IN THIS ISSUE:

*Events
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Internships, Jobs, and Beyond...
*In the Spotlight: Cutting Education Costs and Raising Community Engagement











EVENTS
North Halsted Street Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 31
3:30 – 9:00pm
Belmont & Halsted
Celebrate Halloween by working at the North Halsted Street Halloween Parade presented by Triangle Neighbors Association. Volunteers are needed for registration (3:30-6:30) and to be parade marshals (5:30 – 9pm).

Zócalo in Chicago: “What Does Immigrant Integration Mean Now?”
Friday, November 6
2:00pm
Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave)
Over one million people became legal immigrants last year, and another million — a record number — took the oath of citizenship. As pressure mounts for Barack Obama and Congress to enact immigration reform, writers, advocates, and political experts visit Zócalo to ask what — beyond mere legal status, paperwork and oaths — is required to make immigrants feel like a part of American society.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Become a part of campusCATALYST - a student-driven, pro-bono consulting service for nonprofits - and we'll give you the opportunity to learn from your peers in a unique educational experience. You can apply online at http://spreadsheets.google.com/a/campuscatalyst.org/viewform?formkey=dENJV01BMGp4bjhrY1I4Z0ZHYVA0clE6MA. The deadline for applications is November 7th at midnight.

The Hyde Park Food Pantry delivery will be Tuesday, November 3rd from 8:00am – 11:00am. If you are interested in helping, contact Jay Mulberry at 773-288-1242.

G.E.D. Tutors needed who can commit 2-3 hours Monday thru Friday for one-on-one tutoring or need to complete student teaching or internship requirements. For more information call Allison – 773-675-4610.

Volunteer for the Chicago Academic Games League (CAGL), a math competition for middle school youth on the University of Chicago campus once a month. Teach the students once a week for 1-2 hours and be there to support them at the tournaments. Training starts next week. For more information contact Boryana at boryanalevterova@gmail.com

Would you like to make an invaluable contribution to the life of an individual? Warm, personable older woman needs support and training in basic computer skills in order to find employment. Could bring her laptop to you or work over the phone. For more information, e-mail Keith at dipplek@uchicago.edu

Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival is the second oldest film festival of its kind in the US and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBT films and videos each and every year. Reeling 2009 is presenting nearly over 50 programs over 11 days from November 5-15. There are many volunteer opportunities for box office people, ushers, drivers, event coordinators, and volunteers for schedule distribution. If you're interested in volunteering, email chicagolgff@chicagofilmmakers.org or call (773) 293-1447.

INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
Become a part of campusCATALYST - a student-driven, pro-bono consulting service for nonprofits - and earn the opportunity to learn from your peers in a unique educational experience. You can apply online at http://spreadsheets.google.com/a/campuscatalyst.org/viewform?formkey=dENJV01BMGp4bjhrY1I4Z0ZHYVA0clE6MA. The deadline for applications is November 7th at midnight.

Applications for Teaching Artists through the Teaching Lab Collaborations (or TLC for short), have just gone live on-line here. For more information regarding job requirements and details, contact Jessica Hutchinson at jesshutchinson@uchicago.edu

National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness is launching Resolve to Fight Poverty at the Resolve 2009 conference at Loyola University in Chicago on November 5-8, 2009. To register, visit http://www.studentsagainsthunger.org/conference

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Cutting Education Costs and Raising Community Engagement
Chelsie Sluyk, Staff Writer

With budgetary concerns looming at both the government and household level, students and parents are becoming increasingly concerned with how they will pay for college. Federal Work Study is one way that students can earn money toward tuition and help make college more affordable. Last January, University of Chicago student Jami Garton began searching for a job that would allow her to use her work/study funds in a way that would supplement her education with work experience and engagement in the community. She found that job with the Blackstar Project, a south side non-profit that works to improve the lives of minority populations in the Chicago area. The Blackstar Project (BSP) is one of many local non-profits that has partnered with the University of Chicago to offer students work/study positions that get students working off-campus in jobs that allow them to interact with the community while building job skills and making connections that will help them find employment after graduation.

