VOLUNTEER & SERVICE-LEARNING CENTER VOLUNTEER & SERVICE LEARNING CENTER Cleveland Hall 306 SUNY Buffalo State

WHAT IS SERVICE- LEARNING? 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. Look for service-learning designated courses in the course catalog.

THE TRIANGLE OF QUALITY COMMUNITY SERVICE Community Need Academic Goals Reflection

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SERVICE-LEARNING? * Developing and improving skills * Connecting with a new neighborhood * Improving your resume * Replacing a class paper or presentation * Exploring professional fields * Making a difference!

SERVICE-LEARNING ACROSS CAMPUS * 1,761 students * 42,448 hours of service * 90 service-learning courses LAST SUNY BUFFALO STATE

NOTICE ANYTHING? 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, 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

STUDENT POST-SURVEYS 83% learn course content best when connections are made to real life 78 % would encourage other students to try service-learning 93% felt they learn from people who are different from them 88% felt they could make a difference in the community

BUFFALO’S ASSETS * People * Architecture * Great Lakes * Cost of Living * Recreation * Arts and Culture * Higher Education * Urban Gardening & Farming * Refugee Populations

BUFFALO’S CHALLENGES * the 3 rd poorest large city in the nation. * The 3 rd most abandoned homes in the USA. * Buffalo’s housing vacancy rate (15.7%) is triple the rest of Erie County. * The Buffalo-Niagara region is the 8 th most segregated in the nation * 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. * 33% of women in Buffalo have experienced domestic violence.

NEW ARRIVALS ON BUFFALO’S WEST SIDE * There are four resettlement agencies and 2 post-resettlement service agencies located in or within 2 miles of the West Side. * Many settle on the West Side due to abundant and low cost housing, as well as easy access to public transportation. *Buffalo’s most diverse region with over 70 languages are spoken, with countries of origin including Bhutan, Ghana, Somalia, Sudan, Burma, Bangladesh, Thailand, Nepal, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. * 24% of all refugees that come into New York State settle in the Buffalo area. * In 2011 Buffalo resettled 1,600 refugees; the expected number in 2012 is over 2,000.

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 46%. Without a high school diploma, a young person is twice as likely to be unemployed. * 85% of all child care programs in Buffalo do not meet national standards.

YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE * Increase the number of clients served * Better meet community needs * Increase mentoring services * Incorporate new ideas * Increase services offered * Make new connections HELP COMMUNITY AGENCIES THAT PARTNER WITH YOUR CLASS TO:

YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE GETTING STARTED Arrange hours and schedule with your organization supervisor at the beginning of the semester (or as directed by the instructor) Ask for an orientation on-site to include the mission, history, and the population served Clarify your learning objectives, hour requirements, and reason for being there with your organization supervisor Know who to call if you are unable to complete your hours on a specific day Ask about the duties and responsibilities you will have

YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE Be prompt, willing, respectful and positive at the organization Be open to learning about cultures and lifestyles that are different than your own Speak with your supervisor if uncomfortable or uncertain about what you are to do Address issues promptly (with supervisor, faculty, VSLC staff) Respect the confidentiality of the people served Remember, you are representing SUNY Buffalo State Reflect on your experience EXPECTATIONS

YOUR SERVICE-LEARNING EXPERIENCE SERVICE LOG * 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.

BE SAFE!

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT * Certificate of Recognition for Community Engagement demonstrates your extended involvement as a college student in community service, service-learning, and other community based work. * hours of service is required and should span your career as a college student. *Make your resume stand out! * Visit the VSLC website for details.

WHAT’S NEXT? Check the VSLC website or call the office at for information about volunteering, service-learning, & ways to be involved! Search for Designated Service-Learning courses in Banner! Volunteer Fair- 9/11 Community Service Day- 10/5 Alternative Fall Break- 11/8-11/11