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AmeriCorps*VISTA Program
VISTA ASSIGNMENT GUIDE
2011 – 2012
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ILCC 2011 – 2012 VISTA Assignments
Table of Contents:
Adler School of Professional Psychology
Columbia College Chicago
DePaul University
Dominican University
Elmhurst College
Harry S. Truman College
Illinois College
Lewis University
Loyola University Chicago: Center for Experiential Learning
Millikin University
National Louis University
Northwestern University: Center for Civic Engagement
Northwestern University: Center for Student Involvement
One Good Deed Chicago
Parkland College
Roosevelt University
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Trinity Christian College
University of Illinois - Springfield
University of St. Francis
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The Adler School of Professional Psychology – 17 N. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL
60602
VISTA Member Goals & Objectives
Planned Period
of Work
Context: As part of Adler’s Community Engagement team, the IL Campus Compact
AmeriCorps*VISTA member will be vital in helping our Community Engagement team
further promote community-based education among Adler’s faculty. Our ultimate goal is to
integrate community-based education within the fabric of what it is to be a socially
responsible practitioner. The AmeriCorps*VISTA member will support this goal through
assisting in resource development, research, program coordination, site development, and
logistical support.
Goal 1: To increase the exposure and opportunities that Adler’s students and faculty can
use the Community Service Practicum (CSP) to become aware of the systemic issues that
need to be addressed in order to support veterans and military families here in the
greater Chicagoland area.
Activity 1: Identify opportunities to gain more awareness of the mental health
issues/concerns of veterans and military families in the greater Chicagoland area.
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Step 1: Participate in ILCC’s training on veteran’s issues and affairs.
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Step 2: Invite Dr. Joe Trioiani (Adler faculty member) and Melissa Dreffin
(Adler Psy.D student) to speak to our Community Engagement team to learn
more about Adler’s new Military Psychology program and ways to identify
how the CSP program could assist in student’s learning through capacitybuilding projects with local organizations that support this specific population.
Activity 2: Research, identify, and connect with non-profit organizations here in the
Chicagoland area that works with veterans and military families for potential
partnerships with the CSP program.
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Step 1: Connect with Dr. Joe Trioiani and Melissa Dreffin to determine what
contacts they have within their networks in identifying organizations that
support veterans and military families that we could reach out for potential
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CSP opportunities.
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Step 2: Research, identify, and set-up potential site visits with organizations
that support veterans and military families so that the Community Engagement
team can begin determining the best way to create reciprocal partnerships
that support our students training opportunities and provides the organization
with a student that can work on a capacity-building project that meets their
organizational needs.
Activity 3: Work with the Community Engagement team, Dr. Joe Trioiani, and our
community partners to develop multiple Adler Action Day opportunities that help the
entire Adler School community became aware of the multiple ways to understand and
advocate for ways to support the mental health of veterans and military families.
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Step 1: Meet with community partners to become aware of the various issues
that they want to people to be aware of and advocate for as it relates to
mental health for veterans and military families.
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Step 2: Coordinate with the Community Engagement team and recruit Adler
students, faculty, and staff to help participate with the Adler Action Day to
ensure success.
Objective 4: Work with the Community Engagement team to support our efforts in
identifying ways that the Adler faculty members teaching in the Military Psychology
program can create a community-based education course rooted in addressing a
community-based issue by connecting the academic coursework with a non-profit
organization/governmental agency that works with veteran and military families.
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Step 1: Research and speak with individuals from other institutions of higher
education to determine if and/or how they are potentially supporting veterans
and military families using community-based education.
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Step 2: Coordinate a focus group and/or meeting to bring in Adler faculty
teaching in the Military Psychology program and potential community partners
that support veterans and military families to determine if the creation of a
community-based education opportunity is feasible, but to also inform
everyone how our Community Engagement team could support and provide
resources for this endeavor.
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Goal 1 Comments/Summary of Accomplishments:
Goal 2: To expand the opportunities that Adler’s students and faculty can use the
Community Service Practicum (CSP) to become aware of the systemic issues that need to
be addressed in order to support the educational needs and mental health of low-income
youth here in the greater Chicagoland area.
Activity 1: Identify opportunities to gain more awareness of the educational needs and
mental health issues/concerns of low-income youth in the greater Chicagoland area.
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Step 1: Participate in ILCC’s training on educational needs and policy.
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Step 2: Work with the Community Engagement team to determine a way to
conduct a focus group with our existing community partners that are working
on educational needs for children in low-income communities on how to
assess new issues and/or needs that we could provide support through the CSP
program.
Objective 2: Research, identify, and connect with new non-profit organizations here in
the Chicagoland area that works on providing educational support for low-income
youth for potential partnerships with the CSP program.
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Step 1: Conduct an internet search to identify a potential clearinghouse and/or
database of non-profit organizations here in the greater Chicagoland area that
provide educational support for children in low-income communities.
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Step 2: Assist in setting up potential site visits with organizations that provide
educational support for low-income youth so that the Community Engagement
team can begin determining the best way to create reciprocal partnerships
that support our students training opportunities and provides the organization
with a student that can work on a capacity-building project that meets their
organizational needs.
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Goal 1
Completed
(date):
_________
8/1/11-1/30/12
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Objective 3: Work with the Community Engagement team and our community partners
to develop multiple Adler Action Day opportunities that help the entire Adler School
community became aware of the multiple ways to understand and advocate for ways
to support the educational needs of low-income youth.
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Step 1: Utilize the focus group with our community partners that work on
educational needs of low-income youth to identify a way to collaborate on an
Adler Action Day that creates more awareness and/or advocates for systemic
change on how to better support the educational needs of low-income youth.
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Step 2: Coordinate with the Community Engagement team and recruit Adler
students, faculty, and staff to help participate with the Adler Action Day to
ensure success.
Goal 2 Comments/Summary of Accomplishments:
Goal 3: Assist the Community Engagement team with the on-going efforts to create a
new CSP Evaluation Tool/System to help determine the impact that CSP students are
having in communities here in the Chicagoland area.
Activity 1: Assist the Community Engagement team utilize data that was collected
during our first Adler School Community Partner Forum to help formulate the types of
questions and/or methods in the creation of the CSP Evaluation Tool.
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Step 1: Conduct research on what the field determines are the appropriate
ways to evaluate the impact that institutions of higher education that utilize
service-learning type programming can have on low-income communities.
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Step 2: Identify institutions of higher education that utilize service-learning
type programming and conduct outreach via telephone to get further
information and/or insights on best practices regarding evaluating institutional
and student impact on communities as a result of service-learning.
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Goal 2
Completed
(date):
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8/1/11-6/1/12
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Step 3: Work with the Community Engagement team to help coordinate
and/or conduct additional focus groups if further data is needed to in order to
create the CSP Evaluation Tool/System.
Activity 2: Work with the Community Engagement team to determine how to connect
the CSP Evaluation Tool/System with Adler’s broader strategic goal of assessing the
institutions overall impact on communities here in the Chicagoland area.
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Step 1: Create the opportunity for our Community Engagement team to meet
with Don Huffman (Director of Institution Research) and Adler’s Leadership
Team to ensure that we properly co-aligning our efforts to determine how to
assess the impact our CSP programming is having in communities here in the
greater Chicagoland area.
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Step 2: Assist the Community Engagement team to strategize with all the
different entities within the Adler School’s Division of Integrated Community
Engagement (DICE) and Institute’s for Social Change to determine if there is a
unified way that we could assess the impact our institution is having on the
communities we work in the greater Chicagoland area.
Goal 3 Comments/Summary of Accomplishments:
Goal 4: Work with the Community Engagement team to continue refining the concept of
an Adler Community Engagement Leaders Program as a way to help support faculty that
teach the CSP Seminars and to also determine how these student leaders can act as peer
leaders/mentors for new incoming students regarding the CSP program.
