IN THIS ISSUE:

*Events
*Volunteer Opportunities
*Internships, Jobs, and Beyond...
*In the Spotlight: Off the Beaten Path: Alternative Summer Service Opportunities











EVENTS
Green Corps Field School for Environment Organizing Interviews
Friday, January 30
11am-5pm
Ida Noyes (1212 E. 59th)
Green Corps is looking for college graduates who want to fix the biggest environmental challenges of our day. Green Corps’ offers a year long paid program with hands on training and experience to solve world wide environmental problems. To schedule an interview, contact Emily Carroll at emily@greencorps.org or (818) 398-2343.

The “How To’s” of Non-Profit Job Search
Friday, January 30th
3pm-4:30pm
Ida Noyes, East Lounge
Interested in non-profit/NGO work and not sure how to even start looking? This workshop, lead by Shayna Plaut (AM ’03), will go over what a non-profit/NGO is, how one can combine their passion for an issue with a skill, the realities of getting paid (and what a “fair” salary is) and various means of networking.

Math and Science Achievement Gap Panel
Tuesday, February 3rd
6:30pm
Ida Noyes – East Lounge
Fact: secondary schools have less than a 50% chance of getting a math or science teacher with even a minor in the subject they teach. Join the panel to learn more about the math science achievement gap and hear from teachers in low-income communities who experience these statistics on a daily basis.

University of Chicago’s Red Cross Club Blood Drive
February 4th and 5th
10am-3:45pm
Ida Noyes
With more than 38,000 blood donations needed every day, do your part to help thousands by donating blood. Please visit www.givebloodgivelife.org, or send an e-mail to rgrooms@uchicago.edu to set up an appointment time. Be sure to include your full name, e-mail address, and preferred times.

Chicago Wilderness Conference: Wild Things 2009
Saturday, February 7
UIC Student Center East (750 South Halsted)
This day-long conference features 70 large and small group discussions with the region’s best experts, most dedicated volunteers, and anyone interested in nature. There is special focus on empowering citizen scientists, stewards and advocates with information, networking and good ideas. If you have questions, call (847) 328-3910 ext. 21. [Note: student registration is $15]

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
“Images of Blackness: Facing the Past, Building a New Future – A Symposium” is hosting a Black History Symposium Friday and Saturday from 8am-4pm. Volunteers are needed for setting up exhibits, crowd control, and clean up. Volunteers interested in helping out on Friday, January 30th should contact Eric Brown at erbrown22@gmail.com. Volunteers interested in helping out on Saturday, January 31st should contact CJ Harmon at harmonjr.wc@gmail.com. (Please include name, phone number, and availability for the day.

Volunteers are needed various activities on the days of the blood drive. This is a very rewarding opportunity! One blood donation can save three lives. So, whether you’re donating or volunteering, participating in the blood drive is a fulfilling experience. If interested in volunteering for the blood drive, contact Russell Grooms at rgrooms@uchicago.edu.

The Campaign for better Health Care is seeking students interested in being Health Care Helpline Volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to assist callers in connecting them to health care providers, data base entries, organize resources, etc. For more information, contact Quekan Ibidunni at qibidunni@cbhconline.org or 312.913.9449.

The University of Chicago Folk Festival is seeking volunteers, and has been entirely volunteer run since 1961! As a volunteer, you get to help make the 49th Folk Festival, February 6-8, 2009, a truly fantastic event, listen to some excellent traditional music, and volunteers get a FREE TICKET to a festival performance for every three hours worked. Help of all kinds is needed, including stage and sound crew, CD vending, ushering, selling cookies, and schlepping. All of this takes place on the University of Chicago campus, at Ida Noyes Hall or the Reynolds Club. To volunteer, please visit: http://uofcfolk.org/2009/Volunteer2009.html, or email: folkfestvolunteers@googlemail.com .


INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
2009 Humanity in Action Fellowship
The HIA Fellowship brings together university students from the United States and Europe for a rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry into human rights, diversity, and minority issues. Students participate in the five-week fellowship in one of six different countries: Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, or the United States. Upon completing the fellowship, Fellows join an active international network of young professionals and are eligible for internship opportunities at the United States Congress, European Parliament, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and other civic and political institutions. Check out humanityinaction.org

SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program
Due: 1-31-2009
SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program at the Illinois Policy Institute offers a 10 week program featuring workshops in career building and policy analysis at James Madison University in Virginia and the Illinois Policy Institute here in Chicago. Fellowship compensates for travel costs and offers a $1,500 stipend. For more information and an application visit the Institute for Humane Studies website.

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Due: 02-15-2009
Sponsors six-to-nine month fellowships for recent college graduates (including graduate students) in Washington, DC. Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members working on peace and security issues, at participating organizations. Includes a stipend of $2,100 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington DC. For more information: http://scoville.org/.

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), a prospective International Baccalaureate school that offers a relevant, engaging, and challenging educational program, is seeking interns to assist with fundraising development. The internship requires students to research donors, compile a database, and manage fundraisers. Compensation is included. Email resume and cover letter to: sarahelizabeth@agcchicago.org.

Jeff Metcalf Fellowships are up on line - over 150 Jeff Metcalf Fellowship positions are posted on Chicago Career Connections and many more are sure to come. The Jeff Metcalf Fellowship Program provides University of Chicago 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students the opportunity to spend the summer learning by doing. You will be paid a minimum of $10/hours for 400 hours of work. Deadlines for Metcalfs run from early January through mid February.

Federal Work Study (Off-Campus)
UCSC seeks out and posts part-time and summer work-study positions with Chicago area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Opportunities are geared toward identified interests and skills of our College, graduate and professional school students. View this list for the most current off-campus works study positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Off the Beaten Path: Alternative Summer Service Opportunities
Rachel Cromidas, Staff Writer

Like first-year Maria Ekpo, you probably thought about applying to the ABG Externship program as an underclassman. But when Ekpo didn’t see any host organizations that applied to her interest in refugee work, she searched the University’s Alumni Directory for a host site of her own.

That database led Ekpo to Trudi Langendorf, Assistant Director of the University Community Service Center.