Walking up to the door of BSP’s second story office overlooking Martin Luther King Drive, you first notice the organization’s bright yellow sign on the door, and under it a quote from founder Phillip Jackson, “Everyone who walks through these doors should be prepared to work like hell and work with everyone to achieve our mission.” Their mission is to provide educational services “that help Chicago students succeed academically and become knowledgeable and productive citizens with the support of their families and community.” Inside, the atmosphere is lively and family like. Two large, brightly-colored rooms are filled with inspirational posters and sobering statistics. Employees sit at desks scattered around the room. Garton teases a coworker about posing for my camera. It feels like a family. Everyone is busy answering phones, organizing tutoring programs, writing grants, and researching social issues in the community. Philip Jackson describes the environment as “working under fire. When we hire a UofC student, we know there will be a level of consistency, excellence and skill that will be brought to the job. We’re able to convert their skills and knowledge set and inject them directly into the community.” Last March, Garton was given the opportunity to organize an entire press conference for the Million Father March, an initiative that encourages male care-takers to bring their children to work for the day. “She hit it out of the park,” Jackson says. Through her work at BSP, she has acquired many skills that will help her as she pursues her career goals. “I’ve learned a lot about working with the media and grant writing. I’ve been really happy working off campus, and the BSP has been really flexible with my school schedule.”

Garton is one of two work/study students employed along with other community members at BSP. One of her co-workers, Kirsten Rokke, started out as a work study students six years ago. After graduation, she returned to BSP, and has now been working as a regular employee for five years. She laughing remarks that she’s learned “everything [she] knows!” from working at BSP. As part of her job, Rokke organizes efforts to engage parents end empower them in terms of how they support their childrens’ education. She manages programs that support over 400 students. Recalling her time as a University of Chicago students working at BSP, Rokke says, “It helps to break out of the feeling on campus of being someone isolated from the community. You get a very different experience from what you get on campus.”

Garton is one of 1,544 U of C students who became eligible for Federal Work Study in the ’08-’09 school year. Of those 1,053 accessed their aid. As more students seek to take advantage of the funds available to them, the University provides an opportunity to do it in a way that will enhance their educational experience and personal goals. Currently, there are 67 employers with over 100 positions at local non-profits, schools, and government organizations available for students with an interest in improving their communities and addressing important national issues like education, poverty, and health. Local partners include organization like Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Strive Tutoring, The Blackstar Project, and La Rabida Children’s Hospital, and UCSC is constantly making new connections based on student and community demand.

Organizations hire throughout the year, with most job opportunities happening in the Fall. Students generally work around ten hours per week. For students eligible for full-time summer work-study employment, UCSC also has summer opportunities available. Currently, about 75 students are participating in Federal Work Study through UCSC’s off-campus federal work/study program.

Dealing with the burden of student loans is also becoming more of an issue among recent graduates. In addition to helping students engage with their communities, these positions give students valuable work experience and many of the non-profits will engage in outreach to help their student-employees find jobs after graduation.

“It’s worth it to work off campus,” Garton says, “My experience doing things like the Million Father March press conference was exhilarating, and it’s good to learn more about the community you live in.”

The University Community Service Center (UCSC) fosters the development of civic-minded students by providing substantive community service opportunities through community partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. If you have questions - how to get involved as a student or how to connect to students as a community organization - please contact us.

University Community Service Center
5525 S. Ellis Ave., Suite 160
Chicago IL, 60637
Tel: 773.753.4483
Fax: 773.834.1160
ucsc.uchicago.edu

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Events
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Internships, Jobs, and Beyond...
*In the Spotlight: U of C Students Prove “ArtShould" Matter in Neighborhood Schools








EVENTS
Indoors Chicago Bears Tailgate
Sunday, October 25
12:00pm
St. Thomas the Apostle, School Gym (5467 S. Woodlawn)
St. Thomas the Apostle hosts an indoor tailgate for the Bears vs. Bengals football game. $10 donations include all you can eat food and one beverage ticket.

Community Organizing 101
Sunday, October 25
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Harper, Room 150
Southside Solidarity Network presents part 1 of a three part introduction to community organizing in the tradition of Saul Alinsky and Barack Obama. This week’s session is entitled “Relationships.” Dinner is also provided. Email mhopwood@uchicago.edu to register or visit southsidesn.wordpress.com for more information.

Public and Social Service Program Kick-Off
Wednesday, October 28
6:00pm
Ida Noyes Hall
Kick-off a full year of programming focused on public and social service careers. Learn about the 2009-10 Public and Social Service Programs and network with alumni in the non-profit and public sectors. With questions, contact Dillan Siegler at dsiegler@uchicago.edu.

Invisible Children Film Screening
Thursday, October 29
7:00pm
Stuart 102
Come to the Invisible Children documentary screening on Thursday October 29th at 7pm! The roadies will be here from San Diego to show the most updated documentary on the peace talks in Northern Uganda. Food is provided!