Activity 1: Learn about the foundation of what could be the Adler Community
Engagement Leaders Program by examining the formation of Adler’s Students in
Service (SIS) Program.
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Step 1: Go over the notes created by the former ILCC AmeriCorps*VISTA
member (Nicole Huser) regarding the SIS program and the other Adler
Goal 3
Completed
(date):
_________
8/1/11-7/15/12
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students that have worked with the Community Engagement team to support
our programmatic efforts.
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Step 2: Coordinate a meeting with the participants of SIS program as well as
other Adler students that worked with the Community Engagement team to
get feedback and insight of what was good/bad and what interest these
students would have being part of this new program.
Activity 2: Assist the Community Engagement team to propose a way to present and
gauge the interest among Adler faculty of the opportunity of having assistance in their
CSP seminars through individuals from the Community Engagement Leaders Program.
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Step 1: Create a process that helps determine what are the skills and
characteristics of former CSP students that would make them ideal Community
Engagement Leaders as determined by Adler faculty.
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Step 2: Work on a recruitment protocol and the creation of a Community
Engagement Leaders Program Training Manual that will be used by all students
who enter in the program.
Goal 4 Comments/Summary of Accomplishments:
Goal 4
Completed
(date):
_________
Desired qualifications for position:
Ability to multi-task, strong communication skills (written and oral), capable of working with people
from diverse backgrounds, excellent intercultural awareness, strong foundation in social justice,
knowledge or willingness to learn about structural inequalities and systemic factors that negatively
impact community-based efforts, familiar with Chicago’s non-profit community and feels comfortable
traveling throughout the city via public transportation, experience in the non-profit field, familiar with
community-based education/service-learning, background and/or experience within a higher education
setting, and a high degree of professionalism.
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Summary of position responsibilities:
The Community Engagement AmeriCorps*VISTA member from ILCC that would be placed here at the
Adler School of Professional Psychology will be part of a dynamic team that supports our efforts to
help our students, faculty, and staff embody the values of community engagement and social
responsibility through our Community Service Practicum (CSP) program, Adler Action Days, and
other ways to forge alliances between us and communities here in the greater Chicagoland area. In
general the ILCC AmeriCorps*VISTA member will have the following responsibilities:
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Help Adler’s Community Engagement team in identifying and selecting new CSP partnerships
that support our new Military Psychology Psy.D concentration.
Assist Adler’s Community Engagement team in the expansion of how our CSP program can assist
in addressing the educational needs of low-income youth here in the greater Chicagoland area.
Participate in the development of Adler Action Days as a way to help Adler students, faculty, and
staff become aware of different ways to advocate for social justice issues.
Help in the on-going efforts to create a CSP Evaluation Tool that helps us understand the impact
that our CSP program is having in host communities here in the greater Chicagoland area.
Assist in defining and/or refining in the creation of Adler’s Community Engagement Leaders
program.
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Columbia College Chicago - 1112 S. Wabash, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60605
Assignment focus: Education for low-income/high risk youth and children
Support Community Columbia College Community Schools Initiative
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Help to create linkages between the school day and the extended day to create a “seamless”
day for students and support student learning goals.
Assist with research and the identification of services and activities that will directly meet the
needs of families in our Community Schools
Assist with programs designed to support parents and families – family workshops, family
learning projects, parent engagement activities, etc.
Assist in the collection, analysis or compilation of data on program implementation evaluations.
Assisting in the recruitment, training and supervision of Columbia College Chicago students who will
be working as a corps of tutors.
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Participate in school-based meeting, planning meetings and other opportunities to implement
and monitor community schools activities
Participate in professional development opportunities that are offered to all of the CCAP staff at
monthly meetings
Recruit students through SIS and other campus programs to participate as a corps of tutors,
analysis or compilation of data on program implementation evaluations.
Support student led Service opportunities on campus
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Develop campus recruitment tools
Support assessment, documentation and recruitment of the Students in service initiative.
Host and implement Civic Reflection trainings
Continue to develop host site database
Assist with implementation of service opportunities in response to poverty related needs.
Recruit on-going and one-time campus volunteers.
Ensure sustainability of volunteer base and service projects through regular communication,
reflection, and evaluation.
Transfer leadership roles and increased responsibility to students, so that service efforts are
student-led.
Desired qualifications for position:
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Demonstrated knowledge of civic engagement or service-learning experience
Excellent research, evaluation, copyediting, and communication (written & verbal) skills
Interest in and knowledge of community arts and arts education
Strong computer skills
Quick learner, motivated and takes initiative
Ability to work with a diverse population of students, faculty and community partners
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Ability to take documentation photographs
Summary of position responsibilities:
The VISTA will work with Associate Director of School Partnerships who leads the Community Schools
Initiative at CCAP, there hours will be primarily 9 to 5, M-F but will also require some nights and/or
weekends.
They will participate in school-based meeting, planning meetings and other opportunities to implement
and monitor community schools activities. They will be a part of the professional development
opportunities that are offered to all of the CCAP staff at monthly meetings, at the quarterly Community
School staff trainings, at monthly Community School Resource Coordinators meetings and those for
teaching artists and youth development workers.
As a part of this opportunity, the VISTA will work directly with a team of Resource Coordinators to assist
in the placement of appropriate services to meet the needs of parents and families in our community
school. The VISTA volunteer will experience the partnership planning process and participate in the
meetings that convene college and community members to determine services that will be developed
for each school partner site. The VISTA will be part of a dynamic team that is highly articulated in their
roles and responsibilities to support the community schools initiative.
Much of the training will be hands on work in the field, learning and mastering skills that offer the intern
greater understanding of the Community School concept and the needs of neighborhoods and schools in
Chicago.
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DePaul University: Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-based Service
Learning – 2233 N. Kenmore Ave. Chicago, IL 60641
Assignment focus: Course Development and Community Parnter support - Creating new and
strengthening existing relationships with community partners, and supporting the extensive
service learning work throughout the university.
Description of qualifications:
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Have experience in service learning and working with community organizations.
Understand communities and the historical context of the deep-rooted issues facing urban areas
in the neighborhoods of Chicago.
Have an understanding and interest in supporting service to veteran-related issues.
Be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and willing to learn internal technological systems
employed by the Steans Center.
Possess a commitment to learning of and exploring social justice issues and notions of
community
Be willing to travel to all areas of the Chicago
Be a self-starter and willing to take initiative with tasks and projects.
Summary of position responsibilities:
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Attend team and staff meetings, retreats, workshops, and professional development
opportunities as a member of the course development team
Develop relationships with communities, organizations, faculty, students, staff, and
organizations
Learn and explore the notion of “communities” involved in this work as well as the Asset-based
Community Development (ABCD) model.
Administrative duties involved with coordinating service for students at community
organizations, processes and infrastructure of service learning program within the Steans Center
Conduct site visits to communities and organizations throughout the city.
Provide constant support to students, community members, faculty and colleagues throughout
the academic quarters.
Act as an advocate for ILCC, DePaul University, the Steans Center, and our Community Partners
Explore creative and mutually beneficial service opportunities between our students and
community partners.
Conduct presentations to Steans-supported service learning class - discussing broad service
learning pedagogies, specific service options related to respective classes, other opportunities
through the Steans Center, and informing students about the ABCD Model.
Participate as a member of the “beyond Courses Initiative” – a means of providing further
support and resources to contribute to organizations’ sustainability.
Develop strategic partnerships with community organizations supporting veterans either locally
or nationally
The VISTA at DePaul University will be expected to be at the Steans Center, or in the field working on
office-related matters and building partnerships in the community Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.
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to 5 p.m. S/he will occasionally be asked to amend that schedule during “Placement Week” which occurs
at the beginning of each quarter.