“I met with her to talk about some of the opportunities in terms of working with refugees and immigrants, specifically women and children,” Ekpo said. “She gave me a list of a whole bunch of organizations.” Ekpo hasn’t found an externship sight yet to host her over Spring Break, but she says she is looking for an organization that will also offer her a summer internship.

If you are also searching for a socially conscious, summer internship with a non-profit organization, but missed deadlines for College-sponsored programs like Summer Links and the Human Rights Internship, Ekpo says the Alumni Careers Network is a strong asset. “I’ve ended up with a lot of contacts that I wouldn’t have found on my own,” Ekpo said.

Matt Donato, Associate Director of Alumni Career Services, agrees. “Using the careers network can be a great way to create your own externship or volunteer opportunity. All students who are on campus can just log in, and search the database based on criteria like city, industry, year of graduation, etc.”

Donato advises students to write a brief email to the alumna they find online, introduce themselves, and ask for an opportunity to talk on the phone or meet. Alumni are not required to join the Careers Network, Donato said, so those who do join “are basically saying that they are open to having a discussion with students and other alumni, for mentoring and interviewing.”

The Alumni Careers Network is a good start, but according Shayna Plaut, Assistant Director of Employer Relations at CAPS, there are many more tricks students looking for internships in the Public Sector can use. She will be leading a workshop, titled The "How To's" of Non-Profit Job Searching - Here and Abroad, on Friday, Jan. 30 at 3 p.m.

“The workshop is about how to actually search for non-profit and NGO social justice work,” she said. She wants students to ask themselves several questions: “How do you frame some of your passions, ideals, and the skills you want to acquire into something that would fit into a job description? What am I interested in? What skills do I have? What do I want to learn more about?”

Plaut added, “CAPS is by no means the end all and be all, but we are a resource and we’re pretty accessible. We have various people on staff with experience in non-profits and NGOs, both here and abroad,” who will talk to students about their specific concerns.

Fundamentally, the search for an internship is just that—a search; this means students shouldn’t limit their options to early in the game. Michael Jogerst, Assistant Dean and Director of Career Services at the SSA, suggests using a large, internet database like idealist.org. Gail Zurek, Director of Career Services at the Harris School, recommends publicservicecareers.org.

“What I always tell my students,” Zurek said, “is that ultimately, a summer internship [in non-profit work] is about gaining experience more than it is about a particular title or salary.”


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: Federal Work Study



EVENTS
Panel on Public School Funding
Thursday, January 22
5:00pm-7:00pm
Swift Hall, 3rd Floor
Presentation and discussion of collective reports by Catalyst Chicago and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability on public school funding formulas in Illinois and the resulting inequities across school districts. Prof. Charles Payne will serve as the moderator and Ralph Martiere (Center for Tax and Budget Accountability) will give the initial presentation along with Al Sharp (Protestants for the Common Good).

Launch Your Career as a Peace Corps Volunteer: Information Session
Thursday, January 22
6:00pm-7:30pm
Ida Noyes Hall – 2nd Floor (East Lounge)
University of Chicago held on to its No. 1 spot on the Peace Corps’ top 25 list of small schools producing Peace Corps Volunteers. With 35 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers, University of Chicago is at the top of the ranking in its category for the second year in a row. Take this opportunity to meet local returned Peace Corps volunteers who lived and worked in international communities, hear their inspiring stories, and ask questions about being a member of the Peace Corps.

Mercy Housing Front’s Homeless Count
Tuesday, January 27
7:00pm
4946 N Sheridan
Mercy Housing Front is gathering volunteers for an accurate count of homeless people throughout Chicago; the figures from these counts determine allocations for homeless resources. The training session is at 7pm and the counting will occur around 1am. For more information, contact Steph at slane@mercyhousing.org

Post Graduation Volunteer Dinner
Wednesday, January 28
6:00pm
Calvert House, 5735 University Avenue
Join Calvert House for an informational dinner on domestic and international post-graduate service opportunities. Representatives from several faith-based organizations will talk about their programs and their volunteer experiences. For more information, contact Laura at llecompte@uchicago.edu.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Campaign for better Health Care is seeking students interested in being Health Care Helpline Volunteers. Volunteers will be asked to assist callers in connecting them to health care providers, data base entries, organize resources, etc. For more information, contact Quekan Ibidunni at qibidunni@cbhconline.org or 312.913.9449.

The University of Chicago Folk Festival is seeking volunteers, and has been entirely volunteer run since 1961! As a volunteer, you get to help make the 49th Folk Festival, February 6-8, 2009, a truly fantastic event, listen to some excellent traditional music, and volunteers get a FREE TICKET to a festival performance for every three hours worked. Help of all kinds is needed, including stage and sound crew, CD vending, ushering, selling cookies, and schlepping. All of this takes place on the University of Chicago campus, at Ida Noyes Hall or the Reynolds Club. To volunteer, please visit: http://uofcfolk.org/2009/Volunteer2009.html, or email: folkfestvolunteers@googlemail.com .

Jumpstart AmeriCorps is a non-profit organization that pairs college students with preschool aged children in low socio-economic communities nationwide to give them one-on-one support in developmental literacy and language that is not often provided in low-income preschools. If interested contact Moriah Bailey Stephenson at Mstephe9@depaul.edu or via phone at (405)203-3675.

In January 2009, the Food Depository will participate in Feeding America’s National Hunger Study, Hunger in America 2009, a nation-wide hunger study that will be the most comprehensive study on hunger in the world. They need reliable, adult volunteers who can commit to a training session (multiple training sessions will be available at the end of January), and can visit at least two agencies over a three-month period. E-mail now to volunteer.

