The Center for Democracy and Humanity at Mount Wachusett Community College in North Central Massachusetts envisions a world where the values of democracy are embodied in the daily lives of individuals and communities.

In the fall of 2002, MWCC President Daniel M. Asquino announced the “Decade of Civic Engagement,” a college-wide effort to foster increased civic responsibility among its students, faculty, staff and greater community.

The Center for Democracy and Humanity was recently established to oversee the many programs and services offered by the college as part of the Decade of Civic Engagement. The Center coordinates programs and activities to ensure optimum efficiency and collaboration. In addition to the college’s many outreach programs, college faculty are committed to infusing service learning into their curricula and academic endeavors.

To promote civic engagement within the college and its broader community, the Center for Democracy and Humanity employs four strategies:

• Student engagement
• Resident engagement
• Capacity building and
• Systemic change.

In the Classroom

With civic engagement and service learning in the classroom, students gain practical experience that sets them apart in a competitive job market, communities benefit and classroom learning is reinforced. Students also become more knowledgeable, self-confident, active and engaged citizens with effective critical thinking skills. this effort is guided by a team of faculty advisors.

The Center’s Academic Programs

Citizenship Academy – The Citizenship Academy introduces high school students to higher education, civic engagement and community service. While earning college credit, students learn the basics of thinking and writing with clarity as well as how to become engaged in their communities. The academy offers Composition, Economics, Political Science and Sociology courses–all with a civic engagement/service learning component. The academy’s unique curriculum allows students to focus on issues pertinent to their lives and communities.

Service Learning – Service Learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility and commitment to the community. by developing reciprocal partnerships, the program strives to serve the community and enrich the students’ educational and civic engagement experiences. Over 1,200 MWCC students have participated in Service Learning experiences, performing more than 7,000 hours of service to the community. In the coming year, faculty mini-grants will be awarded for new and innovative integration of service learning within the curricula.

AmeriCorps Scholars – Through the AmeriCorps, a number of students are chosen each year for the Scholarships for Service program that engages students as part-time AmeriCorps members. The program is designed to both acknowledge and advance campus civic engagement efforts, placing students at the core. Students are required to complete 300 hours of service with a local non-profit organization during the school year as an intensive means of meeting critical needs in education, public safety, health and the environment.

In the Community

Center for Democracy and Humanity Community Development and Outreach Programs:

Community Builders and Project Volunteer – Community Builders is a partnership between the United Way of North Central Massachusetts and MWCC to educate, inform and inspire a greater community involvement through new and innovative strategies. Community Builders’ activities increase community action through volunteer promotion and recognition, and by providing tools, awareness and training to community organizations that depend on volunteers for their success.

Institute for Nonprofit Development – To build a more vibrant North Central Massachusetts, the Institute for Nonprofit Development supports organizations to strengthen their capacity to fulfill their missions and impact their communities. A membership-driven organization, the Institute provides training, technical assistance, resource libraries and coalition building services to nonprofits serving the region.

Molly Bish Institute for child Health and Safety – The mission of the Molly Bish Institute for Child Health and Safety is to ensure the health and safety of all children in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To meet this mission, the Institute provides hands-on, practical learning opportunities for parents, caregivers and children, and provides a clearinghouse of child health and safety information.

Twin Cities Latino Coalition – The Twin Cities Latino Coalition is a cross-sector collaborative effort involving local educational institutions, private business, public institutions and non-profits to achieve: increased Latino parental involvement, increased Latino K-16 student educational success and sustainable educatinoal systemic change through the implementation of a strategic plan. The Coalition actively works with Latino young people, parents and multicultural leaders to support parents and children’s independence, academic achievement and active civic engagement.

United Way Youth Venture – Youth Venture aims to change society’s views of youth by catalyzing a mass movement of young people who have the vision and drive to make a difference. Youth Venture emplowers young people ages 12-20 by providing them all the tools necessary to create “ventures” – civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses to change schools and communities. Unique to North Central Massachusetts is Youth Venture’s partnership with ten schools, which work with educators, administrators and students to integrate Youth Venture into their curricula and achieve a graeter impact across the community.

What’s Next Speaker Series – Born out of a plan to bring several notable experts in the field of social change under a single theme, hundreds of residents have attended the What’s Next Speaker Series – public forums that introduce students, residents, community leaders and decision-makers in North Central Massachusetts to innovative thinkers and doers from around the country and world. The goal of the series is to show change is possible, spark creative problem-solving and inspire action.