The VISTA will work extensively in cooperation and partnership with her/his supervisor, the Academic
and Community Coordinator.
Dominican University – 7900 W. Division St. River Forest, IL 60305
Assignment focus: Education for low-income/high risk youth and children
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An Illinois Campus Compact VISTA at Dominican University will assist in an innovative project to
address literacy skills of low-income/high-risk youth. By engaging schools in underserved
neighborhoods, the VISTA will help develop a librarian early childhood teacher community
collaborative model that introduces and supports reading for pleasure at school and at home.
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VISTA will research and collaborate with Dominican faculty in School of Education (SOE),
Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS), and partner schools to form
literacy program model, goals and outcomes
o Help identify cluster of Chicago schools (public and parochial) in underserved
community with which to collaborate
o Recruit participants and volunteers from SOE, GSLIS, and local community-based
o Assist with design of collaborative intervention model (including input of
Dominican's Service Learning Program)
o Assist in development of baseline strategy
o Implement baseline survey to collect data
VISTA will develop resources to assist local community with effective program
development, implementation and evaluation.
o Identify local community groups with an interest in addressing literacy skills of
low-income/high risk youth
o Arrange collaboration opportunities between GSLIS and SOE participants and
local community participants
VISTA will assess collaborative program model
o Collect data
o Assess potential for replicating program
o Make program improvement recommendations
o Develop reports for stakeholders
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Elmhurst College – 190 Prospect Ave. Elmhurst, IL 60126
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
Position Description:
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Identify community organizations in the Chicagoland area that address veterans’ issues and
establish partnership(s). In collaboration with the partner, develop long-term initiatives that
engage EC students around veterans issues.
VISTA will have surveyed the campus community, established at least one community
partnership, and identified student leaders who will assist in the implementation of strategic
initiatives.
Assess current EC initiatives related to low-income, high-risk youth. Part of this assessment will
include site-visits and service at specific programs currently offered at the College.
Work with student leaders and community partners to enhance current initiatives. For example,
this would include the development of an Intern Manual for the “Easy” Care Program and initial
brainstorming on volunteer training. All of these components will lead to an eventual evaluation
of the “Easy” Care Program by youth participants, parents, volunteers, and Interns.
VISTA will have a broad understanding of currently existing initiatives, will have engaged student
leaders in enhancing the program, and will have assessed the success of the program.
Work in collaboration with the Director of Leadership, Service and Engagement to enhance
student learning in the area of poverty through work with various student organizations. This
may be most successfully accomplished through the establishment of a Service Council. This
council would enable a concerted effort between EC offices and student organizations that may
already be addressing poverty issues in their work.
The VISTA will work five days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Work will vary by week depending on
meeting commitments, weekend service projects, or special events. VISTA will serve as a member of the
Service Council (once it has been established) and may attend regular student organization meetings, as
will be determined at the start of the academic year.
Desired qualifications for position:
A qualified VISTA would demonstrate many of the following characteristics:
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Passion for social justice issues
Interest in working with college students
Organizational skills
Interest in developing/ enhancing skills in the area of facilitating reflection
Enthusiasm for working within a diverse community
Self-motivation
Excellent communication skills
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Ability to work in a group
Sense of humor
Flexibility in hours worked (some late nights) and in day-to-day flow or responsibilities
Summary of duties and responsibilities:
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Continue developing the “Easy” Care Youth Program including the development of training for
undergraduate Interns who run the program, enhancing current volunteer training, and the
creation of a manual for Interns.
In collaboration with the Director of Leadership, Service and Engagement, work with various
service-related organizations on campus including Habitat for Humanity, Community Outreach
Program, the Global Poverty Club, the Greenjays (sustainability group) and Alpha Phi Omega
service fraternity.
Establish a service council, bringing together representatives of all organizations and offices that
participate in and host service opportunities at EC.
Initiate partnerships with community organizations that serve veterans to establish programs
that address veterans’ issues.
Explore financial opportunities (grants), providing possible options for the continued growth of
service-related efforts at the College.
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Harry S. Truman College – 1145 Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Assess and build awareness of educational needs and strategies in place at Truman College, at the
Truman College Lab School, at the Middle College, and public and private schools in the Uptown area
(including organizations that focus on education and youth.
1. Participate in ILCC training on educational needs and policy.
2. Work with service-learning faculty to assess needs of low income and high risk student
demographic at the College, Lab School, Middle College, and community schools and
organizations.
3. Assist faculty in developing at least one low-income/high risk youth education focused
service project with a community partner VISTA will work with throughout the year
(whether the project is implemented during 2012 or Spring 2013).
4. Survey campus and current/potential community partners to determine needs and current
programs that address them.
5. Promote survey results through awareness pieces encouraging greater participation in
existing initiatives and programs.
Develop educational program/event with student clubs, community partners and service-learning
director to directly impact low-income/high-risk youth's education needs and raise awareness.
1. Meet with student clubs director and sponsors, community partners and service-learning staff
to develop program/event.
2. Plan program, including recruiting student participants.
3. Implement program/event by Spring 2012.
4. Assess and evaluate program, and work with supervisor to prepare report for
recommendations and improvement.
Bolster existing and create new efforts to meet education needs, integrating information from
training and survey.
1. Strengthen civic engagement and service-learning at Truman College through service advocacy,
volunteerism recruitment, informational literature for students, faculty, and community
partners.
2. Develop professional development opportunities for faculty and training for students and
community partners.
3. Create a plan for continuing to address the needs of low income and high risk students for
whom we can meet their needs through service learning programs that emphasize education
reform and/or teaching and learning that promotes academic success.
4. Use data to document service at the College with a future goal of applying for a Carnegie
designation and a President’s Honor award.
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Illinois College – 1101 W. College Ave Jacksonville, IL 62650
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
The VISTA will be responsible for implementing in-school supplemental reading programs in at
least two K-12 schools. He/she will work with Illinois College students to raise their awareness of
and provide opportunities for their engagement in this effort and in other initiatives serving the
community. And he/she will build connections to the College’s community partners to develop and
strengthen the College’s community service outreach. He/she will support the Leadership Program
and the Office of Community Engagement and Service.
Position Description:
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Coordinate with officials at Lincoln Elementary School and Jacksonville Public Library to
expand an existing supplemental reading program to serve more of the school’s low-income
and at-risk students.
Applying the lessons learned at Lincoln Elementary School, work with officials at the 8
Points Charter School and Jacksonville Public Library to establish a similar reading program
at the new charter school, which will open in Fall 2011 to serve low-income and at-risk
students in grades 5-8.
Meet with Illinois College student organizations to explain and encourage the various ways
that they might contribute to the success of this program. Organize and train volunteers,
solicit donations, and conduct other activities on- and off-campus to promote awareness of
the program and help to meet its needs.
Assist officials at the new 8 Points Charter School to establish a family center where the
school library and technology center will be available for use by family members (e.g., to get
help in preparing resumes, completing governmental forms, and gaining basic and
technological literacy) and the school will provide and facilitate support services for
students and their families.
Meet with Illinois College student organizations to explain and encourage the various ways
that they might contribute to the success of the 8 Points Charter School family center.
Organize and train volunteers, solicit donations, and conduct other activities on- and offcampus to promote awareness of the family center and help to meet its needs.
Desired qualifications for position:
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Bachelor’s degree in Education highly preferred, or extensive coursework in Education
preferred.
Desire to serve youth and children in an educational environment.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills.
Energy, vision, initiative, creativity, tolerance for ambiguity, openness to change, ability to
collaborate and sense of humor.
Comprehension of social issues addressed by community service and subtleties of building
programs that are respectful, meaningful, effective and sustainable.