Zócalo in Chicago: “What Does Immigrant Integration Mean Now?”
Friday, November 6
2:00pm
Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave)
Over one million people became legal immigrants last year, and another million — a record number — took the oath of citizenship. As pressure mounts for Barack Obama and Congress to enact immigration reform, writers, advocates, and political experts visit Zócalo to ask what — beyond mere legal status, paperwork and oaths — is required to make immigrants feel like a part of American society.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer for the Chicago Academic Games League (CAGL), a math competition for middle school youth on the University of Chicago campus once a month. Teach the students once a week for 1-2 hours and be there to support them at the tournaments. Training starts next week. For more information contact Boryana at boryanalevterova@gmail.com

Training-to-Transition needs people to conduct mock interviews as well as panelists in the areas of Creative Art & Culinary & Entrepreneurial, Medical, Health & Fitness, and Construction. For more information contact Raven Moore at rmoore@umojacorporation.org

Pershing West Middle School is looking for volunteers to judge science fair projects in late November. Everyone is invited to be a judge for the science fair regardless of majoring in science. For more information, contact Eve Ewing at elewing@cps.edu or 773-534-9240

Would you like to make an invaluable contribution to the life of an individual? Warm, personable older woman needs support and training in basic computer skills in order to find employment. Could bring her laptop to you or work over the phone. For more information, e-mail Keith at dipplek@uchicago.edu

Math tutors are needed for a class of boys at Madison Elementary School (74th Dorchester). For more details please contact Susan Peters Susan.Peters@uchospitals.edu 773-702-5037

INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
Students Serve, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is accepting applications for service project grants. Any college student with an idea about how to address a local, national, or global problem can submit the online application at StudentsServe.org.

National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness is launching Resolve to Fight Poverty at the Resolve 2009 conference at Loyola University in Chicago on November 5-8, 2009. To register, visit http://www.studentsagainsthunger.org/conference

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
U of C Students Prove “ArtShould” Matter in Neighborhood Schools
Anna Tenuta, Staff Writer

At the start of the 2009-2010 school year, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan sent a letter to school and education community leaders around the country stressing the importance of arts as a core academic subject in public schools.

"The arts can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively," Duncan, who previously served as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, wrote in the letter. "These qualities can be especially important in improving learning among students from economically disadvantaged circumstances.”

As the Obama Administration continues work on education reform with some focus on the importance of the arts, University of Chicago students have launched a new project to take matters into their own hands.

The Community Service RSO appropriately named ArtShould, is made up of ten UofC students passionate about art. Once a week, they head to Ray Elementary School to teach a visual arts after-school program to about twenty kids. The students range in age from six years to eleven years old.

“When ArtShould was getting started, we all got together and defined ‘art’ as a tool which anyone can use to digest other things in life,” explained Alex Spacht, a second-year director of ArtShould. “Art has always been something we go to to understand what is going on with us, and that is what we are trying to share with the kids.”

For the young students at the Ray School, art may help with issues in their home life or academics, but it may also develop into a passion.

“Each week, we work with things that are everyday materials, showing the kids that they don’t have to have canvases or oil paint to create art,” explained Natasha Davis, a third-year director of ArtShould. “We’re showing them that you can make art wherever you are with whatever material you have.”

This week, the kids are continuing a lesson on primary colors and introducing words to tell a story with both image and text. Some construction paper, old magazines and a few glue sticks are all the kids need. Once the students enter the classroom, they are anxious to begin their art projects. One eight-year-old third grade boy holds up his picture and enthusiastically says, “My art is cool.”

The UofC student teachers engage in one-on-one conversations with each of their students, filling a great desire for attention at the end of the day from many of the kids. While working on their projects, the kids chat excitedly, sharing materials and asking questions about everyday things.

“When is your birthday?” asks one nine-year-old girl. When one student starts to draw himself as Batman, the questions quickly turn to “What are you going to be for Halloween?”

Still in its definitive stages, ArtShould has grown by leaps and bounds since it was imagined last year. Davis, who co-founded the organization, explains that there are two separate goals for the organization: “to create an arts community for UChicago students and to share our passion with kids in the community who may otherwise not have the chance to make art”.

With support from the University of Chicago Women’s Board, ArtShould is now an established weekly program at the Ray School, but the directors hope to expand it further.

“We started with Ray [School] because their funding for arts was cut a lot last year so they were very open to the idea,” explained Will Larsen, a second-year who is also a director of ArtShould. “There was not only space there, but a desire for the program.”

Davis, Larsen, and Spacht share in their goals to reach out to other CPS elementary and middle schools soon to spread the voice and impact of art.

On her collage, one of the nine-year-old girls, who says she likes to get to come to ArtShould after school to “have fun and use color”, decides to cut and paste words to write a riddle about her image: “You live in it and you can always come back even if you leave. It is big. It is nice.”

The answer to her riddle: home.

To learn more or get involved in ArtShould, please contact Natasha Davis at davisn@uchicago.edu.


The University Community Service Center (UCSC) fosters the development of civic-minded students by providing substantive community service opportunities through community partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. If you have questions - how to get involved as a student or how to connect to students as a community organization - please contact us.

