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New York Campus Compact Weekly

April 13, 2012

In This Issue:
1- Spotlight on Members- Cornell University 2- NYCC VISTA Recruitment 3- NYCC Seeking VISTA Leader 4- CNCS Appoints New CEO 4- Crucible Moment Conference th 5- 5 Annual Institute on Global ServiceLearning 6- NYCC Faculty Institute 7- Save Service District Days 7- Ernest A. Lynton Award 7- Call for Spotlights and Articles

Spotlight on MembersCornell University

By: Dani Corona, Student Communications Assistant, Cornell University--Cornell Chronicle, April 10, 2012
A group of Cornell undergraduates are assembling and donating lowcost science kits to aid impoverished children in Haiti, hoping to inspire a love of learning and to strengthen the country's future. If the project succeeds, similar kits could be used as educational tools for developing nations in post-disaster recovery around the world. Members of the Pre-professional Association Toward Careers in Health (PATCH), a student group sponsored by the College of Human Ecology, packaged 60 kits -- with such items as plastic test tubes, jump ropes, colorful inflatable balls, air pumps and stopwatches -- at a banquet attended by some 200 students April 6. With the help of the disaster relief organization Humanity First, which awarded PATCH $2,000, the supplies will be bound for fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms at a school near Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital.

Upcoming Events:
May 3, 2012: A Crucible Moment: How to Transform Service Learning to Cultivate Engaged Citizens Informed by Democratic Principles, Wagner College
May 31- June 1, 2012: The Fifth Annual Institute on Global Service-Learning, hosted by Cornell University June 14, 2012: 2012 New York Campus Compact and St. Johns University Faculty Institute October 11-12, 2012: The Second Annual Eastern Region Campus Compact Conference: Promoting Clear Pathways to Civic Engagement, hosted by Dartmouth College

PATCH members Chloe Michel '13, Sindhuja Ranganathan '13, Sharjeel Chaudhry '13, Boris Nektalov '13 and Stephen Sammons '14 examine materials to be packaged into the kits for Haitian students.

Spotlight continued on page 2

Spotlight continued from page 1

Sharjeel Chaudhry '13, a human biology, health and society major and PATCH co-president, and a committee of 10 other students developed the plan after hearing of Haiti's dire state following the 2010 earthquake. "We wanted to help the kids ... who pretty much lost everything, by developing their interests in health and the sciences," said Chaudhry, who will deliver the kits this summer with two other Cornell students. The kits contain photo illustrations for basic experiments and are designed to be reusable. Rather than give textbooks, the PATCH members favored supplies that would spur hands-on learning. Chaudhry said, "The goal is to trigger intellectual curiosity." The kits are designed to supplement traditional classroom instruction, with lessons in fundamental areas of biology, physics and health that link scientific concepts to relevant national issues in Haiti. For instance, PATCH members created an experiment on how environmental conditions affect seed growth and plant life to educate the children about deforestation, a concern in Haiti. Another lesson involves assessing cardiovascular health, where the students would measure pulse and breathing in response to physical activity. Spreading a passion for science through community service is one of the objectives of PATCH, an organization open to all Cornell undergraduates. It provides support, advising, programming and networking opportunities, and it fosters close connections between faculty members and students to enrich the student experience. In addition to the science kits, PATCH regularly assists Loaves and Fishes, a local soup kitchen, where members offer nutrition talks and weekly medical checkups. Emily Lopes '13, human biology, health and society major and PATCH co-president, finds she often applies concepts from anatomy, nutrition and other classes at the Loaves and Fishes health screenings. "What you learn in class that day you can apply in your presentations," she said. As PATCH continues to aid students in premedical preparation, it balances career planning and service through its work. "Our members aren't just doing PATCH as a resume builder," said Chaudhry, "they are doing things for the purpose of community service -- for the purpose of their love for humanity." The Haiti project was also supported by two $500 grants from the Human Ecology Alumni Association. PATCH welcomes additional donations for the project, which the students hope to expand for next year.