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Summary of position responsibilities:
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Report on a full-time basis, five days per week, year-round (except the holidays and other days
when College staff are not required to be present at work).
Work with school officials, teachers, and other community members to implement and support the
in-school supplemental reading program in at least one elementary school and one middle school.
This will include:
 Promoting the program to multiple audiences.
 Providing training for volunteers.
 Developing the documents necessary to support student and volunteer participation in the
program.
 Monitoring participation and addressing any issues that arise.
 Arranging transportation for College reading partners if necessary.
 Working with the Jacksonville Public Library to select books.
Work with school officials, teachers, social service organizations, businesses, and other community
entities to support the 8 Points Charter School family center, which serves the families of lowincome, at-risk students in grades 5-8.
Provide consultation to College students regarding community initiatives, prioritizing respectful
involvement in the community, and maximizing the educational experience of service and servicelearning through discussion, education and reflection.
Interact regularly with College students and community organizations to recruit volunteers and
match them to community needs.
Assist College staff in encouraging students to track civic engagement hours for their Illinois College
Leadership and Service Transcript.
Assist with grants relevant to community engagement and service-learning, and assemble
information for other interested parties (including the President’s Higher Education Community
Service Honor Roll).
Provide service-related information to new and returning College students at the Involvement Fair
and Speed Rounds.
Promote AmeriCorps to College students and assist with the application process.
Work with Illinois Campus Compact to expand the Illinois College Leadership Program and the Office
of Community Engagement and Service to ensure long-term sustainability.
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Attend AmeriCorps retreats, conferences and seminars.
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Regularly correspond with VISTA leaders to share resources and information.
Complete Monthly Activity Reports and Quarterly Progress Reports.
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Lewis University – 1 University Parkway Unit Romeoville, IL 60446
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
Description of qualifications:
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Have experience in community service and working with community organizations.
Understand and/or have experience as a service learner.
Have understanding and interest in supporting service to veterans.
Be proficient in Excel, MS Word, and Publisher. Knowledge of SPSS is desired as well.
Possess a commitment to social justice and an orientation towards working collaboratively.
Summary of position responsibilities:
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Maintain, deepen and extend community partnerships (continue to build Lewis University’s
community partner database) with particular focus on military, educational, and povertyaffected community needs.
Support the Coordinator of Service Learning in providing faculty development opportunities,
faculty/community partnerships and projects, and coordinating cross-campus relationships
related to service and service learning.
Participate in Veteran Initiatives Committee meetings and activities.
Support student development by offering service learning training and reflection sessions, both
on campus and at community sites
Write and publish the Office of Service Learning Newsletter
Administer and record the results of pre/post assessments and evaluations, service learning courses,
student learning outcomes, and community impact.
The VISTA at Lewis University will be expected to be in the Office of Service Learning, or in the field
working on office-related matters and building partnerships in the community Monday through Friday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. S/he will occasionally be asked to attend a Saturday event to promote Service
Learning Programming to prospective university students or at a faculty gathering.
S/he will serve on three Lewis University committees:
 Service Learning Team – meets once a month
 Community Engagement Cooperative – meets once a month
 Veteran’s Initiative Coordinating Committee – meets twice each semester
S/he will also meet weekly with the Associate Provost providing updates and discussing progress on the
Strategic Plan as it pertains to the VISTA’s responsibilities.
The VISTA will work extensively in cooperation and partnership with her/his supervisor, the Coordinator
of Service Learning.
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Loyola University Chicago: Center for Experiential Learning – 1032 W.
Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60660
Desired qualifications for position:
In addition to the required qualifications for the VISTA program, the VISTA candidate that will best fit
this position of Community Youth Support Specialist must have the following qualifications:
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Experience with program implementation and development
Demonstrated skills in developing technology, multi-media, social networking capacity
Willingness to work in the community utilizing public transportation
Demonstrated comfort working with diverse populations
Interest or previous experience working with youth programs and/or tutoring programs
Ability to work autonomously
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Excellent writing and verbal skills
Strong research skills
Openness to learning and developing new skills
Adept at applying flexibility and adaptability to new situations
Demonstrated creativity and advanced problem-solving
Ability to demonstrate high level of motivation and strong initiative
Summary of positions responsibilities:
The Community Youth Support Specialist in the Center for Experiential Learning at Loyola University
Chicago will support the Community Based Federal Work Study (CBFWS) program. This position requires
working 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, with some occasional weekend and evening hours.
Title: Community Youth Support Specialist
Focus: Support and capacity building for Community-Based Youth-At-Risk programs engaged with the
CEL; emphasis on the CBFWS and service-learning programs
Role: To serve as a member of the team that cultivates, develops and supports community partners that
provide programs and service for “at-risk-youth”, youth in underserved/vulnerable areas of the city and
their families who collaborate with the CEL intervention programming.
Objectives:
1. To increase on-line resources for students and community partners engaged in serving these
programs. (Fall 2011)
2. To increase training available to students and community partners engaged in serving these
programs. (Fall 2011 & Summer 2012)
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3. To support programmatic assessment of students’ work, performance and learning while serving
within these programs. (Winter 2012)
4. To increase connections between and among Youth Programs via communication by
contributing to monthly newsletter.
5. To increase on-campus exposure and knowledge of these partners and programs (Fall 2011)
6. To contribute to value of the partnerships by chairing the partnering selection process. (Spring
2012)
7. To document and analyze the impact of these programs as two levels (Entire year):
a. Impact of student supports of these programs
b. Impact of these programs on community participants
The following projects correspond to the objectives of this position, as detailed above and in the VAD.
1. Research – Best practices focused on education of low-income/high risk youth, specifically in
regard to CBFWS programs
a. Interview programmatic leaders and experts on academic support focused youth
services within Loyola and in partnership with Loyola within the CBFWS and servicelearning program
b. Identify key programmatic elements for these programs (i.e. tutoring, mentoring, etc.)
c. Identify high-impact support tools and techniques
2. Educate – Create workshop for CBFWS partners on creating, managing, measuring and
sustaining at-risk youth academic programs; launch at Capacity event
3. Create – Launch new web resources and handouts to educate and support education programs
focused on low-income/high risk youth
a. Create a resource web page to support CBFWS in regard to education of lowincome/high risk youth
b. Create a resource tip sheet to support CBFWS in regard to education of lowincome/high risk youth
4. Document – Project Impact: Document existing programs via video and interview
a. Create virtual mentoring clips for CEL website and FB page
b. Create a video on Loyola impact on local youth via CBFWS
5. Assessment – Survey partners serving at-risk youth for
a. Needs and boundaries to success
b. Critical success elements present
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Millikin University – 1184 W. Main St Decatur, IL 62522
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
Works Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm but also evenings and weekends as needed to accomplish
the job. A flexible schedule is allowed to meet the needs of the job. Will participate on various
community committees as well as university committees as appropriate to the job.
Desired qualifications for position:
Strong communication skills (oral and written), strong work ethic, ability to work well with others and to
be a team player, problem-solving skills, quick learner with a desire to grow professionally, passion for
service, enthusiasm for the job, goal and achievement oriented, organizational skills,
flexibility/adaptability, self-starter/initiative
Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Career Center, the VISTA will have the following job
duties:
*Additional duties may be added as the VISTA concept is more fully explored and developed on our
campus.
1. Ensure that curricular and co-curricular service activities are documented in the university’s online
survey and assist in generating an annual report on these service activities. This will be an ongoing
effort with a report being completed at the end of each academic year and due by June 30.
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This will give us an accurate picture of the amount, depth, and
scope of service that is done on campus and in the community. This will benefit the university in a
variety of ways – public relations, marketing, possible eligibility for awards and grants, as well as a
tangible means to measure our impact on those in need in our community.