University Community Service Center
5525 S. Ellis Ave., Suite 160
Chicago IL, 60637
Tel: 773.753.4483
Fax: 773.834.1160
ucsc.uchicago.edu

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Events
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Internships, Jobs, and Beyond...
*In the Spotlight: Students, Community Fight Food Desert









EVENTS
Community Organizing 101
Sunday, October 18
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Harper, Room 150
Southside Solidarity Network presents part 1 of a three part introduction to community organizing in the tradition of Saul Alinsky and Barack Obama. This week’s session is entitled “Power.” Dinner is also provided. Email mhopwood@uchicago.edu to register or visit southsidesn.wordpress.com for more information.

Summer Links Information Session
Thursday, October 22
6:00pm
Classics, Room 110
Summer Links is a paid internship program open to returning College and graduate students in which students work Monday through Thursday at non-profit and community-based organizations, dedicating Fridays and Wednesday evenings to trainings about Chicago and social justice issues. For more information, contact Trudi Langendorf at trudi@uchicago.edu or (773) 834-2699.

Human Rights Minor Information Session
Friday, October 23
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Social Science Tea Room, Room 201
In 2008-09, the College Council approved a Minor in Human Rights. Eight students in the class of 2009 graduated with a Human Rights minor, with majors ranging from Political Science to Biology. Are you interested in learning more about the Human Rights Minor? Susan Gzesh, Senior Lecturer in the College Executive Director of the Human Rights Program, will discuss possibilities within the minor.

Public and Social Service Program Kick-Off
Wednesday, October 28
6:00pm
Ida Noyes Hall
Kick-off a full year of programming focused on public and social service careers. Learn about the 2009-10 Public and Social Service Programs and network with alumni in the non-profit and public sectors. With questions, contact Dillan Siegler at dsiegler@uchicago.edu.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer for the Chicago Academic Games League (CAGL), a math competition for middle school youth on the University of Chicago campus once a month. Teach the students once a week for 1-2 hours and be there to support them at the tournaments. Training starts next week. For more information contact Boryana at boryanalevterova@gmail.com

Help maintain Jackson Park's restored prairies on the final Jackson Park Volunteer Work Day of the 2009 year. Groups will meet at the Darrow Bridge side of the Museum of Science and Industry. For more information, contact Ross Peterson at 773-486-0505.

Training-to-Transition needs people to conduct mock interviews as well as panelists in the areas of Creative Art & Culinary & Entrepreneurial, Medical, Health & Fitness, and Construction. For more information contact Raven Moore at rmoore@umojacorporation.org

National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness is launching Resolve to Fight Poverty at the Resolve 2009 conference at Loyola University in Chicago on November 5-8, 2009. To register, visit http://www.studentsagainsthunger.org/conference

INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
Due: October 23 at 5:00pm
The LGBTQ Programming Office seeks students to be on the Student Advisory Board. The Board informs the LGBTQ Programming Office Director and the university administration of the needs of LGBTQ students and articulates the problems and issues currently facing LGBTQ students. To be considered for the board, fill out this application and email it to lgbtqpo@uchicago.edu.

Students Serve, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is accepting applications for service project grants. Any college student with an idea about how to address a local, national, or global problem can submit the online application at StudentsServe.org.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Students, Community Fight Food Desert
Anne Groggel, Staff Writer

A report given in June 2009 by the United States Department of Agriculture cites that people living in low-income areas have limited access to healthier food choices in comparison to affluent areas. That means that it is not simply what one eats but where one lives that dictates diet-related health.

Research continues to come out on the link between areas of ‘food desert’ where residents lack access to nutritious food and poor-diet related health diseases. If ‘food deserts’ go unchecked Chicago will feel the ill-effects on public health especially during this time of economic hardship. Efforts of active resistance to this residential food imbalance are taking place nationally and within our community.

Strolling through the stands taking in the piles of fresh crisp apples and ornately grouped squash one experiences the 61st street Farmers Market's treasure trove of food. Hosted by the Experimental Station, the Farmers Market lasts from nine a.m to two p.m every Saturday. Besides the Market offering produce from an array of vendors, the weekly event also features chef demonstrations. As a nonprofit established in 2002, the Experimental Station puts on the weekly Farmers Market in order to address an ever-pressing need to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to communities like Woodlawn that suffer from a lack of supermarkets which offer wholesome foods.

