Grand Valley: Community Service Learning Center News GVSU Community Service Learning Center News http://www.gvsu.edu/service/ Sat, 26 May 2012 11:37:03 EST Grand Valley: Community Service Learning Center News http://www.gvsu.edu/images/rsslogo.gif http://www.gvsu.edu/service/ 112 33 GVSU students donate dresses to Grand Rapids nonprofit initiative 2012-05-23 00:00:00.0

































This Spring, the Community Service Learning Center and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life teamed up to collect formal dresses for the Adoptive Family Support Network, a Grand Rapids nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families who are either pre- or post-adoption with a variety of services.

 

One of the organization's annual events is their “Say Yes to a Dress” campaign, a drive to collect new or gently used prom dresses for girls in foster care. The Adoptive Family Support Network partnered with Afendoulis Cleaners & tuxedos who will clean and store the dresses for the organization.This was the first year that the Office of Student Life participated in this initiative and GVSU students, many of whom are sorority members, donated a total of 16 dresses for the campaign.

 

Frances Cain, who works for both the GVSU College of Community and Public Service and also the Adoptive Family Support Network, initially contacted the the Community Service Learning Center about the "Say Yes to a Dress" drive and we are thankful for her bringing this opportunity for GVSU students to give back to the community to our attention. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and the Community Service Learning Center are planning to participate in the campaign again next year and will be setting a goal of collecting even more dresses to support this worthy initiative.

 

Click on the link to learn more about the Adoptive Family Support Network!

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=C5789771-0537-197C-26162A6B92EDF11D GVSU Libraries walk and raise $950 to address hunger 2012-05-08 00:00:00.0

A team of GVSU University Libraries faculty and staff, lead by Hazel McClure (Liaison Librarian in Liberal Arts Programs) participated in the Access West Michigan Hunger Walk on Saturday, May 5th and raised $950.00 to support the work of the Access West Michigan nonproft organization. This year was the 34th anniversary of the Hunger Walk which has raised over $5.5 million which, according to the organization's webiste, are "distributed for pantry assistance, emergency meals, urban gardening and farmers market initiatives for low income people, assistance for seniors and international development programs." A list of the organizations and initiatives that benefit from the funds raised can also be found at the Access West Michigan website (see link above), along with information about their other initiatives and volunteer opportunities.


 

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=BE418462-FE8A-E811-120717BABB703BF3 SL Spotlight GVSU Engineering students build tool for man with quadriplegia 2012-05-03 00:00:00.0

GVSU Academic Service Learning Spotlight:


"A group of engineering students from Grand Valley State University who designed and built a special lawn mower for a man with quadriplegia performed a demonstration May 1."


Click here to read the rest of the story posted on GVNow and watch a video clip featuring a demonstration of the lawnmower in action!

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=C07BD32D-A212-7973-D2B07630E9E5EC19 Kids Food Basket AmeriCorps VISTA needed! Apply now! 2012-05-01 00:00:00.0

Position Available- AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate

Apply online by May 7 (*reccommended to apply early!)


This position will work directly with Kids Food Basket (in partnership with the LEAGUEMichigan and GVSU Community Service Learning Center). This individual will address childhood hunger in the Kent County community by providing education to kids (kindergarten through 5th grade) in Kids Food Basket (KFB) partnering programs/secondary schools as well as work with KFB staff and representatives from the LEAGUEMichigan to pilot a new service learning program for KBF.


We are looking for a student who:



  • Is available June 14- August 3

  • Aspires to be a k-12 educator or related field and/or enjoys working with youth

  • Has a background working with youth, familiarity with service learning concepts, and ability to capture and keep the attention of kids (not required but is helpful

  • Must have reliable transportation (will receive mileage for traveling for KFB

  • Spanish speaking is a plus


Requirements (articulated by MiCC)



  • At least 18 years of age

  • Must serve on a full-time basis

  • Cannot have outside employment

  • May take no more than one educational course during service (Permission of project supervisor is required)



Benefits:




  • A subsistence allowance between $892 and $973 per month. Summer Associates will be paid based upon this rate over the eight weeks of their service



  • A $1,174 education award from the National Service Trust upon completion of service or a $125 per month cash stipend



  • Student Loan forbearance (if Education Award is elected)



  • Training and professional development



How to Apply: Visit the Michigan Campus Compact website ("how to apply”) at  http://www.micampuscompact.org/mccsummerassociates.aspx)


*Students cannot have other employment and can only be enrolled in 1 class during the time of service.  Schedule is flexible but will be 40 hours a week during the 8 week period


For General Questions- contact Valerie Jones at jonesval@gvsu.edu



For questions when applying online, contact Liz Bogner (mccvista@micampuscompact.org)


]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=60C52374-0D14-A02C-6BD6B1E51C166800 Civic Data Challenge (Nat'l Conf on Citizenship) due 7/29 2012-04-19 00:00:00.0

The first-ever Civic Data Challenge (CivicDataChallenge.org) has recently launched! The Challenge is a project of NCoC (the National Conference on Citizenship) and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.