Murray Language Academy is seeking students interested in tutoring kids during the "Homework Club" program, which is Monday-Friday 2:30-3:30pm. Also looking for students willing to share their passion (art, singing, journalism, etc.) with their students (these types of enrichment programs occur Monday-Friday between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.). If interested, contact Megham Freytag at (773)619-0408 or Megham_Freytag@YMCACHGO.org

INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
2009 Humanity in Action Fellowship
The HIA Fellowship brings together university students from the United States and Europe for a rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry into human rights, diversity, and minority issues. Students participate in the five-week fellowship in one of six different countries: Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, or the United States. Upon completing the fellowship, Fellows join an active international network of young professionals and are eligible for internship opportunities at the United States Congress, European Parliament, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and other civic and political institutions. Check out humanityinaction.org

SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program
Due: 1-31-2009
SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program at the Illinois Policy Institute offers a 10 week program featuring workshops in career building and policy analysis at James Madison University in Virginia and the Illinois Policy Institute here in Chicago. Fellowship compensates for travel costs and offers a $1,500 stipend. For more information and an application visit the Institute for Humane Studies website.

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Due: 02-15-2009
Sponsors six-to-nine month fellowships for recent college graduates (including graduate students) in Washington, DC. Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members working on peace and security issues, at participating organizations. Includes a stipend of $2,100 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington DC. For more information: http://scoville.org/.

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), a prospective International Baccalaureate school that offers a relevant, engaging, and challenging educational program, is seeking interns to assist with fundraising development. The internship requires students to research donors, compile a database, and manage fundraisers. Compensation is included. Email resume and cover letter to: sarahelizabeth@agcchicago.org.

Jeff Metcalf Fellowships are up on line - over 150 Jeff Metcalf Fellowship positions are posted on Chicago Career Connections and many more are sure to come. The Jeff Metcalf Fellowship Program provides University of Chicago 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students the opportunity to spend the summer learning by doing. You will be paid a minimum of $10/hours for 400 hours of work. Deadlines for Metcalfs run from early January through mid February.

Federal Work Study (Off-Campus)
UCSC seeks out and posts part-time and summer work-study positions with Chicago area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Opportunities are geared toward identified interests and skills of our College, graduate and professional school students. View this list for the most current off-campus works study positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Federal Work Study: A Balance Between Academics and Exposure
Klara Scharnagl, Staff Writer

Why Work/Study? For the civically-minded student, there is no question.

Federal work study employment is one of many programs run through the University Community Service Center. Under the direction of David Hays, it provides an opportunity for both Undergraduate and Graduate students of the University to work with nonprofit and public sector organizations throughout the Chicago area.

According to Hays, the students who pursue these work study positions are generally civically minded and enthusiastic to engage in the community. Of the program itself, Hays said, “work study gives you a real world experience in substantive work,” while still pursuing a University education.

The Blue Gargoyle, a family learning organization whose mission is to “assist children, adults and families in developing the skills and confidence necessary to become independent and self-reliant in today's increasingly competitive society,” employs many of our work study employees. Of those engaged in working with children at the center, Sherri Hayden of the Blue Gargoyle said, “We think they are excellent. They are committed, full of ideas, and flexible, which is important when you are working with children. Unlike others we might employ, the work study students are able to shift on a dime, yet they are also ever-present and enthusiastic.”

Another organization, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, focuses not only on the medical needs, but also on the developmental and emotional needs of children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. They too employ a number of our work study employees, though unlike many other work study positions, the times required are strictly structured: two days a week, four hours each day at specified times. Judy Blakemore, who works with these work study employees, says that given such a rigid structure, she is very impressed with how extremely reliable they are. Blakemore has worked with seven or eight different students over the years, and she says the work study experience has gone “wonderfully.” Of the students, Blakemore said, “They’ve all been great, possessing many more strengths than weaknesses.” In addition, the students “have taken a real interest in the patients they tutor, and work well with the student volunteers as well as the families of the patients.” Overall, it is a very enriching experience for patient and work study student alike.

A third organization to which many of our work study employees are directed is STRIVE tutoring at Ellis Avenue Church, where positive relations between work study tutors and children from the community have been going on for fifteen years. The STRIVE program provides essential tutoring for children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford or get tutoring. Paula Hatfield, the director of the STRIVE, says that the work study students are “responsible, and good workers.” In addition, tutors’ wide gamut of backgrounds (Divinity School, SSA, History majors and the like) actually works to the advantage of the program. Work study employees are able to tailor their own studies and expertise to what the students need to learn. According to Hatfield, there are a greater number of Graduate students in the program this year, bringing a nicer, more mature element to the dynamic enthusiasm brought by all work study students.

Though most students come into the work study program out of necessity, through UCSC and these nonprofit organizations, these students are able to find fulfilling and enriching work by fulfilling and enriching the lives of others; thus forming strong and lasting relations within the broader Chicago community.

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: Educational Enhancement through Academic Competition











EVENTS
M.L.K. Day of Service
Saturday, January 17
7:30am-4:00pm
For the MLK Day of Service, UCSC is partnering again with Chicago Cares for their Celebration of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students, staff, and faculty will join 4,000 volunteers from across the region on Saturday, January 17 to honor Dr. King's legacy and build a stronger Chicago.

A Writers’ Congress: Chicago Poets on the Inauguration of Barack Obama
Tuesday, January 20
5:30pm
DePaul University Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Ave.
Join Chicago Public Radio’s Chicago Amplified and UniVerse of Poetry as seventy-five local poets gather to read their work celebrating the inauguration of Barack Obama. Event is FREE. More info at http://www.chicagopublicradio.org

Panel on Public School Funding
Thursday, January 22
5:00pm-7:00pm
Swift Hall, 3rd Floor
Presentation and discussion of collective reports by Catalyst Chicago and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability on public school funding formulas in Illinois and the resulting inequities across school districts. Prof. Charles Payne will serve as the moderator and Ralph Martiere (Center for Tax and Budget Accountability) will give the initial presentation along with Al Sharp (Protestants for the Common Good).

Launch Your Career as a Peace Corps Volunteer: Information Session
Thursday, January 22
6:00pm-7:30pm
Ida Noyes Hall – 2nd Floor (East Lounge)
University of Chicago held on to its No. 1 spot on the Peace Corps’ top 25 list of small schools producing Peace Corps Volunteers. With 35 alumni currently serving as Peace Corps Volunteers, University of Chicago is at the top of the ranking in its category for the second year in a row. Take this opportunity to meet local returned Peace Corps volunteers who lived and worked in international communities, hear their inspiring stories, and ask questions about being a member of the Peace Corps.

