Why Serve? - Nebraska Campus Compact
advertisement
Geraldine E. Stirtz, M.Ed. Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning (OSL) Traci D. Schellhase, M.S. UNK Academic & Career Advisor Reflections from authors: Service can be an attitude, a relationship, and a way of being in the world. “We can help through what we do. But at the deepest level we help through who we are.” (Dass & Gorman, 1985, p227) “Another reason many people engage in service is their recognition of responsibility as an essential aspect of life in a democracy…participation is not only a right but an obligation.” (R.Wade, 1997) Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Our democracy is changing! ◦ AmeriCorps developed to provide opportunities for citizens of all ages to serve ◦ Educational institutions are recognizing the value of service to the students as well as the community ◦ Employers are seeking employees with service experiences because… Service… engages people in the lives of others …helps in building relationships …strengthens communities …promotes life-long civic engagement once involved, individuals stay involved Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu •Provides Major Federal funding support •Encourages the use of service-learning to enhance and strengthen the base of National volunteer efforts •UNK Rural Corps Project one of many supported throughout the US • ServeNebraska, funded by the Corporation, provides statewide grants and encourages training in service-learning to enhance the meaning of service for participants. Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Office for Service-Learning Goal: “Build a Corps of Engaged Citizens in South Central Nebraska ◦ Past year - 15 Varied Host Sites opportunities for citizens 18 and older Receive stipend, an education award, based on hours served & position size Full, Half, Reduced Half, Quarter, Minimum Time slots ◦ 13-25 Members-70+ enrolled, past 4 years Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Provide support for agencies and programs in the community Sustainable partnerships previously established with Office for Service-Learning Coaching, training for Supervisors very critical ◦ Understanding AmeriCorps structure and purpose ◦ Reporting challenges – measuring impact ◦ Restricted Member’s Activities ◦ Responsibilities to/for Members ◦ Relationships Community awareness-promotion On-going training and support Express/celebrate appreciation for partnerships Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu A program that helps Americans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in service that addresses the nation’s educational, public safety, environmental, and other human needs, with a goal to achieve direct and measurable results, encouraging all Americans to engage in service. Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu The National Service Network Programs & Partners Learn & Serve America Senior Corps Learn & Serve America State Ed Agencies (K- Presidential Freedom Scholarships HS Jrs/Sr Foster Grandparents Sponsoring Agencies State Offices Nat’l Demonstration Projects Nat’l Organizations Sponsoring 12) Higher Ed Institutions Community-based Orgs Nat’lL&S America T/TA Tribes Exchange All S-L practitioners Nat’l S-L Clearinghouse All S-L practitioners & researchers AmeriCorps ANCCC National, Regional & Local Projects SE Region Campus NE Region Campus Central Region Campus Western Region Campus Capital Region Campus AState & National APromise Fellows Grants State Commissions Nat’l Organizations Tribes & Territories Ed Award Program Grants State Commissions Nat’l Organizations Tribes & Territories Agencies State Offices Senior Companions Sponsoring Agencies State Offices Agencies AVISTA Tribes & Territories Grants State Grants State Commissions Local Projects Sponsoring Agencies National Direct Grants Nat’l Parent State Offices Organizations Sponsoring Agencies RSVP Sponsoring Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu VISTA Leaders HQ Sponsoring Agencies Nat’l Demonstration Projects HQ Nat’l Organizations American Red Cross Arc of Buffalo County Kearney Community Learning Center (KCLC) Kearney Public Schools (KPS) Rowe Sanctuary UNK Frank House Historical Museum UNK Office for Service-Learning Great Platte River Road Archway Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity United Way of the Kearney Area Habitat for Humanity Kearney Area Community Foundation Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Project/Program development Educational Community engagement Fundraising Secretarial work Fulfilling previously paid positions Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu US Army Veteran Served a half-time and a full-time position ◦ 2010 & 2011 grant years Developed various community programs Recruited individuals in rural communities Accepted a full-time position in August 2012 Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Unemployed college graduate Served 2 half-time positions Developed educational curriculum for visitors and tour groups “I grew up in the Scouts doing camping and that sort of thing. Working here seemed like a good fit, combining my love of the outdoors with environmental education.” Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Served one reduced half-time position, 2010 Increased campus awareness of service-learning Assisted with organization and preparation of monthly member meetings Helped assist Program Director w/ training Worked with small groups of ELL students Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Professional Development Training ◦ Various topics AmeriCorps/Corporation/ServeNebraska Overview Service-Learning (OSL Director) Career Planning & Resume Building (Career Services) Conflict Management (Mediation Center) Multicultural Awareness (Social Work Faculty) Working with Persons with Disabilities (Arc Program) Disaster Preparedness (Red Cross) Member Projects Reporting ◦ Developed Reporting Forms Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Promoted on campus and in community ◦ Posters in buildings & businesses ◦ Brochures developed, printed, distributed at campus events ◦ Email announcements in campus system ◦ Flyers distributed to faculty asking to share ◦ Student bulletins and campus paper information ◦ Radio/TV conversations ◦ Area newspaper stories Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu Questions? Contact stirtzg@unk.edu for assistance or additional information Program grant funds from the Corporation for National & Community Service Supported through ServeNebraska Geraldine Stirtz, Director, UNK Office for Service-Learning, stirtzg@unk.edu