2. Work with university seminar instructors to facilitate the development of service sites/projects
and serve as a liaison with these sites. This includes ensuring that all letters of agreement are signed
and on file, and that a risk management assessment has been completed for each site. This will be
done in the fall semester.
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This will allow for increased and better communication with
service sites/community partners as well as ensuring the safety of our students as they venture into
the community for service activities.
3. Coordinate and conduct presentations for students, faculty, and staff on “serving safely” that
includes information about working with particular populations of people. This will be done as
requested (likely in the classroom setting), with at least one campus-wide session available in the fall
and spring semesters.
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This will create positive and safe experiences for our students
and that will hopefully lead to a lifelong commitment to service.
4. Survey students via an online survey and focus groups to gather information about service
activities (ie, satisfaction, concerns, and interests). This will be done at the end of the fall semester
and the end of the spring semester.
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This will give our students a voice in the types of service
activities/projects that are done in the curricular setting, and will help us to become aware of any
issues or concerns that need to be addressed.
5. Make onsite visits with community partners on an ongoing basis as needed to maintain and more
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24
fully develop the relationship.
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This is intended to gauge the needs of our community partners
and to best match these up with various students groups, classes that might help meet that need. It
will also help to strengthen existing relationships.
6. Network within the community to explore and develop new partnerships and projects, specifically
focusing on partnerships that would impact issues of poverty (ie, Enhancing and expanding what
we do with the local schools district and afterschool programs since education is a key factor in
eliminating poverty. Over 68% of Decatur Public School students qualify for the free lunch
program, so this partnership would directly impact students and families at or below the poverty
line). This information will be documented and shared with supervisor on a weekly basis. VISTA will
be connected to a variety of networking opportunities (HSAC, Chamber of Commerce, etc…)
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This will benefit students and community partners and will
allow for Millikin to increase its community impact and help those in need, while providing students
with increased opportunities to serve.
7. Coordinate any voter registration drives and other efforts as requested (ie, university participation
in the Heart Walk or other community projects).
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This will help to fully engage not only students, but faculty and
staff in the community.
8. Work with student organizations and student leaders to promote service and to help groups to
find the “best fit” and most meaningful service activities and events for that organization, while also
encouraging collaboration among various organizations.
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: Students will develop new connections in the community and
will be more engaged and committed to the service that they do.
9. Develop programs that further enhance student involvement and commitment to service.
Anticipated Outcome and Benefits: This will bring fresh ideas for implementing the civic engagement
portion of Millikin’s mission and further advance our service connection to the community
Added for 2011-2012:
10. Make regular weekly site visits to Homework Hangout to enhance the relationship and to observe
our students as they serve. (Ideally, this would be a minimum of 2 hours at a time, at least once a
week)
Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits: This will not only help to further develop that relationship, but
it will also help us to get a better handle on our students’ work and their interaction with the children
service by HH. This could help to prevent any problems that could potentially arise.
11. Participate on the local Human Service Agency Consortium’s Volunteer Division, including
attending monthly meetings.
Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits: This will allow us to work more collaboratively with local
agencies and will help them to better understand what they can expect from our students in regards
to service.
12. Participate on the local Homelessness Council and work with any agencies that will be developing
the local shelter for homeless veterans’ and their families. Additionally, develop service
opportunities through this venue.
Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits: This will allow us to participate in the foundational efforts of
establishing the shelter and will build a level of trust that will be needed for them to work with
Millikin students and faculty for service opportunities.
13. Explore additional ways that we might serve our veteran population.
Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits: Expanded service opportunities.
14. Work with faculty in our Modern Languages Department, as well as LASO (Latino American
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Student Organization), to establish a structure for working with the local after-school program
serving Spanish speaking youth.
15. Coordinate the Day of Service for incoming freshmen in collaboration with the Office of Student
Programs and the United Way.
Anticipated Outcomes and Benefits: Enhances program and further engages students on a more
personal level with the Decatur community.
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National Louis University – 122 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60604
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
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Identify high impact and need serving community based organization in consultation with
existing relationships within Veteran Affairs, Career Services and others.
Develop faculty/CBO Match fair pairing carefully selected partners with faculty for class
matching and partnership throughout the year.
VISTA will coordinate community service days with existing and new student organizations as
are relevant.
Monthly awareness and service activities planned at rotating Chicago area campuses involving
students and faculty.
Quarterly reflective discussions open to NLU community and community partners.
Plan Veteran’s Day Assembly raising awareness around veteran issues
Collaborate with Enrollment/Registrar and the Center for Academic Development to develop a
profile of first-generation college students and students from low-income and at-risk
backgrounds.
Meet with Harrison Fellow program director, CAD staff, and select faculty to identify students
for “Peer Buddies” in-house tutoring/mentoring program.
Support existing Alternative Certification and community outreach education programs (TFA,
AUSL, service-learning courses)
Develop an emergency food pantry for low-income students
Assemble interested students into action-corps to promote and help organize monthly antihunger/homelessness service projects and fundraising/food/supply drives
Desired qualifications for position:
Some experience or interest in:
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Video documentation
Social media
Web content development
Applicant should be persistent in project execution, good humored, flexible and comfortable with
working with a range of students from traditional undergraduates to career changing adults.
Summary of position responsibilities:
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Expand and develop the CEC website to include further information on 1) faculty participation in
conferences, presentations, publications, grants awarded, and other notable indicators of
scholarship of engagement; 2) Student, faculty, and executive administration testimonials; 3)
Handbook of guidelines for student engagement in service projects; 4) Other resources as
determined
Serve on SLT and attend their monthly meetings
Coordinate student organization service involvement
Maintain regular contact with the offices for academic achievement, and program coordinators
for NCE, CAS, and CMB community outreach initiatives
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Attend college and department meetings regularly, updating on relevant and significant faculty
achievement to advance the work of engaged scholarship and academic success at NLU
Attend student service projects and document through video and photo for use on CEC website,
YouTube, Facebook, and other social media outlets
Organize Spring recognition ceremonies in conjunction with Director of Student Life
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Northwestern University: Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) – 1813 Hinman
Ave Evanston, IL 60208
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
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VISTA volunteer will include the work of CCE Steering Committee member Carla Cortes in
reviewing resources and ideas about service for military veterans and families at Northwestern.
Learn about Jumpstart model and other resources/best practices training tools for working with
low-income, high-risk youth available at Northwestern and via existing community partners.
Consider ways that existing programs and training can be built on and enhanced, rather than
exclusively creating new programs and resources.
Convene a focus group of NU students who work with low income/high risk youth to support
this initiative during the 2011-12 year.
Desired qualifications for position:
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Bachelors degree
Basic computer experience and skills required
Specific and/or advanced skills with programs like Microsoft Office, - Dreamweaver, Adobe
products, social media tools preferred
Experience with service-learning programs
Experience working in community partners and nonprofit/civic organizations
This AmeriCorps*VISTA position at Northwestern University’s Center for Civic Engagement will help
support the Center’s mission to increase civic participation, social responsibility and engaged learning
throughout the Northwestern community, while helping build stronger communities and a more just
world. The 2011-12 VISTA will particularly focus on developing and enhancing initiatives that service low
income/high risk youth, and also on researching and developing some new efforts to service military
veterans and their families.
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Northwestern University: Center for Student Involvement (CSI) – 1999
Campus Drive Evanston, IL 60208
Assignment focus: Education for low-income/high risk youth and children
AmeriCorps VISTA Work Plan
Mission Statements:
*To support, strengthen, and expand our community service programs in Evanston & Chicago,
particularly in low-income neighborhoods
*To connect campus and community through volunteerism
From ILCC VISTA General Job Description:
*Utilize resources on campus to improve the lives of citizens in poverty in the community
AmeriCorps*VISTA Project Goals
and Objectives
Goal 1: Assist in advising
community service groups on
campus that focus on education
for low-income/high risk youth
Objective 1: Work closely with
CAMP(Chicago Area Mentor
Project), Supplies for Dreams,
Project SOAR, and NCDC
Objective 2: Create a
comprehensive list of organizations
that we work with and a
binder/website with a literature
about current service programs
and grant opportunities. Utilize
Career Cat or Volunteer Evanston
Objective 3: Provide training and
resources for student group
leaders surrounding leadership,
responsibilities and liabilities, etc.