Mercy Housing Front’s Homeless Count
Tuesday, January 27
7:00pm
4946 N Sheridan
Mercy Housing Front is gathering volunteers for an accurate count of homeless people throughout Chicago; the figures from these counts determine allocations for homeless resources. The training session is at 7pm and the counting will occur around 1am. For more information, contact Steph at slane@mercyhousing.org


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Jumpstart AmeriCorps is a non-profit organization that pairs college students with preschool aged children in low socio-economic communities nationwide to give them one-on-one support in developmental literacy and language that is not often provided in low-income preschools. If interested contact Moriah Bailey Stephenson at Mstephe9@depaul.edu or via phone at (405)203-3675.

In January 2009, the Food Depository will participate in Feeding America’s National Hunger Study, Hunger in America 2009, a nation-wide hunger study that will be the most comprehensive study on hunger in the world. They need reliable, adult volunteers who can commit to a training session (multiple training sessions will be available at the end of January), and can visit at least two agencies over a three-month period. E-mail now to volunteer.

The Center for Economic Progress is looking for volunteers to assist in helping families with taxes. No prior experience is needed as training sessions will be offered beginning in January with the closest location in Bronzeville (4804 S. Cottage Grove). Please check www.economicprogress.org for a comprehensive list of site locations available positions along with the volunteer application. Contact Erica Maslanka, Volunteer Services Manager, at 312.630.0244 or emaslanka@economicprogress.org with any questions

The Dearborn REALTIST Board is an advocate for education concerning public housing matters ensuring Democracy in Housing for all. They are looking for any direction in obtaining volunteer assistance in updating their current website, www.dearbornreb.com. Please contact Tracey Taylor at 312-980-5182.

Murray Language Academy is seeking students interested in tutoring kids during the "Homework Club" program, which is Monday-Friday 2:30-3:30pm. Also looking for students willing to share their passion (art, singing, journalism, etc.) with their students (these types of enrichment programs occur Monday-Friday between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.). If interested, contact Megham Freytag at (773)619-0408 or Megham_Freytag@YMCACHGO.org


INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
2009 Humanity in Action Fellowship
The HIA Fellowship brings together university students from the United States and Europe for a rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry into human rights, diversity, and minority issues. Students participate in the five-week fellowship in one of six different countries: Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, or the United States. Upon completing the fellowship, Fellows join an active international network of young professionals and are eligible for internship opportunities at the United States Congress, European Parliament, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and other civic and political institutions. Check out humanityinaction.org

Global Engagement Summer Institute 2009
***Due: 1-15-2009 ***
The Global Engagement Summer Institute (GESI) is a two-course summer study abroad program focused on community development in a global context and will send 60 students to La Plata, Argentina; Udaipur, India; or Jinja, Uganda. For more information, visit www.mycge.org or contact Ryan Pederson (ryan-pederson@northwestern.edu).

SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program
Due: 1-31-2009
SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program at the Illinois Policy Institute offers a 10 week program featuring workshops in career building and policy analysis at James Madison University in Virginia and the Illinois Policy Institute here in Chicago. Fellowship compensates for travel costs and offers a $1,500 stipend. For more information and an application visit the Institute for Humane Studies website.

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Due: 02-15-2009
Sponsors six-to-nine month fellowships for recent college graduates (including graduate students) in Washington, DC. Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members working on peace and security issues, at participating organizations. Includes a stipend of $2,100 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington DC. For more information: http://scoville.org/.

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), a prospective International Baccalaureate school that offers a relevant, engaging, and challenging educational program, is seeking interns to assist with fundraising development. The internship requires students to research donors, compile a database, and manage fundraisers. Compensation is included. Email resume and cover letter to: sarahelizabeth@agcchicago.org.

Jeff Metcalf Fellowships are up on line - over 150 Jeff Metcalf Fellowship positions are posted on Chicago Career Connections and many more are sure to come. The Jeff Metcalf Fellowship Program provides University of Chicago 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students the opportunity to spend the summer learning by doing. You will be paid a minimum of $10/hours for 400 hours of work. Deadlines for Metcalfs run from early January through mid February.

Federal Work Study (Off-Campus)
UCSC seeks out and posts part-time and summer work-study positions with Chicago area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Opportunities are geared toward identified interests and skills of our College, graduate and professional school students. View this list for the most current off-campus works study positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
An Alternative Approach to Academic Engagement
Mutisya Leonard, Staff Writer

One of the goals of the University Community Service Center at University of Chicago is to foster meaningful partnerships between the University and our immediate community that enrich the academic lives of students both at the University and in our immediate community.

The idea to partner with the Chicago Academic Games League (CAGL) was born of a UCSC program, Educational Enhancement through Academic Competition. CAGL, now in its 30th year, was started by then teacher and now retired, James Wilson, as a Hyde Park/Kenwood community initiative based at Ray Elementary School. Wilson, still Director of the program says that CAGL’s greatest asset is the “gang of kind volunteer teachers and parents that make tournaments run, unrewarded almost.” “But with increasing economic demands and hence greater opportunity costs for time,” he regrets, “our volunteer levels are getting a big blow and it’s harder to serve as many schools as we’d set out aspiring to.”

Through weekly math club meetings at local schools and monthly math competitions, CAGL encourages young people to practice logical thinking, math skills, pride in academic achievement, and sportsmanship. CAGL accepts applications from South Side middle schools throughout the year to take part in the competitions, and at the University an administrative student staff liaises with CAGL and the schools to organize competition meet ups, manage agendas at Board Conferences of involved parties, and follow up on contacts.

CAGL’s Program Manager, Third Year Anthropology and Fundamental double major Race Wright takes pride in the fact that CAGL “represents an excellent opportunity for middle school students to engage in an exciting, and intensive hands on manner.”

“One of the challenges with the United States’ public education system is that it is, frankly, producing less results. For a number of reasons there seems to be a shift away from competitive strife for intellectual dominance, to an extent that is risky to performance. School is becoming less rigorous. CAGL is a great way for South Side middle schools students to exercise their mental capacities in a demanding but healthy environment that is creative, fun and rewarding. Plus it exercises our students’ team work and participation skills.”

