Integrating community service with higher education student government programming
Abstract
Community service programs at colleges and universities that are integrated into the programming objectives of student government organizations can expect greater student involvement and more stable funding. This effective practice is based on the success of the JUMP (Join Us Making Progress) Program in place at California State University, Sonoma since 1994.Issue
Generating student participation and steady subsidy through alliance with campus-wide goals.
Action
Community service programs can benefit from replicating the JUMP (Join Us Making Progress) Program model:
Start by initiating dialogue with student government. The student leadership skills developed through student government are just as applicable to the leadership needs of a community service program.
If student government accepts buy-in of a community service program, they can secure relatively stable funding. For this to occur, it is best to have language that supports community service incorporated into the student government mission statement.
Within the JUMP framework are internal programs that address specific needs in the community.
Adopt-A-Grandparent: students are paired with seniors at a local convalescent home; group events are also held.
Bodega Bay Homework Project: once a week after-school homework assistance program at a local elementary school.
Campus Wide Service Events:participation in one-time service projects at various agencies throughout the academic year.
Cougar Club: after-school homework assistance at a local elementary school.
Project Focus: a committee of students who organize and coordinate service events based on areas of interest selected amongst themselves.
SOUP (Serving Our Unfed People): Hunger and homelessness awareness program works with the local soup kitchen and other related agencies.
Volunteer Referral Service: helps members of the general student body connect with local non-profit agencies and service organizations.
Context
The Join Us Making Progress (JUMP) Program at California State University, Sonoma was established by students in 1994 as a community service club. Within two years JUMP became a fully established program of the Associated Students and the Sonoma Student Union that functions as a sub-board of the Associated Students. It is an entirely student created, student driven, and student focused program that develops service events for the entire campus community. JUMP provides Sonoma State students the opportunity for personal growth and experiential education through campus and community involvement. As an advocate of community service, JUMP facilitates and encourages change by responding to the community's needs.
The JUMP Team is made up of 12 members (11 students and 1 staff member). The JUMP Chair is an appointed student position that receives a stipend as a member of the Associated Students Executive Board. The other ten student coordinators receive an award of $100 at the end of each semester. All 11 of the student members also receive AmeriCorps Education Awards through the Bonner Foundation as part of the Bonner Leaders Program.
All funding for JUMP comes from an allocation of the Associated Students general fund, which is supplied by student fees. The allocation for JUMP has increased each year. For the 2001-2002 academic year, JUMP received $26,000 for programming.
Approximately $40,000 of additional funding was provided for the salary and benefits of a full-time staff member, who serves as the JUMP program advisor. Those funds come from a separate account within Associated Students.
Outcome
Student government benefits by taking credit for developing a new program that provides an additional social opportunity for the students (a different version of campus programming). The idea of leadership through student government as a form of service fits nicely with the ideals of a community service program. Furthermore, the campus and student government benefits as more students can develop their leadership skills through additional student leader positions.Evidence
During the 2001-2002 academic year, approximately 150 students committed to serving with a JUMP program for an entire semester. Approximately 200 students participated in 17 one-time service events throughout the year. The students provided 3,837 hours of direct service, while the JUMP student coordinators logged an additional 4,151 hours of programming.Posted On
December 12, 2002For More Information