Contact

Lea Ann Erickson
Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs
(978) 630-9322
l_erickson {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

Amy Casavina Hall
Director of Civic Engagement and Outreach
(978) 630-9201
a_casavina {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

Fagan Forhan
Coordinator, Center for Democracy and Humanity
(978) 630-9595
f_forhan {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

Joanne Foster
Coordinator, Institute for Nonprofit Development
(978) 840-3221 x200
j_foster {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

Andrea Hart
Program Assistant
978) 840-3221 x197
ahart {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

Karin Olivera
Coordinator, Community Builders and Project Volunteer
(978) 840-3221 x201
k_olivera {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

Sayra Pinto
Executive Director, Twin Cities Latino Coalition
(978) 840-3221
spinto {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

Rebecca Cyganiewicz
United Way Youth Venture AmeriCorps*VISTA
(978) 840-3221 x203
youthventure {at} mwcc.mass(.)edu

The Center for Democracy and Humanity’s offices are located at

110 Erdman Way
Leominster, MA 01453
Tel. (978) 840-3221 x197
Fax (978) 840-4398

During this tree planting ceremony, we explain why the recipient was choosen, we tell about the past recipients, we read The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein, we as a group plant the special tree, we take a photo of the tree along with the recipient and any special guests that are present as well as giving the recipient a copy of the book, by Shel Silverstien, titled “The Giving Tree,” and thus the name of this recognition was born.

You can find the write up of the recipient and photo on The GIVE Center website. We have continued with this tradition ever since with each Giving Tree planted on campus. We also have a permanent metal marker engraved with the date and whom the tree was planted for next to the tree. This is an honor that we have bestowed on these very special people for making a difference in someone s live or in our community that they are truly the embodyment of The Giving Tree. This is a special event that is in conjunction with The GIVE Center and our campus grounds crew.

Contact Ms. Kendall M. Stiles, Director of The GIVE (GCSU Involved in Volunteer Efforts) Center or visit the web site for more information.

The Program Director for Service-Learning sends out an email in the fall and spring to all SL faculty to encourage their students to create displays of their service-learning projects for the spring Showcase. Students must submit an online application individually or as teams to enter.

All faculty, staff, students, service-learning partners, and community members are invited to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity for the university and the extended community to recognize what UCF students are doing to combine course curriculum with civic engagement. Admission is free and refreshments are served.

Website: http://www.servicelearning.ucf.edu

Website: www.indstate.edu/cpsce/fdsa/paccl.htm

Contact:
Nancy Brattain Rogers
Center for Public Service and Community Engagement
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809
812-237-2334

The center’s mission is to lead the University’s engagement efforts and service to the state of North Carolina and beyond by linking the expertise and energy of faculty, staff, and students to the needs of the people.

In all our work, the Carolina Center for Public Service seeks to build partnerships throughout the University and the state as we:

– Advance the quality and sustainability of efforts through effective practices
– Recognize and celebrate exemplary service
– Share information, strategies, and outcomes of UNC s service endeavors
– Facilitate community-based scholarship in addressing community issues

As the first public university, Carolina has a proud history of changing lives through educating scholars and leaders dedicated to forging a brighter future for our state, nation and the world. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to expanding its tradition of engagement and responsiveness through the Carolina Center for Public Service.

The center provides a number of programs and services for students, faculty, staff, and the public, including: awards, service fellowships, trainings, and enrichment programs for students; grants and awards for student organizations; trainings, awards, and grants for faculty; an online searchable database of University engagement activities; a weekly listserv of service opportunities; an annual volunteer fair of community agencies; and an annual “”Bus Tour”" of the state for new faculty and administrators.

For more information, visit our webpage: www.unc.edu/cps/

Contact:
Lynn Blanchard, Director
Carolina Center for Public Service
(919)843-7568, ccps {at} unc(.)edu

In these ways, the Public Service Scholars Program adds depth to a student’s service experience. As these students work to improve the quality of life for people in our community and state, they help fulfill Carolina s promise of service, made by the nation s first public university over 200 years ago.

The program is open to all full-time UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students with at least four semesters remaining. Program requirements include:

– Attend Service Scholars Program Orientation
– Perform and document 300 hours of service
– Complete 2 service-learning classes
– Complete trainings/workshops in four skill areas
– Create and present a summative Service Portfolio
– Maintain a minimum overall GPA

Students fulfilling these requirements receive the following recognition:

– Notation of public service achievement on their official academic transcript (students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 receive “”special recognition in public service”"; students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 receive “”Public Service Scholar”"
– Listing in the commencement program
– Certificate of achievement and a letter from the Chancellor
– A special event honoring their accomplishments

For more information, visit our webpage: www.unc.edu/cps/scholars

Contact:
Lynn Blanchard, Director
Carolina Center for Public Service
(919)843-7568, ccps {at} unc(.)edu

Website: http://www.bsc.edu/programs/leadershipstudies/DLS1.htm

Haas Center for Public Service website

From Service Matters 1998: Engaging Higher Education In the Renewal of America s Communities and American Democracy

]]> http://www.compact.org/program-models/program-models-awards-and-recognition/john-gardner-public-service-fellowships/1418/feed/ 0 http://www.compact.org/program-models/program-models-awards-and-recognition/public-service-scholars/1431/ http://www.compact.org/program-models/program-models-awards-and-recognition/public-service-scholars/1431/#comments Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 tdomf_26a6d http://compact.localhost.com/?p=1431 On many campuses, service-learning courses are given particular emphasis for honors students. At Stanford University, a select group of honors students are chosen to be Public Service Scholars in their junior year. These students spend a three-week immersion in the community and meet weekly in a service-learning seminar in the urban studies department. They also incorporate community-based learning and action research into their thesis, which they work on with two advisors, one from the Stanford faculty and one from the community.