Ten schools will take part in this year’s tournaments, among them Hendrix, Black, Shabazz, Washington, Carnegie and Cadwell – local middle schools that have been actively sending teams to CAGL. Wright says that one of CAGL’s goals for this year is to expand their influence to reach more schools quantitatively, and more types of schools, celebrating Chicago’s racial and ethnic diversity.

CAGL Tournaments are lined up for the Saturdays of January 17th, February 14th, March 21st, April 18th, and May 16th. The May 16th Tournament deliberately coincides with Summer Breeze on our Quads, and is the year’s culminating invitation-only tournament.

“In past years” says Aviva Rosman, a Third Year in the College and Public Policy Studies major and last year’s Program Manager, “we have brought our winning students to the Quads for Summer Breeze and they really enjoy the honor.”

Rosman added, “ In the past, we have organized to collect gift cards from Macy's and Target to reward generous teachers that volunteer a good deal of unpaid hours to coach teams. The reception to that was great. We are, looking forward, going to have to do some grant searching. We also need to streamline the tournament process.”

CAGL will be looking to recruit college volunteers to work with the Program Manager in making richer, and running better the tournaments.


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: A Letter from the UCSC Director











EVENTS

M.L.K. Day of Service
Saturday, January 17
7:30am-4:00pm
For the MLK Day of Service, UCSC is partnering again with Chicago Cares for their Celebration of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students, staff, and faculty will join 4,000 volunteers from across the region on Saturday, January 17 to honor Dr. King's legacy and build a stronger Chicago. **Registration is only open through Friday, January 9, 2009, so sign up and recruit your team members quickly. To register, visit http://chicagocares.kintera.org/COS2009 **

IWJ Executive Director Kim Bobo Book Signing
Friday, January 9
7:30pm
Women & Children Bookstore, 5233 N. Clark St
Interfaith Worker Justice Executive Director Kim Bobo will sign and discuss her new book Wage Theft in America: Why Millions of Working Americans Are Not Getting Paid - And What We Can Do About. Bobo’s work discusses the atrocity of wage restrictions to legalized workers and resolving solutions locally and nationally.

Eddie C. Campbell Concert
Friday, January 9
8:00 PM
Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ct.
Westside blues-master Eddie C. Campbell will perform on stage in a concert benefiting STRIVE, a non-profit organization in Hyde Park providing one on one tutoring to students across the Southside of Chicago. General tickets $20, student tickets $10.

Public Hearing on Renaissance 2010 Initiative
Saturday, January 10
10:00am-2:00pm
Malcolm X College Cafeteria, 2nd Floor (1900 W. Van Buren)
The Caucus of Rank and File Educators (CORE) is sponsoring a city-wide public hearing regarding school closings through Chicago Public School's Renaissance 2010 Program. Parents, students and teachers are scheduled to testify about what has happened to their schools and communities because of Renaissance 2010.

Alpha Phi Omega Community Service Meeting
Sunday, January 11
5:30pm
Reynolds Club South Lounge (2nd Floor)
As the University of Chicago’s only COED community service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega offers leadership, friendship, and service in a laid back atmosphere. Learn about their weekly service projects and opportunities at the first meeting of 2009!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Jumpstart AmeriCorps is a non-profit organization that pairs college students with preschool aged children in low socio-economic communities nationwide to give them one-on-one support in developmental literacy and language that is not often provided in low-income preschools. If interested contact Moriah Bailey Stephenson at Mstephe9@depaul.edu or via phone at (405)203-3675.

In January 2009, the Food Depository will participate in Feeding America’s National Hunger Study, Hunger in America 2009, a nation-wide hunger study that will be the most comprehensive study on hunger in the world. They need reliable, adult volunteers who can commit to a training session (multiple training sessions will be available at the end of January), and can visit at least two agencies over a three-month period. E-mail now to volunteer.

The Center for Economic Progress is looking for volunteers to assist in helping families with taxes. No prior experience is needed as training sessions will be offered beginning in January with the closest location in Bronzeville (4804 S. Cottage Grove). Please check www.economicprogress.org for a comprehensive list of site locations available positions along with the volunteer application. Contact Erica Maslanka, Volunteer Services Manager, at 312.630.0244 or emaslanka@economicprogress.org with any questions

The Dearborn REALTIST Board is an advocate for education concerning public housing matters ensuring Democracy in Housing for all. They are looking for any direction in obtaining volunteer assistance in updating their current website, www.dearbornreb.com. Please contact Tracey Taylor at 312-980-5182.

Murray Language Academy is seeking students interested in tutoring kids during the "Homework Club" program, which is Monday-Friday 2:30-3:30pm. Also looking for students willing to share their passion (art, singing, journalism, etc.) with their students (these types of enrichment programs occur Monday-Friday between 4:00pm and 6:00pm.). If interested, contact Megham Freytag at (773)619-0408 or Megham_Freytag@YMCACHGO.org



INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
2009 Humanity in Action Fellowship
The HIA Fellowship brings together university students from the United States and Europe for a rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry into human rights, diversity, and minority issues. Students participate in the five-week fellowship in one of six different countries: Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, or the United States. Upon completing the fellowship, Fellows join an active international network of young professionals and are eligible for internship opportunities at the United States Congress, European Parliament, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and other civic and political institutions. Check out humanityinaction.org

Global Engagement Summer Institute 2009
Due: 1-15-2009
The Global Engagement Summer Institute (GESI) is a two-course summer study abroad program focused on community development in a global context and will send 60 students to La Plata, Argentina; Udaipur, India; or Jinja, Uganda. For more information, visit www.mycge.org or contact Ryan Pederson (ryan-pederson@northwestern.edu).

SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program
Due: 1-31-2009
SPN/IHS Koch Summer Fellow Program at the Illinois Policy Institute offers a 10 week program featuring workshops in career building and policy analysis at James Madison University in Virginia and the Illinois Policy Institute here in Chicago. Fellowship compensates for travel costs and offers a $1,500 stipend. For more information and an application visit the Institute for Humane Studies website.