Objectives 4: Assist with the Van
Program
Goal 2: Maximize collaborative
efforts w/ campus departments,
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Planned Period of Work
Summary of Accomplished
Objectives (Quantifiable
Information)
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city agencies, nonprofits, and
schools in Evanston & Chicago
Objective 1: Identify
organizations/neighborhoods that
we are not currently working with
and connect them with Community
Service Student Groups/on-campus
entities. Maintain an awareness of
community events and programs
(starting points: City of Evanston
Youth Coordinator, OLE, ETHS, ILCC
VISTA network, etc.)
Objective 2: Assist in the planning
of activities for campus service
days, including Make a Difference
Day and Martin Luther King Service
Day
Objective 3: Assist in the planning
of activities, including the
Volunteer Recognition Reception,
in observance of National
Volunteer Week.
Objective 4: Create a Multicultural
Competency program in
conjunction with Multicultural
Student Affairs for students serving
in communities that are new to
them
Objective 5: Support ServiceLearning initiatives and Student
Organized Seminars in conjunction
with the Center for Civic
Engagement; distribute literature
about the resources CSI can offer.
Objective 5: Seek out occasional
opportunities for direct service and
recruit others
Goal 3: Communications
Objective 1: Utilize partnership
with University Career Services to
promote the use of the Career Cat
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database to publicizes service
opportunities
Objective 2: Maintain connections
to the City of Evanston’s newly
developed Volunteer Evanston
website, which is a database of
local service opportunities.
Objective 3: Consider new avenues
of communication, including a
listserv, a team for requests from
City of Evanston, etc., or a
community service newsletter to
be sent to campus and community
constituents.
Goal 4: Evaluation/Assessment
Objective 1: Integrate more
evaluation tools into student
service by assisting in writing
reflection activities, evaluation
forms, and workshops for Student
Group leaders. Offer resources on
goal-setting/learning objectives.
Objective 2: Include opportunities
for sharing great stories/issues to
address through quarterly Student
Group Leader meetings, Van
Return Website, etc.
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One Good Deed Chicago – 121 N. LaSalle St. Chicago, IL 60602
Assignment focus: Education for low-income/high risk youth and children
Supporting and Educating Chicago’s At-Risk Youth: One Good Deed Chicago has established the Working
in Nonprofit Development for Youth (WINDY) initiative which – through its partnership with Chicago’s
Out-of-School Time Project – seeks to engage at-risk youth in positive, productive program opportunities
during critical in-school and out-of school hours.
VolunTEAM Coordinator
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Analyze feedback from VolunTEAM 2010-2011
Outline Challenges and Solutions
Help ensure quality metrics are being captured.
Finalize Partnerships with Colleges and Universities in order to recruit 2011-2012 VolunTEAM.
Send Request for Partnership (RFP) to potential non-profit partners.
Work with Leadership Team and staff on selecting final non- profit partners.
Ensure benefits such as school credit, transportation reimbursement, other reimbursement
systems are in place
Emulate and Expand upon 1st VolunTEAM training curriculum.
Help make asks to possible session trainers.
Ensure training curriculum, materials, and session trainers are finalized. Prepare training spaces
and logistics of sessions.
Help recruit VolunTEAM 2011-2012 members.
Help expand upon interview process of VolunTEAM 2010-11.
Help Match final VolunTEAM selections to Non-profit Partners
Help schedule weekly/monthly meetings with VolunTEAM to check progress and challenges
Ensure data for metrics is being collected.
Promote collaboration amongst VolunTEAM
Collaborate with other AmeriCorps VISTA and staff when necessary.
Communications Coordinator
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Create daily/bi-daily posts on Facebook and Twitter. Follow new organizations on Twitter.
Create News and Press posts as necessary (at least 1 per week)
Create Weekly Blog Posts
Monitor Google Analytics
Monitor OneGoodDeedChicago.org Reports
Modify social media outreach according to Analytics and Reports.
Find new media to promote One Good Deed Chicago ie liveblog; promo videos
Update/screen registered non-profits on the website
Update/screen volunteer opportunities on the website
Perform weekly outreach to new registered organizations thanking them and asking them to
spread the word
Perform strategic focused outreach to increase social media following
Work with PR Firm(s) and Chicago Works on Awareness Campaign
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Event Coordinator
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Coordinate Business Council to increase programming for at-risk-youth
Expand upon work of Adler Intern
Determine appropriate involvement of One Good Deed Chicago/ shift the operation to a more
suitable organization.
Help formulate a Board of Directors training to help future board members create higher impact
services.
Help plan College Summits on Service
Collaborate with partners in creating non-profit seminars and workshops
Help Plan and Manage all one-time volunteer events.
Ensure/maintain quality of partnership with current partners.
Desired qualifications for position (applies to VolunTEAM Coordinator, Communications
Coordinator, and Event Coordinator positions):
Education: Associate degree or two years of college credit is minimally required with a Bachelors degree
from an accredited college or university preferred. Equivalent work or volunteer experience can be
substituted for education requirements.
Experience: One to two years of previous experience serving as a community volunteer is desired but
not required. University and/or graduate school experience especially in the social services would be
ideal.
Time commitment: Because of the nature of these volunteer assignments, AmeriCorps VISTA should
expect to be able to commit to an average of 40 hours per week.
Technical skills:
 Computer skills: The ability to use a personal computer to produce standard output (MS Word,
Excel, etc.)
 Listening: Even in difficult situations, listens carefully to gain full understanding of complex
problems.
 Reading: Reads and interprets complex or technical material, identifies relevant information and
communicates to appropriate individuals.
 Writing: Writes in a manner that is understandable, clear & concise.
 Speaking: Asks appropriate questions in consultative situations and communicates advice and
direction clearly and confidently.
 Public Speaking: Able to communicate to groups of all sizes in a clear and concise manner.
 Ability to learn: Masters new te4chnology, programs, and procedures quickly.
 Critical thinking: Evaluates complex ideas, programs or situations and builds recommendations
based on logic and analysis, which have a high level of impact.
 Problem solving: Uses analysis/diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the cause of complex
problems, works with others until all aspects of the problem are resolved.
 Creativity: Develops innovative and effective new approaches to complex issues.
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Organized: Assembles/organizes/tracks information required to support the management of
large complex projects.
Personal Characteristics:
 Dependability: Honors commitments event under adverse circumstances.
 Initiative: Pioneers new ideas, approaches and processes.
 Responsible: Willing to be held accountable for decisions and situations/
 Flexibility: Handles changes with ease and confidence.
 Interpersonal skills: Works to solve difficult and complex problems until all aspects of the issue
are satisfactorily resolved.
 Teamwork: Responsible for building and/or managing teams. Builds consensus both within the
initiative4 and with other project teams, departments or organizations.
 Influences others: Understands management techniques and able to gain support and
commitment from others and mobilize them to take action.
 Managing diversity: Values and supports diversity by seeking to learn about and increase
sensitivity to various groups different from self.
Summary of position responsibilities:
 Develop activities described in the VAD
 Develop tools and materials that support sustainable programming
 Assist Chief Service Officer in advancing One Good Deed Chicago
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Parkland College – 2400 W. Bradley Avenue Champaign, IL 61820
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
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Work with College’s Veteran’s Affairs office to develop new volunteer opportunities in our
community that serve the needs of veterans both on campus and off.