The Farmers Market is just one of many initiatives undertaken by the Experimental Station. Their projects range from the Blackstone Bicycle Works which uses a retail bike shop to provide education and recreational opportunities for kids, to the Backstory Cafe, a women-owned coffee house that provides a social space for members of the community. Other programs include the Earn-a-Bike Program that allows local kids to rebuild bikes and after twenty-five hours of service they select their own refurnished bike and helmet. The Experimental Station also organizes the Invisible Institute Program, an organization of journalists who provide coverage to issues that usually go under the radar of social consciousness.

The Farmers Market seeks to elevate the Woodlawn neighborhood from a "food desert" with little access to fresh nutritious food. The market also provides space where community members intermingle and construct programming that promotes nutritional health. Participation from Chicago students and alumni along with community members helps to create this community effort to combat the lack of nutritious foods by the disadvantaged. Along with the market itself the Experimental Station offers a number of nutritional workshops and food-preparation events. This past weekend hosted a chef demo to learn about sustainable seafood and how to prepare it.

The 61st Street Farmers Market aims at providing fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and other amenities like soap, which from personal testing, smelled heavenly. Kendra Rutgers, a recent graduate from the Masters of Arts Program in the Humanities (MAPH) is currently volunteering with the experimental station.

"I've always appreciated farmers market but I'm really into the community orientation of this market. Because food stamp programs and the community doesn't have access to fresh food the produce this organization provides is so important” said Rutgers.

More than offering stalls bursting with local vegetables, fruit, meats, cheeses, and baked goods the Farmers Market offers a social space for the entire community to engage in dialogue about healthy eating. Students and Woodlawn residents unite toward a common goal of eradicating ‘food deserts’ and thereby helping curb diet-related heath complications.

Kate Miller, the volunteer coordinator for the Farmer's Market expressed that "Alumni who have settled in Woodlawn and have been volunteers enjoyed the participation and feeling like they are a part of creating services in their neighborhood.”

For students concerned with the time commitment of volunteering can still become involved. Miller explains that even helping to set up or take down for market day would be especially helpful. Set up for the market begins at 6:30am and lasts until 8:00am and breaking down the market begins at 2:00pm and lasts until 3:00pm.

If you can't make time to volunteer your services with this insightful nonprofit then take time on a Saturday morning to sample fine cheeses or perhaps eat a Nutella crepe. Such activities are an easy way to support local producers and help our community go green at the same time. If the Autumn cold is too much for you on a Saturday morning just wait for November 7th when the Farmer's Market moves inside the Experimental Station. If you're dreading your next trip to the grocery store take time to consider what you could purchase at the market which helps to implement healthy food into the community while providing business for local farmers. If still questioning the importance of accessibility to healthy food students should make time to watch the film 'Food, Inc.' shown by Doc Films on October 16th and 18th.

Whether helping set up stands or choosing to buy your apples at the market instead of the grocery story every student can make a difference in fighting the food imbalance in our community and Chicago at large.

If you're at all interested in getting involved with the Farmers Market email m-kate@att.net.



The University Community Service Center (UCSC) fosters the development of civic-minded students by providing substantive community service opportunities through community partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. If you have questions - how to get involved as a student or how to connect to students as a community organization - please contact us.

University Community Service Center
5525 S. Ellis Ave., Suite 160
Chicago IL, 60637
Tel: 773.753.4483
Fax: 773.834.1160
ucsc.uchicago.edu

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Events
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Internships, Jobs, and Beyond...
*In the Spotlight: University of Chicago Students Invest in Local Education






EVENTS
South Side History Bike Tour
Saturday, October 10
10:30am-3:30pm
Bartlett Quad
Explore the social, cultural, and political history of the South Side. Stops include Historic Bronzeville, Union Stockyard Gate, Richard J. Daley’s home, Hull House and more. Tour led by faculty members John Boyer, Terry Nichols Clark, and Mark Hansen. Participants must have their own bike and helmet. To register, email dhays@uchicago.edu.

Hand in Hand: Civic Engagement in Health & Medicine Information Session
Wednesday, October 14
5:30pm-6:30pm
BSLC 205
CCIHP joins forces with UCSC, Pritzker School of Medicine, the UCMC Office of Volunteerism, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, and Peer Health Exchange to present a spectrum of volunteer and advocacy opportunities in health care. RSVP to georgevass@uchicago.edu by October 12.

Movie Screening of "Out & Proud in Chicago"
Wednesday, October 14
7:00pm
5710 S. Woodlawn (Community Lounge)
Hosted by the Chicago Studies Program and LGBTQ
Programming Office, "Out & Proud in Chicago" tells the story of
this vast and diverse community through historical records, personal
writings, and recollection. A discussion with TracyBaim , editor for
the Windy City times, the "Out and Proud in Chicago" book, and a
special consultant on the film will follow the screening.

