VOLUNTEER & SERVICE-LEARNING CENTER Cleveland Hall 306 716-878-5811 [email protected] .

VOLUNTEER & SERVICE-LEARNING CENTER

Cleveland Hall 306 [email protected]://vslc.buffalostate.edu

A form of active learning that links

learning in the classroom with activities that

students participate in to

address the needs of the surrounding

community.

WHAT IS SERVICE-LEARNING?

Last year 1,779 students completed over 45,000 hours of service through 104 service-learning courses

• Develop and

improve skills

• Meet new people

• Improve your

resume

• Explore professional

fields

• Make a difference!

BENEFITS OF SERVICE-LEARNING FOR STUDENTS

BUFFALO STATE STUDENT REPORTED BENEFITS OF SERVICE-LEARNING

* Working as part of a team

*Communication skills

* Problem-solving skills

* Research skills

* Analytical skills

* Critical thinking skills

* Computer skills

* Social self-confidence

* Public speaking skills

* Real world experience

TEN TOP SKILLS EMPLOYERS WANT National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2013

1. Communication skills

(verbal )

2. Ability to work in a team

3. Problem-solving skills

4. Plan, organize and prioritize

work

5. Research skills

6. Analytical skills

7. Technical skills

8. Computer skills

9. Communication skills

(written)

10. Leadership

NOTICE ANYTHING?

• 78% would encourage other students to try service-

learning

• 83% learn course content best when connections are

made to real life

• 93% felt they learn from people who are different from

them

• 88% felt they could make a difference in the community

STUDENT FEEDBACK

BUFFALO’S ASSETS

• Rated #1 on Forbes’ “America’s Most Affordable Cities”

• Buildings designed by over 100 American architects, including H.H. Richardson, Louis Sullivan, E.B. Green & Frank Lloyd Wright

• Buffalo Park System designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead

• 21 institutions of higher education in the metro-region

• 2,000 refugees and immigrants resettle in Buffalo every year

BUFFALO’S ASSETS

• Over 80 community gardens

• Garden Walk Buffalo is the largest garden tour in America

• Buffalo is home to over 50 art galleries and 22 professional theaters

• Shakespeare in Delaware Park is the second largest outdoor Shakespeare festival in the country

• Hosts the third oldest zoo in the US

BUFFALO’S CHALLENGES

• 4th poorest large city in the US

• 26% of families live in poverty

• 3rd most abandoned houses

• Buffalo’s vacancy rate is triple the rest of Erie County (15.7%)

BUFFALO’S CHALLENGES

• 2,000 people are homeless on any given night in Buffalo.

• 57% of Buffalo’s children (under age 5) live in poverty.

• 1/3 of the adult population in Buffalo live below the poverty line.

• Buffalo-Niagara region is the 8th most segregated in US

NEW ARRIVALS ON THE WESTSIDE

• 24% of all refugees that come into NYS settle in Buffalo

• Each year 1,600-2,000 refugees are resettled in Buffalo

• The Westside is the most diverse neighborhood, with over 70 spoken languages

• Countries of origin include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, Ghana, Iraq, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Thailand

BUFFALO’S YOUTH

• 42% of youth (ages 5-18) in the city of Buffalo live in poverty

• Poor children are twice as likely to have repeated a grade, to have been expelled or suspended, or to have dropped out of high school

• The high school graduation rate for the city is 54%

• 85% of all child care programs in Buffalo do not meet national standards

• 100% Increase the number of clients served

• 98% Better meet community needs

• 96% Increase mentoring services

• 100% Incorporate new ideas

• 98% Increase services offered

• 98% Make new connections

YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Community Partner Organizations Say That Service-Learning

Students Help Them To….

EXPECTATIONS

• Be prompt and positive at the organization

• Be open to learning about cultures and lifestyles that are different than your own

• Be respectful• Communicate with your

supervisor if uncomfortable or uncertain

• Call ahead of time if you are unable to make your scheduled time

• Address issues promptly (with supervisor, faculty, VSLC staff)

• Remember, you are representing SUNY Buffalo State

EXPECTATIONSGETTING STARTED

When calling your contact or arriving at the site for the first time:

• Introduce yourself

• State the reason you are calling (or are present)

• State the service-learning course and professor

• Know how many hours you are required to complete

• Know the course’s objective for your service-learning

• Keep an accurate record of your service hours

• Have the community agency or staff verify your hours and sign your service log

• Sign and return to your professor

SERVICE LOG

SAFETY REMINDERS

• Familiarize yourself with the new area ahead of time

• Travel with a buddy• Carry only what you need• Let someone know where you are going and

when you expect to return• Always lock your doors and leave a light on • Park or walk in well-lit areas• Never leave valuables in plain sight • If you become a victim of a crime call 991 (on-

campus call 716-878-6333)

SERVICE-LEARNING DESIGNATED COURSES

To Find Service-Learning Designated Courses:

To Know if a Course includes Service-Learning:

OTHER VSLC OPPORTUNITIES

• Volunteer Fair & September 11 National Day of Service (September 11, 2014)

• Alternative Break (November 2014-June 2015)

• Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement (due March 13, 2015)

• Spring Community Service Day (April 11, 2015)