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Due: 02-15-2009
Sponsors six-to-nine month fellowships for recent college graduates (including graduate students) in Washington, DC. Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members working on peace and security issues, at participating organizations. Includes a stipend of $2,100 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington DC. For more information: http://scoville.org/.

The Academy for Global Citizenship (AGC), a prospective International Baccalaureate school that offers a relevant, engaging, and challenging educational program, is seeking interns to assist with fundraising development. The internship requires students to research donors, compile a database, and manage fundraisers. Compensation is included. Email resume and cover letter to: sarahelizabeth@agcchicago.org.

Jeff Metcalf Fellowships are up on line - over 150 Jeff Metcalf Fellowship positions are posted on Chicago Career Connections and many more are sure to come. The Jeff Metcalf Fellowship Program provides University of Chicago 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students the opportunity to spend the summer learning by doing. You will be paid a minimum of $10/hours for 400 hours of work. Deadlines for Metcalfs run from early January through mid February.

Federal Work Study (Off-Campus)
UCSC seeks out and posts part-time and summer work-study positions with Chicago area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Opportunities are geared toward identified interests and skills of our College, graduate and professional school students. View this list for the most current off-campus works study positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Letter from UCSC Director Wallace Goode Jr.

Dear University Community, Alumni and Parents:

This past autumn quarter our campus and community experienced the electricity of collaborative efforts in Service and civic engagement and winter quarter will be no exception as the need for service continues…

MLK Day of Service
Students, staff, faculty, and alumni will partner with Chicago Cares, Inc. for our annual Day of Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 17, 2009. Through his words and examples, Dr. King inspired all people to better their communities. We challenge you to move from words to deeds through service to your community, whether in London, Paris, Singapore, Washington, D.C. or right here in Chicago.

F.A.S.S. Food Drive
The F.A.S.S. (Faculty, Administrators, Staff and Students) food drive will kick‐off January 5th, 2009 in a strong partnership for meaningful service to our community. Each Monday, a different campus building, department or office will host the food drive. Partner student groups will coordinate the delivery of bags, containers and fliers in raising awareness of the program and encouraging building occupants to donate food.

These are only two features of 14 programs the University Community Service Center (UCSC) offers in 5 focus areas: co‐curricular programming, direct service, leadership development, organizational development and professional preparation. We urge you to keep current with UCSC News, a weekly broadcast highlighting events, volunteer opportunities and professional preparation opportunities.

Later this quarter, UCSC will open nominations for the following awards traditionally presented at our Annual Volunteer Recognition Reception in May:

President’s Volunteer Service Award
The President’s Award is intended to recognize two volunteers who have demonstrated a superior commitment to service in the greater community during the past academic year. Sole participation or leadership in student organizations on campus does not ordinarily qualify a student for this award.

Up to two recipients will each receive a $500 award, and a certificate. Any registered undergraduate or graduate student is eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Students must be nominated by either members of the University (students, faculty, and staff) or the community.

Perry Herst Prize
The Perry Herst Prize is awarded to two graduating seniors in the College who have combined study with social responsibility. Each recipient will receive a $1,000 award, and a certificate. Any graduating senior in the college must be nominated by members of the University (students, faculty, and staff).

Turkington House Service Award
The Edward Turkington House Service Award is given annually to a House within the University of Chicago Undergraduate House System that has demonstrated a deep, ongoing commitment to service in surrounding communities and the broader Chicago Metro area. The winner of the House Service Award is recognized and awarded a $250 prize.

Bernard O. Brown Service Learning Award
The Bernard O. Brown Service Learning Award was established to provide a student in the College with means to pursue a service learning project over the summer. The $1,000 award supports volunteer community service projects or under‐funded internships in the community.

Faculty Service Award
This award recognizes the extraordinary commitment of faculty in either direct service or in the support of students engaged in civic minded scholarship. Selection criteria include strong recommendations from students across campus, particularly those involved in community service student organizations.

Staff Service Award
This award recognizes the extraordinary commitment of professional staff in either direct service or in the support of students engaged in civic minded scholarship. Selection criteria include strong recommendations from students across campus, particularly those involved in community service student organizations.

Community Partner Award
As an office, the University Community Service Center relies heavily on support from community partners. Community partners provide interesting volunteer opportunities, challenging internships, and a forum for the community and university to engage. This award recognizes superior commitment connecting the university and the broader Chicago community.

The CSRSO Award
The CSRSO Award is given annually to honor a CSRSO that has demonstrated a exceptional commitment to service in Chicago communities. The winner of the CSRSO Award will be awarded a $1,000 prize toward supporting a service initiative that embodies the group’s stated mission. CSRSO’s may self-nominate or be nominated by other members of the University (students, faculty, and staff) or the community.

Progressively more, UCSC is emerging as a national model among urban research institutions for student civic engagement, experiential learning and community service supporting responsible development of our neighboring communities. I encourage you to contact me in exploring the various ways you can support service learning and the civic engagement of our global campus community.

Yours In Service,

Wallace E. Goode, Jr.
Associate Dean of Students & Director
University Community Service Center (UCSC)
Office of the Vice President for Campus Life & Dean of Students





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: Community Service Changes Volunteers into Leaders






EVENTS
Bronzeville Alliance Forum
Saturday, December 6
8:00am-2:00pm
244 E. Pershing Road, Wendell Phillips High School
Residents, elected officials, and key stakeholders meet to discuss the community’s status and plan its future in celebration of Timuel D. Black, a leader of the movement to elect Harold Washington as mayor, a mentor to a young Barack Obama, and a lifelong Bronzeville resident and activist. Reserve a place at the Forum by calling 773-373-5700

Tools of War: Violence Against Women In African Conflicts
Sunday, December 7
5:00pm
Goodman Theatre: 170 North Dearborn Street
A panel discussion focusing on the tens of thousands of women raped in what the United Nations officials have called the worst violence against women in the world. Panelists include, Lynette Jackson, Professor of Gender Studies and African Studies at The University of Illinois-Chicago; Ngozi Udoye, CEO and President of African Women in America; and Prexy Nesbitt, Speaker and Educator on Africa, foreign policy, and racism.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Center for Economic Progress is looking for volunteers to assist in helping families with taxes. No prior experience is needed as training sessions will be offered beginning in January with the closest location in Bronzeville (4804 S. Cottage Grove). Please check www.economicprogress.org for a comprehensive list of site locations available positions along with the volunteer application. Contact Erica Maslanka, Volunteer Services Manager, at 312.630.0244 or emaslanka@economicprogress.org with any questions

High School chemistry tutors needed for afternoon 1-on-1 sessions. If there is anyone who is willing to assist in this area, please contact Ms. Brazelton at 312-886-0396.

