Transforming Service and Civic Engagement

What is IMPACT? IMPACT facilitates career preparation, civic engagement, and community involvement through service. Promotes the integration of project-based learning in all colleges and program areas. Develops a deep understanding of service and university mission, and strengthens students’ commitment to civic engagement and community upon leaving the university. Students learn how to identify problems, take action, and see themselves as agents of change.

Key Components of Niagara University’s IMPACT Model Vincentian systemic change Collective impact Leadership Project-based learning Aligned to Niagara University’s Vincentian Mission and the work of St. Vincent DePaul where “action is our only task”, Vincentian systemic change aims to develop long-term solutions that address the root causes of a problem. Tackles deeply entrenched and complex social problems. It is an innovative and structured approach to making collaboration work across sectors to achieve significant and lasting social change. Allows faculty and students to work in teams on an identified community need, investigate and respond to a practical, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. Creates an inspiring vision of the future, motivates people, and builds a team, so that it is more effective at achieving the results.

Why is this important from a career perspective Why is this important from a career perspective? Value of volunteerism - $24.00/hour Value of skills-based volunteering - $150.00/hour

The need is great. Where can YOU help? Poverty Workforce development Literacy Health and Wellness Early Childhood Education Unemployment rate: Niagara Falls - 11.4% Niagara County - 10% 36.4% of Niagara Falls children live in poverty 12.5% of Niagara Falls residents have Bachelor’s Degree or higher 30% functional illiteracy rate in Niagara County

17.6% 10,900 Make a Difference in Niagara Falls! 37% About 1 in 2 residents are struggling financially 37% of the city’s at-risk population are unemployed 15% of the most vulnerable have urgent concerns for food 1 in 4 of the most vulnerable do not have health insurance 17.6% high school drop out rate in 2016 10,900 residents are below the federal poverty level 76% of those surveyed are receiving some form of public assistance 15% of residents have less than a high school education

Examples of NU IMPACT Projects Professor Burt’s (Accounting) students assist local senior citizens and low-income residents with their taxes. One of Professor Brown’s (Statistics) students transformed the transportation for Niagara University’s IMPACT program, helping the office save time and money. Professor Garland’s (College of Education) students host and coordinate the Special Olympics for the WNY region. Professor Alegre’s (Management) students design business plans and marketing strategies for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Francis Center. Professor Blair’s (Social Work) students help to administer the annual Niagara County Point in Time survey at local homeless shelters each year. Professor Winter’s (Finance) students conduct financial audits for small organizations that would otherwise not be able to afford one. Professor Tutka’s (Sports Recreation and Management) students will soon be running all aspects of a local collegiate summer baseball team.

What can IMPACT do for you? Gain a deep understanding of: NU’s Catholic and Vincentian mission to serve those most in need The importance of lifelong civic engagement Experience career preparation and workforce development through service. Benefit from a strong mentor-mentee relationship with NU faculty and staff. Participate in meaningful work on projects that focus on regional needs. Create sustainable solutions to identified issues. Learn how to identify problems, take action, and see yourself as an agent of change.

Learn more about the IMPACT Components Online Modules Module 1: IMPACT Module 2: Collective Impact Module 3: Vincentian Systemic Change Module 4: Project-Based Learning Module 5: Leadership How to access: Visit https://levesqueinstitute.niagara.edu/programs/impact/ and click on the “Training” link (you will have to enter your PurplePass credentials) Through Canvas Orientation sessions See pages 92-93 in your NUB handbook for dates/times

“Action is our entire task” For more information or to get involved: Visit us in ACAD 125 Check us out online: www.niagara.edu/impact Check out our Facebook page: facebook.com/NiagaraIMPACT Email Brittany DePietro, IMPACT Coordinator: bdepietro@niagara.edu “Action is our entire task” St. Vincent de Paul