Tutoring Information Session
Thursday, October 15
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Reynolds Club South Lounge
Come hear from and meet Hyde Park tutoring and mentoring organizations. Our guest organizations are Chicago Youth Centers, Kids Unlimited Mentoring Project, Chicago HOPES, and Strive Tutoring. If you have questions, contact us at ucsc@uchicago.edu or call 773-753-4483

Global Village & Youth Leadership Conference
October 16-18
Hyatt Regency O’Hare
GVYLC 2009’s theme is “Educate. Activate. Advocate.” Connect with other
Habitat leaders, develop new skills and learn more about Habitat for
Humanity’s work. JonathanReckford , chief executive officer for Habitat
for Humanity International, will be the keynote speaker. To register
visit: http://www.habitat.org/gvylc/registration.aspx

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Training-to-Transition needs people to conduct mock interviews as well as panelists in the areas of Creative Art & Culinary & Entrepreneurial, Medical,
Health & Fitness, and Construction. For more information contact
Raven Moore at rmoore@umojacorporation.org

Hyde Park Kenwood
Community Conference needs help with their Used Book Sale. They’re
looking for volunteers Friday of setup (Oct. 9) and any time during the
sale (Oct. 10-12). If you’re interested, you can contact Jane directly.
Her email is k-ciacci@uchicago.edu.

Urban Initiatives' Urban Coaching Corps
Urban Initiatives collaborates with schools, teachers, and parents to boost
the academic performance, physical fitness, and character development of children from Chicago'sunderserved communities. Urban Initiative Coaching Corp applicants will be asked to serve as assistant mentor/coaches for youth in the 5th through 8th grades at one of the 10 CPS sites. Volunteers will be expected to dedicate three days a week from 3:00 to 5:00 PM for a 6-week period. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Urban Initiatives' volunteer coordinator at julie.chelovich@urbaninitiatives.org for more information about training time and location.


INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
Idealist.org Graduate Degree Fair for the Public Good
Monday, October 12
5:00pm - 8:00pm
University of Illinois at Chicago, Main Hall A and B
Meet graduate admissions representatives from various programs to discuss
professional development through graduate education, attend a free
information session offering advice on graduate degree options, the
application process, financial aid, and deciding when to attend
graduate school after spending time in the working world.

2010 Diversity Leadership Awards
Deadline: October 16, 2009
The Diversity Leadership Awards seek to recognize University staff members
who display leadership in fostering diversity both on campus and within
the surrounding community and to highlight, in concert with the
University of Chicago Board of Governors, the contributions of alumni
who advance the cause of justice and equality in our community and
society. Please nominate a staff member or alumna/us at
http://www.uchicago.edu/diversity/awards.shtml/

Students Serve, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is accepting
applications for service project grants. Any college student with an
idea about how to address a local, national, or global problem can
submit the online application atStudentsServe.org.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
University of Chicago Students Invest in Local Education
Chelsie Sluyk, Staff Writer

When school began in September, students were issued three challenges for
the year: take charge of their education, hone their talents in school
and set high educational goals for themselves, like attending college.

Last Saturday, high school students from all around Chicago were doing just
that. At the University of Chicago’s third annual Splash! program,
about 400 students from over 46 local high schools filled Harper and
Cobb halls, course schedules in hand, getting a unique chance to
imagine themselves as college students. From 9am to 5pm, students were
able to take courses taught by U of C students in a variety of
different subjects.

The event was a fun way for U of C students to engage with the larger Chicago Community. Mike Huguelet, Dean of College and Citizenship at local charter school Gary Comer College Prep, attended the event with his students this year. He said of the event’s outreach element, “As an elite academic institution, I feel it is their duty to open their doors to help educate theunderserved populations of their city. They are in a position to really motivate K-12 students to set higher expectations and increase their achievement. Splash is a great example of the many ways the U of C reaches out to the schools on the South Side.”

The U of C student instructors were able to design classes on subjects that they
were interested and passionate about. “We offered over 130 different classes,” said co-organizer Nalika Vasudevan , “with topics ranging from humanities, social sciences, computers and math, science, arts and a mixed bag of miscellaneous classes. We had classes like graphic design, poetry, pizza-making, t-shirt making, neuroscience, astrophysics,number tricks!” Students could take up to six hours of classes ranging from 1-2 hours long.

As students arrived in the morning, a DJ was playing music on the quad. After check-in, students took their course schedules and began navigating the halls. “It is hilarious to watch them get lost and run from building to building. It is all part of the experience. They enjoy having contact with college students too. The whole experience really makes them feel like real college students,”Huguelet said.