The Dearborn REALTIST Board is an advocate for education concerning public housing matters ensuring Democracy in Housing for all. They are looking for any direction in obtaining volunteer assistance in updating their current website, www.dearbornreb.com. Please contact Tracey Taylor at 312-980-5182.

Family Focus Englewood is looking for volunteers who can assist with the design and construction of the Children's Peace Statue. They can specifically use art, architecture, engineering, and interior design majors or just anyone who is willing to volunteer their time to make a difference in the community. For more information, contact Mary E. Usdrowski at 773-962-0366 extension: 213.

Common Threads, a non profit organization that runs an after school cooking program for children throughout the city of Chicago, is looking for volunteers who are willing to devote a few hours, once a week for their 12-week program. Cooking experience is not required but they are looking for individuals who enjoy working with children and are committed to making a difference in their community. For more information e-mail Elsa Soto at intern@commonthreads.org.

Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center is looking for Mandarin speakers to help with legal intakes for Chinese kids. It would mean going to the International Children’s Center (in Rogers Park) every two weeks for about two hours. Contact Alexandra Fung, afung@heartlandalliance.org or 312-660-1330.


INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
2009 Humanity in Action Fellowship
The HIA Fellowship brings together university students from the United States and Europe for a rigorous, interdisciplinary inquiry into human rights, diversity, and minority issues. Students participate in the five-week fellowship in one of six different countries: Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, or the United States. Upon completing the fellowship, Fellows join an active international network of young professionals and are eligible for internship opportunities at the United States Congress, European Parliament, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, and other civic and political institutions. Check out humanityinaction.org

Global Engagement Summer Institute 2009
Due: 1-15-2009
The Global Engagement Summer Institute (GESI) is a two-course summer study abroad program focused on community development in a global context and will send 60 students to La Plata, Argentina; Udaipur, India; or Jinja, Uganda. For more information, visit www.mycge.org or contact Ryan Pederson (ryan-pederson@northwestern.edu).

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Due: 02-15-2009
Sponsors six-to-nine month fellowships for recent college graduates (including graduate students) in Washington, DC. Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members working on peace and security issues, at participating organizations. Includes a stipend of $2,100 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington DC. For more information: http://scoville.org/.

Federal Work Study (Off-Campus)
UCSC seeks out and posts part-time and summer work-study positions with Chicago area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Opportunities are geared toward identified interests and skills of our College, graduate and professional school students. View this list for the most current off-campus works study positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Community Service Changes Volunteers into Leaders
Rachel Cromidas and Mutisya Leonard, Staff Writers

Over the past nine weeks, we have introduced you to programs that define the University Community Service Center. We encourage you to meet them in person at the UCSC Holiday Party on Friday Dec. 5th from 3-5pm in the Bartlett Trophy Lounge. Enjoy donuts, coffee, and conversation with students engaged with service throughout Chicago.

Splash Chicago recruits college students at the University to volunteer teaching anything to local students attending local public high schools on a day long visit to our campus. In their second annual event in October, Splash Chicago hosted over 200 students, from at least twenty five different schools throughout Chicago. Up to 100 college students, including 80 who took up teaching assignments, worked to host 90 unique classes. Race Wright, a third year student in the College majoring in Anthropology and Luke Joyner, a fourth year in the College majoring in Mathematics co-founded Splash Chicago. The two met three years ago working with Winning Words, a program of the Civic Knowledge Project.

Winning Words provides college student volunteers an opportunity to coach debate and argumentation to middle school students in our neighborhood. Having being involved in debate in high school, Wright’s involvement with Winning Words in his first year at the College was a natural interest.

Joyner, a Boston native, attended MIT’s Splash event while at high school. From that experience he envisioned, a replication of the program at University of Chicago. As the two worked to bring Splash to Chicago their biggest challenge was making a more local, focused program that matches the needs of the South Side.

“One thing that’s great about community service RSOs,” Wright notes, “is that you can take on all these innovative, practical ideas and turn them to workable projects. Plus, I’ve learned a lot about the complications of working with a community – how for every community you need first have specific knowledge on setting up, and marketing ideas. With Splash Chicago we’ve had to be attentive to our community’s interests, needs and desires, and to some extent their limitations – how they shape our program. For instance, unlike MIT’s program off of which Splash Chicago is based, the Chicago program is free.”

David Klein, a third year student in the College and a Gender Studies and English Language and Literature double major says of his involvement with community service: “To create benefit for somebody that is in need of it makes working with people meaningful and rewarding. Personally I get a lot of satisfaction working with people. My upbringing – in a family that gave emphasis to social justice and solidarity – made me uncomfortable with my suburban high school experience, and so I really enjoyed my first year assignment with the Neighborhood Schools Program.”

As a Social Justice co-coordinator for UCSC today, Klein extends the cause for solidarity he has treasured growing up in creating networks for Social Justice organization. On December 2nd, the Social Justice Committee hosted Community Organizing 101 – a collaborative collection of Social Justice interests that exposed participant college students to actual, successful community organizers, allowing them to make connections, start relationships.

It is the significance of these connections that drew Udodi Okoh, now a third year in the College majoring in Public Policy Studies, to apply to the Community Service Leadership Training Corps (CSLTC) in her first year.

“Because of CSLTC and because of my own academic interests,” Okoh said, “heightened my sensitivity to the many beneficial connections one can make with a community. Frankly, these individual service days, led me to my association with Paul Robeson High School in my second year. I led a ten-week photography workshop there last summer, collections of which I shared at the Organization of Black Student’s last Cultural Show.”

