD problems, and benefit the
community in the meantime.
Service-Learning
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Students engage in community service
activities with intentional academic
and learning goals and opportunities
for reflection that connect to their
academic disciplines.
Service-Learning = Community-Based
Learning Experience
Reasons to Participate in
Community Service/
Service- Learning
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Make a difference in your community
and in the lives of other people.
Cultivate new skills.
Gain practical experience in a potential
career field.
Learn about the working of non-profit
organizations.
Selecting the “Right”
Community Partner for
You
– What are your interests?
– What are your skills?
– What do you care about?
What are your interests?
Identify your INTERESTS - the things that
you enjoy doing, discussing or daydreaming
about often.
– Hobbies
– Sports
– Academic subjects
– Work activities
– Issues
(these will make sure you are satisfied with your
choice, and motivated to achieve your/your
community’s goals)
What are your skills?
Identify your SKILLS
– Learned - tangible things
we’ve learned to do
(computer skills)
– Innate - aptitudes/talents
(artistic abilities)
– Personality – character
traits such as: hardworking,
motivated, creative, detailoriented, etc.
What do you care about?
Identify your VALUES
–
–
–
–
–
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–
Family
Social Justice
Freedom
Ethics
Fun/leisure
Job security
Religion/Spiritual
Before Calling Potential
Agencies…
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Don’t procrastinate…it may take a couple of
WEEKS to get this project completely set up!
Consider what you/your group would like to
learn/gain from your service-learning experience and
how this ties in with the course goals/objectives.
Consider what population you/your group would like
to work with during your project (i.e., young children,
teens, elderly people, people with mental/physical
disabilities, people who are low income, etc.)
By doing something that you find interesting,
everyone involved will benefit. Don’t just do a
project to get it done and out of the way. This
will reflect in your work and ultimately on MBC
students as a whole.
Come to the Spencer
Center!
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Come into the Spencer Center and meet with
the director of civic engagement to research
some potential non-profit agencies and/or
projects. If working in a large group, send one
or two representatives to do some research,
rather than going as an entire group.
You can also research agencies online by
visiting www.mbc.edu/spencercenter/communityservice.asp
During Your Initial Call…
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Ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator
for the agency and tell them the name of
your professor/course.
Clearly explain the entire scope of your
project and your learning objectives
(have something prepared if it makes you
nervous).
Don’t be alarmed or disgruntled if they are
not able to utilize your services at this time..
Find out if there is any necessary training
involved and let them know about YOUR
skills/experience.
Note:
**Do not be alarmed if the person on your
list is not there. There tends to be a higher
turn over rate in non-profit organizations.
If the listed contact person is not there,
just ask for the Volunteer Coordinator.
During Your Community
Service…
Be A Good Volunteer
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Be flexible
Show up!
Arrive to work on time
Call if you are going to
be absent or late (these
agencies are counting on
you)
Carry out work
assignments in a
conscientious manner
Be aware of expectations
& office culture
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Meet deadlines
Be professional
(Maintain confidentiality & code
of ethics)
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Adhere to the policies and
procedures of the
organization
Dress appropriately
Show initiative and
interest in your work
Ask Questions, Clarify,
and Learn . . .
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Treat your volunteer/community service
as an opportunity to learn
Think critically and ask questions
Clarify work assignments to know what
is expected.
Pursue opportunities to learn more
(special projects/events, committees,
etc.).
Tips On Keeping A Journal
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Don’t procrastinate!
– Reflect on your experiences daily.
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Document observations & experiences.
– Formulate questions.
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Record reactions.
– What are you learning?
– What skills have you used and/or acquired?
– How does it inform what you are learning in class?
Ethics and Responsibilities
in Service-Learning
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You are representing Mary Baldwin
College!
Be drug and alcohol free during your
service–learning project
Conduct yourself with integrity (be
honest, show respect for individuals
and property)
Ethics and
Responsibilities cont…
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Be on time!
Carry out all assigned tasks, follow
through
(Don’t over commit or make promises
you can’t keep)
Carefully plan your time, agencies will
work with you around your class
schedule
Ethics and
Responsibilities cont…
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Dress and Act appropriately
Be flexible!
Keep confidentiality about clients
In the event of problems, call me!
Suspected child abuse must be
reported to the Department of Social
Services
After Your ServiceLearning Experience…
Remember to Say
“THANKS”
THANK the people with whom you
have worked…they will have
helped you with YOUR project!
More Opportunities
[email protected]
540-887-7111
The Spencer Center in Wenger Hall