Service-Learning

Both Sides of the Brain

Service-Learning is a form of applied learning• Helps the student learn about themselves• Helps the student learn about their

community• Helps the student better grasp the course

material

Win-Win

• The community benefits in the short term from the service provided and in the long term from a more engaged citizenship.

• Last year… 1100 FOB students earned grades helping 169 small business and non-profits grow their capacity.

What Students report getting out of Service-Learning

Students report:• Work experience on my resume.• Have a new understanding of services in my community.• Learned something to help me with career choices• Have a better understanding of course material• Have a better understanding of how non-profits work.• Have something I could speak about in a job interview about how I

have applied my business skills.• Think I might like to work or volunteer my skills in a non-profit

setting again.• Feel good knowing I made a difference for a community serving

organization.

Skills employers look for…

• Problem-solving• Communication (written & oral)• Integrative thinking• Teamwork

Agenda

• Project description & Timeline• Service-Learning success tips• Non-profits & small business• Other tools and resources

– Email and Conference call etiquette• List of choices• Picking a project

Project Description - Timetable

CONSULTING PROJECT:

To meet with your client, assess their need, develop a solution based on the needs and resources available or accessible to the client.

• Prepare a professional report.• Video Presentation of solution to Client, and Professor

• Final step – 10 minutes onlineReflect on what you’ve learning about the course material, yourself and your community during this project…by completing on-line Survey.

Timeline

• Matching groups to organizations: Today!• Face-to-Face Client meetings: Oct 8 in class time 2-3pm

(needs assessment)• Interim Report presented to client Nov 5 (2-3 pm 15 minutes

per team). Hard copy to professor in class.• Final Reports and Video Presentation due: Nov 26 (submit

video link and soft copy of report to your client)• Report team hours into project

S-L Success Strategies

• Preparation– Know what you need to know!– You’re running the meeting– Email with intros and a light outline of first visit goals/agenda

• Accountability– Keep in touch with your client…regularly– Confidentiality Agreement- Print it, bring it, sign it!!

• Professionalism– Dress, communication style, punctuality, courtesy– These clients may be one of your referrals in future hiring process!

Non-Profits and Small Business

• Will generally be immensely grateful for your help

• It can be a lot like herding cats• Don’t communicate at the speed of light… you

will need to think ahead about what you need• I’m there to help manage expectations

Extra Resources

• Posted on Sakai– These slides– Client contact information and project

description– Confidentiality Agreement– Email Etiquette– Conference call – how to

List of Choices

1. Niagara Regional Police- Diversity in recruiting2. Niagara Centre of Native Women- Virtual Team management3. Oak Centre- Policies and Procedures4. Goodman Career- CACEE data benchmarking

Contact Info

• gillian.kemp@brocku.ca• Taro Hall 413• 905 688 5550 X5023

• Don’t wait for full panic…. Be proactive!