Funding for supplemental education programs is hard to come by for Chicago Public Schools, so community members are very happy to have an event that their students can attend without the financial burden. With assistance from the Community Service fund, Splash is completely free for students, and includes lunch and a healthy snack. Teachers are also able to incorporate materials and equipment into their lessons. This kind of event shows the commitment of the University members and the dedication of its student body to the goal of improving education and staying involved with the local community.

The program is growing every year. Splash! members and volunteers reach out to the community by visiting schools, working with high school guidance counselors, and talking to students about the program during class and at lunch time. Between these efforts and word of mouth, participation nearly doubled this year.

“I really hope that there is a long-term commitment from the U of C to support Splash/Cascade,” Huguelet said. “They offer high school students unforgettable experiences that help them stay focused on completing college.”

The University Community Service Center(UCSC) fosters the development of civic-minded students by providing substantive community service opportunities through community partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. If you have questions - how to get involved as a student or how to connect to students as a community organization - please contact us.

University Community Service Center
5525 S. Ellis Ave., Suite 160
Chicago IL, 60637
Tel: 773.753.4483
Fax: 773.834.1160
ucsc.uchicago.edu

IN THIS ISSUE:

*Events
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Internships, Jobs, and Beyond...
*In the Spotlight: Students Enter Health Care Discussion Through Service








EVENTS
APO Informational Meeting
Sunday, October 4
5:30pm
Reynolds Club South Lounge
Alpha Phi Omega, UChicago's co-ed service fraternity, offers opportunities in leadership, friendship, and service. Our service activities are flexible and easily fit into your schedule, and we partner with many community organizations such as the House of Hope, the Living Room Cafe, and a homeless food run organization. We have social events often and have included after-meeting dinners, Super Bowl parties, and even a formal.

South Side History Bike Tour
Saturday, October 10
10:30am-3:30pm
Bartlett Quad
Explore the social, cultural, and political history of the South Side. Stops include Historic Bronzeville, Union Stockyard Gate, Richard J. Daley’s home, Hull House and more. Tour led by faculty members John Boyer, Terry Nichols Clark, and Mark Hansen. Participants must have their own bike and helmet. To register, email dhays@uchicago.edu.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
Saturday, October 3
9:30am
Grant Park
Over 300 volunteers needed throughout the day to assist in setup and execution of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Jobs include: registration, check-in, gear distribution, and refreshments. All volunteers will receive instruction on event day. No prior training is necessary for most jobs. All jobs are fun and interactive with the runners, walkers and other volunteers. Contact Dianne Patterson at Chicago Special Events Management at 773-868-3010 ext. 221 to volunteer and learn more about event day opportunities!

Hyde Park Food Pantry seeks volunteers for the monthly food delivery October 6th. For more information contact Marlene at marvellinga@aol.com

Training-to-Transition needs people to conduct mock interviews as well as panelists in the areas of Creative Art & Culinary & Entrepreneurial, Medical, Health & Fitness, and Construction. For more information contact Raven Moore at rmoore@umojacorporation.org

Hyde Park Kenwood Community Conference needs help with their Used Book Sale. They’re looking for volunteers Friday of setup (Oct. 9) and any time during the sale (Oct. 10-12). If you’re interested, you can contact Jane directly. Her email is k-ciacci@uchicago.edu.

Talent C.O.R.E. 3 is currently seeking college students that are inspired to mentor and encourage youth to follow the journey toward higher education!!!! Talent C.O.R.E. 3 will match prospective volunteers with youth that can relate to them on a personal basis, in regards to interests, hobbies, and talents (sports, music, art, theatre, speaking, modeling, etc). For more information and to apply, contact Brandon Wright at Bwright@talentcore3.org

Urban Initiatives' Urban Coaching Corps
Urban Initiatives collaborates with schools, teachers, and parents to boost the academic performance, physical fitness, and character development of children from Chicago's underserved communities. Urban Initiative Coaching Corp applicants will be asked to serve as assistant mentor/coaches for youth in the 5th through 8th grades at one of the 10 CPS sites. Volunteers will be expected to dedicate three days a week from 3:00 to 5:00 PM for a 6-week period. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Urban Initiatives' volunteer coordinator at julie.chelovich@urbaninitiatives.org for more information about training time and location.

Flatwater Classic Canoe and Kayak Race
Sunday, October 4
7:00am – Throughout the day
Chicago River seeks volunteers for various jobs for the Flatwater Classic Canoe and Kayak Race. Volunteer jobs include: race timers, finish line crews, spotters, check-in, and registration assistance. If you are available to volunteer, please call or email Cynthia Fox at 312-939-0490, ext. 13 or CFox@chicagoriver.org

INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
Idealist.org Graduate Degree Fair for the Public Good
Monday, October 12
5:00pm - 8:00pm
University of Illinois at Chicago, Main Hall A and B
Meet graduate admissions representatives from various programs to discuss professional development through graduate education, attend a free information session offering advice on graduate degree options, the application process, financial aid, and deciding when to attend graduate school after spending time in the working world.