NYCC AmeriCorps VISTA Recruitment

New York Campus Compact has been partnering with the AmeriCorps VISTA Program since 2003 in order to assist member campuses in developing deep, meaningful campus/community partnerships. VISTAs play pivotal roles in helping colleges and universities address community needs, develop leadership among their students, and improve collaborations between the institution and the community. We are currently recruiting applicants for the following host sites: Bard College Binghamton University- Veteran's Issues Binghamton University- Youth Development Hofstra University Jefferson Community College Mercy College New York Campus Compact VISTA Leader St. John's University SUNY Geneseo SUNY Oswego Vassar College Village at Ithaca/Cornell University Please click here to view the position descriptions

NYCC is Seeking a VISTA Leader

New York Campus Compact is seeking a dynamic VISTA Leader to support and enhance current VISTA programming for our 14-member team. New York Campus Compact has been partnering with the AmeriCorps VISTA Program since 2003 in order to assist member campuses in developing deep, meaningful campus/community partnerships. VISTAs play pivotal roles in helping colleges and universities address community needs, develop leadership among their students, and improve collaborations between the institution and the community. The VISTA Leader's duties include: Providing ongoing support of current VISTA members Coordinating and implementing training opportunities for VISTA members (including 3 conferences and a webinar series) Supporting the development of a new community-based VISTA program by completing research and developing marketing materials Enhancing relationships with NYCC VISTA Alumni by coordinating alumni networking events Develop an alumni database Implement a new mentoring program whereby current VISTA members are matched with NYCC VISTA alumni Required Qualifications: 1 year of previous experience serving as an Americorps VISTA Bachelors degree Community service experience Strong oral and written communication skills Strong organizational and computer skills Motivated, independent worker Valid drivers license Desired functions and qualifications: Comfortable public speaking Event planning and program management Volunteer management experience Experience working with nonprofit organizations

Additional Benefits : NYCCs VISTA Leader will receive a bi-weekly living allowance totaling $13,524 over the course of the year. We are also pleased to offer a generous housing subsidy of $3,600! Upon successful completion, choose either an education award of $5,550 to use toward educational loans or future educational expenses or a cash stipend of $3,000. The VISTA Leader may put any qualifying loans in forbearance during the term of service; any accrued interest will be paid off by AmeriCorps at the end of the term. Health insurance and workers compensation are provided at no extra cost, and there are numerous professional development opportunities. Term of service for NYCCs VISTA Leader is June 2012 to June 2013.

Corporation for National and Community Service Appoints Wendy Spencer as New CEO
Yesterday, Wendy Spencer was introduced as the new CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service As the agencys first CEO to come directly from the national service field, Spencer brings in-depth knowledge and extensive on-the-ground experience to her post. Since 2004, she has served as CEO of Volunteer Florida, the state's service commission. For her first day, Ms. Spencer recoded a video message recounting her service history and looking toward the future of the organization. Below is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjfVTcyGsUc
CNCS hopes that Wendy Spencer will bring some stability to the organization which has seen significant shifts in leadership over the past couple years.

A Crucible Moment: How to Transform Service Learning to Cultivate Engaged Citizens Informed by Democratic Principles
Thursday, May 3, 2012 12:00 5:00 pm Wagner College, Staten Island, New York

Join Richard Guarasci, President of Wagner College and member of The National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement, and Caryn McTighe Musil, Sr. Vice-President, Associate of American Colleges and Universities, at Wagner College for the first of a series of statewide discussions about how service learning and community engagement can advance our efforts to cultivate engaged citizens.

Space is limited- REGISTER NOW!

Fees:
$25.00 NYCC Member $50.00 Nonmember

Fifth Annual Institute on Global Service-Learning

May 31- June 1, 2012 ILR Conference Center Cornell University

COME FOR THE INSTITUTE, STAY FOR THE FESTIVAL!