The Challenge will turn the raw data of “civic health" into beautiful, useful applications and visualizations, enabling communities to be better understood and made to thrive. NCoC is providing its civic health data, as well as other data on the important topics of health, safety, education, and the economy. Designers, data scientists, researchers, and app developers are especially encouraged to join the challenge. And … there will be prizes!



The Challenge is open through July 29th, and winners will be announced at the 67th Annual National Conference on Citizenship on September 14th in Philadelphia.


For questions, contact Kristi Tate, Director of Community Strategies | National Conference on Citizenship P: 202.729.8038 | ktate@NCoC.net

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=EAE70C0F-C568-5B18-CFF8A068F4E6DFFC Volunteer for Helping Hands- sign up today! 2012-04-19 00:00:00.0 Subject: Sign up to Volunteer with Helping Hands (8/20- 8/22)

April 19, 2012

Dear Student Leaders,

In the spirit of building a strong campus community, the Office of Housing and Residence Life is inviting student organizations  to “Lend a Helping Hand” during fall semester move-in, August 20-22, 2012.   Student’s seamless transition to Grand Valley is an outcome of over 2,000 hours of student volunteering.  We would like to continue this tradition of service to our community by asking that you serve as a helping hands volunteer.


Come help us welcome the newest group of Lakers for a Lifetime by signing up at http://bit.ly/HrYgXR . Each individual that is planning to volunteer must sign up. If you would like to volunteer for multiple dates and times, you will need to fill the form out again.


In July, we will send a follow up email to provide more specific details about checking in as a volunteer and other general information you will need. After Helping Hands, we will remind you to document your volunteer hours through GVSU’s Service Tracker at http://gvsu.edu/service/service-tracker-99.htm.


If you have any questions about the Helping Hands program, please feel free to contact the Office of Student Life at 331-2345 or slosm@gvsu.edu or Susan Brunell in Housing and Residence Life at 331-2823 or reslife@gvsu.edu.  Thank you for considering the opportunity to assist the students of the GVSU community.

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=ECAD8597-E3A4-754A-B1D4EAB1DFCC0D4E The Freshman Academy Summer Mentoring Opportunity 2012-04-06 00:00:00.0

The Freshman Academy is in need of student mentors to work the summer program. The Oliver Wilson Freshman Academy Program (FA) is a support program that offers comprehensive and collaborative services to students who have demonstrated a strong potential for academic success in college and who are either from an underrepresented high school and/or the first in their families to attend college. This institute will give these students some much needed skills they will need as they transition to college life.


There is a training session April 30-May 1, however if you cannot make it they will work with you on another date.


If you would be willing to commit to be a student mentor for our Freshman Academy students, please contact Sulari White at 331-3588 or whites@gvsu.edu.

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=5C066004-F267-6663-8F6A44F4252448BB GV a part of Community Service Honor Roll 2012-03-22 00:00:00.0

GO LAKERS!


Grand Valley State University has been recognized on The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for our fourth year! This honor is awarded based on the number of service hours students, faculty and staff have completed, as well as the outcomes of the service performed and how that service has impacted the community. Check out the full Lanthorn article here! 



Click here to learn more about The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.


Want to help Grand Valley continue this tradition of service? Make sure to log your hours on our service tracker!

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=520005A5-B16D-657A-188A1753414825B9 2012-2013 American Red Cross Blood Drives Announced 2012-03-20 00:00:00.0

Fall 2012

Thursday, September 13

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2204 - Pere Marquette



Thursday, October 4

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2204 - Pere Marquette



Thursday, November 15

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2204 - Pere Marquette



Friday, December 7

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2204 - Pere Marquette







Winter 2013



Thursday, January 17

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2250 - Grand River Room



Thursday, February 7

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2250 - Grand River Room



Thursday, March 21

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2250 - Grand River Room



Thursday, April 11

11:30 am - 5:30 pm in Kirkhof Room 2250 - Grand River Room



Back to Blood Drive Facts

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=EB0BEC61-02A8-388D-A52023122B2DC31E Student Scholars Day Volunteers Needed! 2012-03-13 00:00:00.0 Student Scholars Day ~ Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship

April 11, 2012 ~ 9:00am-5:30pm ~ Henry Hall Atrium & Kirkhof Center

Student Scholars Day (SSD) is held once each year to celebrate the scholarship and creative work performed by GVSU students. The day showcases faculty-mentored student work shared through many venues, including: oral presentations, discussion and panel sessions, fine arts exhibits and performances, and poster presentations. The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship is proud to present and host the 17th Annual Student Scholars Day on Wednesday April 11, 2012. This event will showcase over 400 presentations by more than 600 student presenters. More than 100 volunteers are needed to make it happen.  Volunteers will have the jobs of registration, session host, or greeter. Volunteers will also be expected to attend a volunteer orientation on Monday, April 9 at 5:00pm in 2215/2216 Kirkhof Center. The orientation will cover important information that will help volunteers understand their roles in SSD. If you are interested in volunteering but unable to attend the orientation session, please email Megan Shannahan at shanname@gvsu.edu to discuss alternative options. Please register at: http://www.gvsu.edu/ssd/volunteer-for-student-scholars-day-34.htm. For more information, please contact Megan Shannahan at 616-331-8100 or shanname@gvsu.edu.