2010 Diversity Leadership Awards
Deadline: October 16, 2009
The Diversity Leadership Awards seek to recognize University staff members who display leadership in fostering diversity both on campus and within the surrounding community and to highlight, in concert with the University of Chicago Board of Governors, the contributions of alumni who advance the cause of justice and equality in our community and society. Please nominate a staff member or alumna/us at http://www.uchicago.edu/diversity/awards.shtml/

Students Serve, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is accepting applications for service project grants. Any college student with an idea about how to address a local, national, or global problem can submit the online application at StudentsServe.org.

The Science and Technology Outreach and Mentoring Program (STOMP) is seeking individuals who want to gain invaluable education and outreach experience through being a paid instructor. STOMP seeks individuals involved in science related fields, available for Tuesday and Thursday teams beginning in September 2009. Pay is $25.00 per hour. For more information, contact racy J. Schultz at tjschultz@uchicago.edu to set up an interview.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Students Enter Health Care Discussion Through Service
Anna Tenuta, Staff Writer

As the debate over national health care policy reform remains in the spotlight, incoming first-year students at the University of Chicago took action. Not by screaming at town hall meetings nor by appealing to policy makers, but through community service. Certainly, their service at one facility on the South Side of Chicago may not be enough to sway public opinion. Still, service is a vital aspect too often forgot in the face of politics and policy making.

On Monday, September 29, as part of UCSC’s annual Day of Service event aimed at introducing incoming first years to community service, a group of students traveled to the Chicago Child Trauma Center (CCTC). The CCTC, a facility run by La Rabida Children’s Hospital located at 89th Street and Stony Island, focuses on providing both psychological and physical health care to children on the south side and in south suburban Cook County who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events, severe abuse, and medical traumas, among other trauma-inducing experiences.

Judith Blakemore, Manager of Volunteer Services at La Rabida, said the U of C students were “a tremendous help, and they had a great attitude”, even though their exact service project at CCTC underwent a last minute adjustment.

“The students were supposed to sanitize toys, restock therapy rooms – that kind of thing,” explained Blakemore, “but there were plumbing problems over the weekend that caused a huge mess everywhere.”

According to Blakemore, the students did a “great job” of cleaning everything necessary and they essentially “made the space habitable again”.

“A therapist’s time is valuable – not that they are too good to clean, but given the needs of our patients, to have to clean an entire facility would not have been using their time effectively,” said Blakemore. “The students efforts allowed our therapists time to focus on the patients.”

Jahnavi Bhaskar, Service Team Leader at the CCTC site and fourth year in the college, explained that her group was eager to help an organization that “is fulfilling such an important need in the community”. She added, “We are grateful to them for their good work, so it was nice to help in any way we could.”

The Chicago Child Trauma Center was one of 46 service sites that were a part of this year’s Engage Chicago through Service Day, formerly titled Experience Chicago through Service. The change of the event’s name, according to Katharine Bierce, Program Coordinator of Days of Service at the UCSC and fourth-year in the college, “just makes sense”.

“This annual Day of Service aims at specifically introducing first-year students to opportunities for engagement with the community through service,” Bierce said. “So we updated the title to be more in line with the purpose of the event.”

Bierce explained it is her hope that many of the participants will become more active in serving organizations throughout the community after their experiences at the Engage Chicago Day of Service.

“We believe that students can learn best not only in the classroom, but in the community and from the different people in the community.”

Blakemore agreed. “’Engage’ is a perfect word because sometimes students don’t learn about the community outside of campus, but this event is a wonderful way to get first years engaged and participating,” said Blakemore.

“The students in my group enjoyed working at La Rabida and were eager to find out about CS RSOs that involve projects with children,” said Bhaskar. “I was particularly impressed with the range of sites that the UCSC sent students to; it speaks to the wide array of support our campus can offer to the organizations in our city that are helping our neighbors.”

Each year, explained Blakemore, La Rabida participates in the day of service because it “strengthens the ties that La Rabida has with the University – not only the hospital, but the UCSC and the students”. La Rabida Children’s Hospital services more than 9,000 students annually and provides care to children regardless of health care or family income circumstances.

The University Community Service Center (UCSC) fosters the development of civic-minded students by providing substantive community service opportunities through community partnerships based on mutual trust and respect. If you have questions - how to get involved as a student or how to connect to students as a community organization - please contact us.

University Community Service Center
5525 S. Ellis Ave., Suite 160
Chicago IL, 60637
Tel: 773.753.4483
Fax: 773.834.1160
ucsc.uchicago.edu