The Fifth Annual Institute on Global Service-Learning, co-sponsored by Cornell University (Center for Community Engaged Learning and Research & The Public Service Center) and New York Campus Compact, will be held on Cornells campus in Ithaca, New York, May 31 June 1, 2012. Do you currently teach a global/international service-learning course? Are you considering developing one? Do you want to transform an international course into one that is community-connected? Then this is the institute for you. This intensive institute will provide faculty and professional teaching staff with the reflective space and time to discuss and develop learning outcomes, assessment strategies, tools for reflection, the importance of reciprocal community partnerships, and strategies for creating institutional buy-in. The 2012 GSLI will be co-facilitated by Dr. Richard Kiely, Director, Center for Community Engaged Learning and Research, Cornell University, and Dr. Eric Hartman, former Executive Director, Amizade Global Service-Learning.

FEES: $150 NYCC Member $200 Nonmember Registration includes lunch and reception Thursday, breakfast and lunch on Friday, and free admission to the Ithaca Festival, an annual event that is the premier music and arts festival of its kind in the region. For more information, go to http://www.ithacafestival.org/.

For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1085164

Space is limited, so be sure to register now.

2012 New York Campus Compact and St. Johns University Faculty Institute with Dr. Edward Zlotkowski
June 14, 2012 Bent Hall St. Johns University

OBJECTIVES:
To explore or deepen your understanding of the academic service-learning pedagogy and be better prepared to be an advocate of academic service-learning at your institution and with your colleagues To design or re-design your course outline to include an academic service-learning component which can be used for your course To identify the connection of your Institutional Mission and/or Strategic Plan to academic servicelearning To identify ways to build a community partnership To identify ways to effectively link reflection and grading to academic service-learning

What participants said about the 2011 Faculty Institute:

"The poster activity was very, very helpful! Its always wonderful to get peer feedback" "Inspiring!" "It was wonderful to be mentored by such exceptional scholars!" "Kudos to Edward Zlotkowski. This has been a fantastic gathering of creative and caring minds and souls!"

FEES:
NYCC Members: $65 per person Non-members: $130 per person

SPACE IS LIMITED SO RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

Save Service District Days

SaveService.org is organizing District Days for May 1-3 during the Congressional recess. District Days are when members from the National Service community collectively visit their local congressional offices and express the value of our work to members of congress and their staff. Once again, these days come at a crucial time for the National Service. Members of the US House of Representatives have proposed budgets for 2013 which would eliminate CNCS funding. SaveService is currently looking for Meeting Leaders for each of these district visits. To sign up to become a leader, follow this link. Resources and help will be provided to make your visit a success.

2012 Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement for Early Career Faculty
Sponsored by the New England Resource Center for Higher Education (NERCHE), The annual Ernest A. Lynton Award for the Scholarship of Engagement for Early Career Faculty recognizes a faculty member who is pre-tenure at tenure-granting campuses or early career (i.e., within the first six years) at campuses with long-term contracts and who connects his or her teaching, research, and service to community engagement. The award will be presented at the 18th Annual Conference of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) which will be held from October 13-16, 2012, at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. CUMU is a co-sponsor of the Award. Nominators will submit nominations via an online application. To submit an application, please see the Application Instructions: Here.

Call for Spotlights, News Articles, and Event Listings

Do you want to see your stories and events featured in our newsletter? Everyone involved in the work of civic engagement and community-based education has a story to tell, and New York Campus Compact is eager to help you tell yours. Every Friday, we feature the outstanding work of our member institutions in a Spotlight on Members and news articles in our newsletter. This newsletter is emailed to over 950 college and university presidents, service learning faculty, community service directors and civic engagement offices at our member campuses. The article should be about 1 page or less, describing a particular course, program, event, or project that you want to share with your colleagues. Please indicate if you would like your article featured on the front page as a Spotlight on Members or if we should include it in the body of our newsletter. You may e-mail your spotlight or news article entry to:nycc@cornell.edu.

Deadline: Friday, April 27, 2012.

Educating Citizens, Building Communities

New York Campus Compact 95 Brown Road, Box 1006 Ithaca, NY 14850 607-255-2366 www.nycampuscompact.org