Haas Center for Public Service website

From Service Matters 1998: Engaging Higher Education In the Renewal of America s Communities and American Democracy

]]> http://www.compact.org/program-models/program-models-awards-and-recognition/public-service-scholars/1431/feed/ 0 http://www.compact.org/program-models/program-models-awards-and-recognition/certificate-program-in-community-action-pica/1495/ http://www.compact.org/program-models/program-models-awards-and-recognition/certificate-program-in-community-action-pica/1495/#comments Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 tdomf_26a6d http://compact.localhost.com/?p=1495 The PICA program offers a unique opportunity for students to combine course work in any major with community-based experience. PICA scholars are academically motivated and community-service oriented. Students apply their majors to concerns with community issues; any major is eligible, ranging from the natural sciences to social sciences to the humanities and fine arts.

Students enter the PICA program in their sophomore year, and a certificate is awarded at graduation to those who successfully supplement a major with a set of requirements organized around a senior integrative project that addresses a specific community issue. These requirements include four courses outside the major, a summer internship, and the senior project, which is an independent study or honors thesis in the student s major field. PICA scholars also participate in a series of workshops that develop a variety of citizenship skills.

Website: http://www.conncoll.edu/academics/centers/hollerancenter/pica.html

Complete 300 hours of community service-learning (up to 100 hours of prior service before entering the program can count toward the total required hours)
Keep an on-going reflective journal
?Successfully complete three regular courses, which have service-learning components or 4th credit options
Successfully complete SOW 2054 Community Involvement (3 credits) or SOW 1051, SOW 1052, SOW1053 Human Service Experience (three one credit hour electives)
Complete an integrative service-learning final essay prior to graduation.
?Possess at least a 3.0 grade point average while a student at Brevard Community College

Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements, the student will receive:

A Citizen Scholars’ Certificate
Recognition at the CSL’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Event
?An acknowledgement letter from the district president
?A transcript notation designation as Citizen Scholar
Convocation program acknowledgement
A cord of distinction at graduation

Contact: For more information about their program, contact the Center for Service-Learning at (321)632-1111 Ext. 62410 or 33150.

http://www.brevard.cc.fl.us/

From Service Matters 1998: Engaging Higher Education In the Renewal of America s Communities and American Democracy

Website: www.empowermentconnection.org

1.? a history of mentoring activities at not only Marian College but also in Indiana and other states?
2.? a description of the types of mentoring relationships available in various professions?
3.? skill-building exercises in communication, conflict management and other essentials of mentoring relationships?
4.? an opportunity to receive guidance and support from a faculty/staff /alumnus/a mentor while engaged in a special project related to mentoring

Find further information on the web at http://sonak.marian.edu/admin/mentoring/mentledr.html

The centerpiece of the College is a certificate program in Citizenship and Public Service. Undergraduates and graduate students earn the certificate by completing a set of courses that incorporate community service and civic education, and by finishing a substantial community service project.

While Tufts public service activities are broad in scope, the UCCPS places emphasis on work to strengthen preK-12 education. The focus on this initiative on education for active citizenship is accompanied by a challenging research agenda: Why has civic engagement in the U.S. declined? How are the forms of citizen participation changing and what causes these shifts? What is the nature and meaning of civil society in different parts of the world? Tufts is encouraging and supporting faculty research on these topics and is sponsoring a book series on Civil Society through the University Press of New England. A public Forum on Civil Society in April 1999 celebrated publication of the first two volumes in this series.

Contact person: Rob Hollister, Dean of the University College of Citizenship and Public Engagement
UCCPS web page: http://uccps.tufts.edu/

For more infromation see this article

Since 1989, Salisbury State University students have provided in excess of 14,000 volunteer hours on 5122 taxpayer contracts. In 1999 alone, students completed over 2000 volunteer hours on 531 taxpayer contracts. Students prepare multiple tax returns, answer a variety of taxpayer questions and do quality reviews of returns brought in for filing. They interact regularly with IRS professionals, must deal with a varied clientele including individuals of all racial, ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds. They must exhibit excellent communication skills and must be focused and able to listen attentively. Students must also maintain professional decorum at all times and their demeanor and attitudes must reflect positively on the IRS and on Salisbury State University.

This year, the IRS hosted an appreciation reception for the 21 Perdue School Accounting majors who completed 2030 hours of service to their community. Each student received a “”Spirit of America”" certificate and a personal letter from a representative of the IRS district office. The outstanding contribution VITA students make to the community should not go unacknowledged. While somewhat different than the traditional examples of good citizenship often heralded, this program meets and even surpasses the ideals of civic engagement.

Perdue School of Business, Dep’t of Accounting and Legal Studies: http://www.salisbury.edu/schools/Perdue/AcctLegal/

Website: http://www.davenport.edu/du/alumnianddonors/connections/awards/default.htm