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=80F6F250-9F7D-C3F6-6573D6A77218A79E PALS Student Mentors Executive Board Positions 2012-03-13 00:00:00.0 Pals Student Mentors is a student-run mentoring organization at Grand Valley State University. The executive board consists of eight students and is supported by faculty/staff advisor(s). In order to provide the best opportunities for the children of the greater Grand Rapids area all student executive board members are expected to mentor a child in addition to their leadership responsibilities.



Click here for more information about PALS and its executive board positions!

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=8144FBFC-C2FE-982C-EFD504CCAF0416D3 Peace Corps Information Sessions - 2.15 & 2.16 2012-02-08 00:00:00.0 Attend an information session with a currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers and GVSU alum home on vacation and Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and GVSU alumni to learn more about what it is like to be a Peace Corps Volunteer!



___________________________________



INFORMATION SESSION – PEW CAMPUS

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

7:00 p.m.

Grand Valley State University

Pew Grand Rapids Campus

DeVos Center (DEV) 302E

Grand Rapids, MI 49504



We will watch a short video highlighting a few volunteers in their global communities, talk about the application process, and discuss the benefits of service. In addition, GVSU alumni and local community members will be sharing their Peace Corps Volunteer stories. All are welcome!

___________________________________



INFORMATION SESSION - ALLENDALE CAMPUS

Thursday, February 16, 2012

7:00 p.m.

Grand Valley State University

Allendale Campus

2243 Kirkhof Center (KC)

Allendale, MI 49401



We will watch a short video highlighting a few volunteers in their global communities, talk about the application process, and discuss the benefits of service. In addition, GVSU alumni and local community members will be sharing their Peace Corps Volunteer stories. All are welcome!



Check out the Peace Corps website for more information!

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=AFD67B31-C20D-DB78-FB5084044222FEAA Pass it forward registration open! 2012-02-07 00:00:00.0



Grand Rapids Community College’s Department of Experiential Learning has again partnered with ePIFany Now and the Service-Learning Youth Engagement Zone (YEZ) to Pass it Forward  on Friday, February 24, 2012. 





This year nearly (200) college students from Aquinas, Davenport, GVSU, and others will gather together to experience how simple acts of service can make a positive community impact.  Participating in this event will connect you to some of the great public & nonprofit organizations in our community like Guiding Light Mission and the GR Veteran's Home.


 


**Please be aware that there is capacity for this event, so please register early to confirm your ability to participate.


 


You can learn more about this event, and register by visiting the Pass it Forward event website.  


 


An outline for the day follows (specific details are given prior to the event):


8:00 to 9:00 Check-In at GRCC

9:00 to 9:30 Welcome and Kick Off Event

9:30 Participants travel to our designated service-learning sites

10:00 to 12:00 noon  Participate in direct service

12:00 to 12:30 Travel back to GRCC

12:30 to 2:30 Lunch and reflection with all participants


 


If you have any questions regarding this event e-mail Tiffany Ewigleben, tfalconewigleben@grcc.edu or Leah Kicinski, lkicinski@grcc.edu.

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=72AA4BED-B62E-75F5-FB3BD964CDDA60FC The Rogue River Watershed Council 2012-02-02 00:00:00.0 Are you interested in learning more about the work local organizations are doing to address environmental and watershed issues? Would you like more information on how to volunteer with The Rogue River Watershed Council?




Then stop by their public meeting where you can learn about the organizations working to protect the Rogue River Watershed! (at of course eat some free cookies!)






Date: Monday February 20th, 2012

Time: Doors open at 6:15 pm, program from 6:30pm-7:45pm

Location: N. Rockford Middle School Cafeteria

More information: Contact Gretchen at prairieplanter@gmail.com or at 616-240-2181


]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=7D7DBF61-0474-6660-662094E6DCB4CB71 Peace Corps 2012-01-27 00:00:00.0 Are you looking for a different way to share your knowledge and expertise, build cultural bridges, gain valuable international experience, and promote a spirit of friendship and peace?



The Peace Corps may be the answer!



Learn more about what it's like to be a Peace Corps Volunteer and how to apply. Meet with local Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and a currently service Peace Corps Volunteer and GVSU alumns, Mr. Mark Bryson, home on vacation from Jamaica!



General Information Sessions:



Wednesday, February 15, 2012

7:00pm

DEV 302E Pew Campus

GVSU, Grand Rapids, MI



Thursday February 16, 2012

7:00pm

2243 Kirkhof Center

GVSS, Allendale, MI





Visit: peacecorps.gov

Call: 800.424.8580

Or stop by the Community Service Learning Center for more information!

]]> http://www.gvsu.edu/service/module-news-view.htm?newsId=4ADC5647-F774-DBE0-9DBBE48DE6C875E7