Share said opportunities with college through presentation in Center for Excellence in Teaching
and Learning
Serve as primary coordinator of Parkland College / Garden Hills Elementary Homework Club
afterschool program
Explore possible ways to replicate successes of Homework Club at additional Title I elementary
schools in Champaign/Urbana
Create assessment tools to measure academic and social success of Homework Club program on
elementary students served in program
Work with Champaign United Way to develop new strategies to connect college with
community organizations focused on poverty-related issues
VISTA will organize two Volunteer Fairs to be held at the College, with a specific focus on
strengthening our relationship with community organizations focused on poverty-related
services
VISTA will organize presentation in college’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
focused on the issue of poverty in Parkland’s college district 506
Desired qualifications for position:
An overall professional and enthusiastic personality, and someone who especially enjoys working
alongside college and elementary school students.
As Volunteer Coordinator of Parkland College, our VISTA will primarily focus on increasing the level of
community engagement of the college of the whole, specifically through the thoughtful coordination
and expansion of the Homework Club afterschool model, along with spearheading additional initiatives
concerning poverty and veteran-related issues that arise through collaboration with various
organizations in Parkland’s college district 505.
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Roosevelt University - 430 S. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60605
Assignment focus: Education for low-income/high risk youth and children
VISTA will address the needs of low-income, minority youth who experience pervasive social inequalities
that reduce the probability of their school success and increase the likelihood of their incarceration and
other adverse outcomes. Activities related to this goal include research, assessment, partnership
development, faculty/student mobilization, awareness building, and event planning.
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Meet with community organizations which have recently collaborated with the Mansfield
Institute to assess their perceptions of (a) the needs of youth at-risk for participation in the
“cradle to prison pipeline” and (b) their organizational needs in serving this population.
Perform relevant research on the topic for the Mansfield Institute that will provide the VISTA
with requisite background knowledge. This will also create a database of resources on the
challenges and needs of low-income, high-risk youth for faculty, students, and community
partners committed to disrupting the “cradle to prison pipeline”.
With the assistance of the staff of the Mansfield Institute, the VISTA will deepen the
relationships between Roosevelt University and a subset of our community partners that
address the “cradle to prison pipeline”. This process will involve conducting several site visits to
each organization to identify mutual needs and points of collaboration, and to verify preferred
sites for service-learning classes.
Outreach and promote relevant service-learning course enrollment and targeted community
outreach among student organizations and students at large as a way to incorporate social
justice into their major and overall experience at the university.
Assist in outreach efforts to faculty and administration to encourage participation in “cradle to
college pipeline” partnerships with community organizations, and to increase community-wide
awareness of such work.
Assist with planning programs offered by the Mansfield Institute that address the “cradle to
prison pipeline”. Specifically, the VISTA will assist in ensuring the successful participation of
community partners in the event and to promote the meaningful involvement of Roosevelt
University students in the event as well.
Assist in outreach and marketing activities to faculty and staff to increase understanding of
service-learning, its benefits, and its effective implementation.
Assist in outreach activities to promote student participation in university-based programs that
foster their community engagement. These include service-learning classes, service-based
internship programs, the Certificate program in Social Justice, New Deal Service Day, and
Alternative Spring Break.
Serve as liaison between the Mansfield Institute and student services divisions (i.e., Center for
Student Involvement on our downtown campus and the Center for Campus Life on our
Schaumburg campus) to coordinate efforts that promote students’ civic engagement.
Assist faculty members in finding suitable community partners and sites for service-learning
classes for a broad range of social justice issues. This may involve site visits for larger scale
partnerships.
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Assist in assessing the scope of participation and impact of community engagement endeavors
(e.g., service-learning) at the university.
Desired qualifications for position:
Bachelor’s degree (required) or Master’s degree (preferable) in a social science discipline, such as
education, psychology, political science, or sociology. By virtue of prior education or community-based
experiences, we are interested in a person who has an understanding of the social inequalities that
children of color often encounter (e.g., limited educational opportunities, disproportional contact with
the juvenile justice system, unaddressed mental health needs). Additional qualifications include strong
organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills; commitment to assisting traditionally underserved,
urban populations; and desire to create change at the individual and social level.
Summary of position responsibilities:
This VISTA position is located within the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice and Transformation (MISJT)
at Roosevelt University. The VISTA will work 40 hours per week, Mondays through Fridays (with the
exception of holidays and other dates during which university offices are closed), and will be based at
our downtown campus in the Chicago Loop. The primary job focus of the individual will be to assist with
the successful implementation of service-learning throughout the university aimed at disrupting the
“cradle to prison pipeline” (i.e., addressing those social inequalities that result in the disproportional
incarceration of low income youth of color and impede their educational and occupational success).
This work will involve site visits and liaising with community partners who similarly are committed to
this vision, determining site needs for university-based collaborations, and facilitating service-learning
placements in those settings. Moreover, the VISTA will be involved in developing programmatic and cocurricular opportunities (e.g., student activities such as Alternative Spring Break) that promote student
engagement around this theme of enhancing educational and psychosocial outcomes for lowincome/high risk youth. Finally, the VISTA will support service-learning throughout the university, which
has a broad focus on social justice across disciplines, consistent with Roosevelt’s mission.
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The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – 325 N. Wells St Chicago, IL
60654
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
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Meet with community partners and Community Partnerships, Foundations, and other
appropriate Departments to design sustainable capacity building programming. Help PostDoctoral Fellow identify speakers on military topics to present at school for reflective seminars.
Recruit necessary participants and plan program. VISTA will participate in the Job & Volunteer
Fair to recruit students, as well as on-going recruitment efforts done throughout the year.
Serve as Partner Liaison to Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Assist with preparation for
Partner with Job & Volunteer Fair, creating job description, monitoring FWS hours, monitoring
students, etc.
Work collaboratively with Associate Director of CPD to gain skills in research and participate in
developing any surveys for Military based organizations.
Assist with coordination of the “Families of the Fallen” events and be responsible for recruiting
students to serve with these events. Participate in the “Families of the Fallen” events.
Meet with Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School to assess needs within the program and ways
that our students can help meet those needs. Work with Service Learning Coordinator to
determine if utilizing an IO Consulting Class would be beneficial in addressing issue
Recruit necessary participants for spring semester and plan program collaboratively with partner
organization.
VISTA will serve as the lead for the Fatherhood Essay Contest, Depression Screening, and MLK
Day. VISTA is responsible for recruiting students, ensuring any identified trainings are
completed, and communicating consistently with Partner regarding the identified plan for the
event.
The VISTA will oversee a Learn & Serve Fellow and assist them as they complete their project
over the course of the year. The VISTA will meet with the fellow a minimum of two times and
complete their mid-year and yearly evaluation
The VISTA will conduct one leadership training for the L&S Fellows. The VISTA will work with the
Service Learning Coordinator to identify the training that they would like to do and utilize
supervision to develop their 2 hours training module.
Desired qualifications for position:
The VISTA for The Chicago School of Professional Psychology should have excellent customer service
skills. The VISTA should also have experience with research and collection of data. In addition, the VISTA
should have experience volunteering in the community and ability to reflect on this experience. VISTA
should have general knowledge of Word, Excel, and preferably some skills with web design.
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Summary of position responsibilities:
The VISTA will work a primarily Monday – Friday schedule, 9-5 p.m. Exceptions will occur for student
programming, such as Open Houses, MLK Day event, Leadership trainings, and other events as decided.
VISTA will be responsible to serve as the Liaison for a minimum for 5 Partner Sites, as well as for
students placed at those sites. They will assist with tracking students’ hours and addressing student
concerns under the guidance of the Director. The VISTA will participate and assist with coordination of
Community Partnership events help throughout the school. The VISTA will post potential grant
opportunities that students can apply for as well as help with keeping the4 Community Partnerships
webpage up to date. The VISTA will oversee the Student and Faculty Monthly recognition program. The
VISTA will complete all tasks outlined in the VAD and meet weekly with the Director to discuss progress
on goals.
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Trinity Christian College – 6601 West College Dr. Palos Heights, IL 60445
Assignment focus: Education for low-income/high risk youth and children
Goals and Objectives
Planned Period of Work
Goal 1: Run and improve the M3C
Program
http://www.m3cfellows.org/benefits.html
Students and partners.
Objective 1: Maintain a detailed record of
program procedures and activities to ease
year-to-year transition.
Ongoing
Objective 2: Evaluate program through
surveys and meetings with partners and
students.
Ongoing
Goal 2: Increase visibility of the Office of
Community Partnerships and ServiceLearning on campus.
Faculty, students,
partners.
Objective 1: Attend meetings and events
and build rapport with faculty and staff.
Ongoing
Objective 2: Work with other offices and
departments (i.e. Residence Life, First Year
Experience, Chaplain) to incorporate
service and/or civic engagement activities.
Ongoing
Goal 4: Build capacity for academic servicelearning on campus.
Objective 1: Compile service-learning
resources (i.e. brochures, handouts with
FAQs, lists of books, websites, etc.) for
faculty members.
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Who will Benefit
Faculty, students,
partners.
Semesters 1 & 2
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Objective 2: Assist with planning of servicelearning events such as presentations and
panel discussions.
Semesters 1 & 2
Objective 3: Work with faculty members to Ongoing
develop service-learning courses: help with
curriculum planning, site placements, travel
logistics, reflection, etc.
Goal 5: Educate students, faculty/staff and
community members on poverty issues
specifically regarding education.
The local community, the
college, partners.
Objective 1: Research low-income/high-risk
youth's educational needs by speaking with
partners, Trinity faculty, and local schools.
Research statistics and studies that deal
with this topic.
Semester 1
Objective 1: Connect with social justice
chapter and social work dept. and other
departments to brainstorm topics, venues,
and speakers for upcoming events.
Semester 1
Objective 3: Plan and advertise workshops
for students, faculty/staff, and the
community.
Semester 2
Goal 6: Develop pilot capacity building and
long-term sustainable program/event with
community partners and internal
institution offices to directly impact lowincome/high-risk youth's education needs
and raise awareness.
Objective 1: Meet with By the Hand, other
community partners, and internal offices to
design sustainable capacity- building
programming. Example: Coordinate
campus Visits from BY the Hand students
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The local community,
local schools,
faculty/staff, students,
partners.
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Objective 2: Recruit necessary participant
and then implement the program.
Semesters 1 and 2
Objective 3: Keep in constant
communication with students, partners
and key Trinity faculty/staff in order to
continually asses the program
VISTA Qualities and Overall Work Plan
Desired qualifications for position:
•A capacity to work
independently and with
others.
•Experience facilitating
meetings desired.
• Ability to work with
various offices and
departments on campus and
with community partners.
•Maturity to work with
students, faculty/staff and
community partners.
Summary of position responsibilities:
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Coordinate the M3C
programs
Facilitate interactions
between
faculty/staff,
students and
partners
Develop programs
that to directly
impact lowincome/high-risk
youth's education
needs
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University of Illinois at Springfield – One University Plaza SAB 60 Springfield,
IL 62703
Assignment focus: Education for low-income/high risk youth and children
The VISTA will assess the greatest needs in Springfield, IL for low-income and high-risk youth
and the current strategies in place to address those needs. Assessment and evaluation will be
used to equip campuses to participate in existing initiatives or to create new responses to local
needs. VISTA duties include:
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Survey the following community partners: Big Brother Big Sister of Capital Region,
Century 21 Programs at Jefferson and Washington Middle schools, Springfield Urban
League Youth programs and the Eastside Boys and Girls Clubs.
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Work directly with Teacher Education department and MSS Program to collaborate on
programming that UIS students can conduct with Mentees to impact low income, at risk youth.
Programming can be directed to AVID program tutors, Big Brother Big Sister Littles and Jefferson
Middle schools mentees. Community impacted with One Day Conference.
Collaborate with District 186 AVID program and Big Brother Big Sister of Capital Region
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to infuse UIS volunteers into tutoring and mentoring programs.
Plan and implement an informational Volunteer Fair inviting not for profit agencies to
campus to highlight volunteer opportunities to student population .
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University of St. Francis – 500 Wilcox St. Motherhouse Office 320 Joliet, IL
60435
Assignment focus: Veteran/military families and education for low-income/high risk youth
and children
AmeriCorps VISTA Project
Planned Period
Goals and Objectives
of Work
Summary of Accomplished
Objectives
(Quantifiable Information)
Work with campus and community
partners to host (one each
semester) St. Francis Serves dinners
for the homeless
1st-4th Quarter
Assess needs and explore format for
service-learning resource library.
1st-4th Quarter
Promote service-learning on a
campus wide basis, including
events/conferences that bring
campus and community partners
together.
1st-4th Quarter
Monitor staff member that
maintains USF service-learning
website
1st-4th Quarter
Survey campus and
current/potential community
partners to determine local
veterans’ needs and current
programs that address them.
1st- 2nd Quarter
Promote survey results through
awareness pieces encouraging
greater participation in existing
campus and community initiatives
and programs (Newsletter, update
SL website, Newspaper article).
1st Quarter
Participate in at least one veteran
focused service project e.g. the COB
package drive with a community
partner VISTA will work with
throughout the year.
1st-4th Quarter
Develop pilot and capacity building
and long-term sustainable
program/event with community
1st-4th Quarter
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partners, e.g. VA hospital, American
Legion Post, and internal institution
offices to directly impact veterans’
needs and raise awareness of
veterans’ issues.
Assess and evaluate program, and
generate recommendations for
improvement for future
implementations. And complete
white paper report for ILCC
4th Quarter
Include volunteer opportunities
connected to local community
partners serving Veterans and
Military Families for CORE 1 servicelearning database of opportunities
1st-4th Quarter
Continue to identify potential
community partners for COE and
assess current partnerships..
1st-4th Quarter
Participate in at least one lowincome/high risk youth education
focused service project with a
community partner VISTA will work
with throughout the year.
1st-4th Quarter
Set up, track and maintain College of
Education service placements by
regular contact w/
students/community partners/ and
faculty
1st-2nd Quarter
Define service learning opportunities
for COE students by establishing
community partnerships through
contacting local organizations,
conducting site visits, and
maintaining relevant documents
3rd–4th Quarter
Keep updated online volunteer
registration and tracking for COE
service-learning students
1st-3rd Quarter
Construct power point for JPDSP and
COE celebration dinner
4th Quarter
Survey campus and
current/potential community and
1st Quarter
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promote results through awareness
pieces encouraging greater
participation in existing initiatives
and programs.
Strengthen ties with Northern Illinois 1st-4th Quarter
Food Bank, by establishing service
projects and food drive
Assist to develop further the “Yellow
Ribbon” program serving veterans
with academic credits at USF
2nd-4th Quarter
Other projects as directed
VISTA Qualities and Overall
Work Plan
Seeking general skills in
organization, communication,
computer literacy and servicelearning
Work plan is on an
academic schedule
usually M-F, 8 hours
and some Saturdays
Ability to work on one’s own
Desired qualifications for position:
Ability to work in a
faith based setting
Experience in working with
college students
Summary of position responsibilities
Direct and complete
the initiatives set forth
in VAD with COE and
Veterans
Maintain and pass on the
leadership of the service
learning program to University
Ministry staff
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