Okoh recollects: “It was great to get to know the kids. Humbling to have them look up to me. They got comfortable enough to call my cell phone for leisurely chats … I have a great passion for kids. And it’s beautiful to be in a position to share the promise of success, to guide people to cultivate confidence.”

Wright admits to have stumbled into Anthropology, just as he stumbled into Splash Chicago. It is only after his academic and extra-curricular involvements got lives of their own, independently, that he noticed them to be mutually enriching – that reflections on community involvement are informed by his classes, and that often his classes are altered by his community involvement.

“As much as we learn theory,” Wright proposes, “if it is not tampered by different perspectives, it’s one dimensional. Appreciating the different way of life in the community that hosts our University, the manner of thinking that comes from being a member of that community, and being able to engage and understand disparate values is an essential piece to our education – it helps us better understand the world we study.”


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: Forming Ties, Building Links






EVENTS
Chicago Urban League Presents: Campaign for High School Equity
Tuesday, December 2
6:00pm-8:00pm
4510 S. Michigan Ave.
Hear from the Grand Boulevard Federation and the Dyett High School youth & and administration about the data-driven progress made, learn solutions for addressing the achievement gap, identify policies to be addressed, and discuss how we can turn this model into a replicable model across communities. R.S.V.P Katherine Raglin at (773) 451-3565 or kraglin@thechiagourbanleague.org

Bronzeville Alliance Forum
Saturday, December 6
8:00am-2:00pm
244 E. Pershing Road, Wendell Phillips High School
Residents, elected officials, and key stakeholders meet to discuss the community’s status and plan its future in celebration of Wimuel D. Black, a leader of the movement to elect Harold Washington as mayor, a mentor to a young Barack Obama, and a lifelong Brozeville resident and activist. Reserve a place at the Forum by calling 773-373-5700


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The Center for Economic Progress is looking for volunteers to assist in helping families with taxes. No prior experience is needed as training sessions will be offered beginning in January with the closest location in Bronzeville (4804 S. Cottage Grove). Please check www.economicprogress.org for a comprehensive list of site locations available positions along with the volunteer application. Contact Erica Maslanka, Volunteer Services Manager, at 312.630.0244 or emaslanka@economicprogress.org with any questions

High School chemistry tutors needed for afternoon 1-on-1 sessions. If there is anyone who is willing to assist in this area, please contact Ms. Brazelton at 312-886-0396.

The Dearborn REALTIST Board, an advocate for education concerning public housing matters ensuring Democracy in Housing for all. They are looking for any direction in obtaining volunteer assistance in updating their current website, www.dearbornreb.com. Please contact Tracey Taylor at 312-980-5182.

November is Chicago Arab Heritage Month and the city is hosting many events throughout November. For information about these events, check out http://www.chicagoarabheritage.com.

Family Focus Englewood is looking for volunteers who can assist with the design and construction of the Children's Peace Statue. They can specifically use art, architecture, engineering, and interior design majors or just anyone who is willing to volunteer their time to make a difference in the community. For more information, contact Mary E. Usdrowski at 773-962-0366 extension: 213.

Common Threads, a non profit organization that runs an after school cooking program for children throughout the city of Chicago, is looking for volunteers who are willing to devote a few hours, once a week for their 12-week program. Cooking experience is not required but they are looking for individuals who enjoy working with children and are committed to making a difference in their community. For more information e-mail Elsa Soto at intern@commonthreads.org.

Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center is looking for Mandarin speakers to help with legal intakes for Chinese kids. It would mean going to the International Children’s Center (in Rogers Park) every two weeks for about two hours. Contact Alexandra Fung, afung@heartlandalliance.org or 312-660-1330.

Volunteers are needed for unloading food for the food depository. Please contact Marlene Vellinga (Marvellinga@aol.com) informing her whether you will be around and whether you can help on Tuesday, Dec. 2. The food depository distributes emergency supplies and groceries to residents living between 39th and 60th, Cottage to the lake.

INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
Human Rights Internship
The Human Rights Internship Program offers a select group of Chicago students the opportunity to learn the skills and understand the difficulties inherent in putting human rights into practice. The Internship Program is unique in its flexibility, awarding $5000 grants to afford all interns the freedom to explore their interests. Apply and learn more at http://humanrights.uchicago.edu.


Echoing Green Fellowship
Due: 12-01-2008
Awards two-year fellowships to emerging social innovators with innovative ideas for creating new models for tackling seemingly unsolvable social challenges. Individuals: up to $30,000/year for two years. Partnerships: up to $45,000/ year for two years. For more information, visit: http://www.echoinggreen.org/fellowship

Global Engagement Summer Institute 2009
Due: 1-15-2009
The Global Engagement Summer Institute (GESI) is a two-course summer study abroad program focused on community development in a global context and will send 60 students to La Plata, Argentina; Udaipur, India; or Jinja, Uganda. For more information, visit www.mycge.org or contact Ryan Pederson (ryan-pederson@northwestern.edu).

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Due: 02-15-2009
Sponsors six-to-nine month fellowships for recent college graduates (including graduate students) in Washington, DC. Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members working on peace and security issues, at participating organizations. Includes a stipend of $2,100 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington DC. For more information: http://scoville.org/.

Federal Work Study (Off-Campus)
UCSC seeks out and posts part-time and summer work-study positions with Chicago area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Opportunities are geared toward identified interests and skills of our College, graduate and professional school students. View this list for the most current off-campus works study positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Forming Ties, Building Links
Klara Scharnagl, Staff Writer

Community, humble, curiosity, input, impact, flexibility, development, changing lives, bringing diversity, mindfulness, awareness, trust, exposure, exploration, transformative are a few words Summer Links alumni and host site representatives use to describe Summer Links.

These words describe not only the experience itself, but the characteristics it takes to be a Summer Links intern. Summer Links is an intensive 11-week service oriented internship based in Chicago. It is the flagship of the University Community Service Center, a program started by Michelle Obama in 1997, and is defined by a melding of service, academics, and personal reflection. For many, the most critical component of the Summer Links experience is the reflection.

Mutisya Leonard, a current second year international student from Nairobi, said “Summer Links made me think about what matters to me and, [more importantly,] why it does.” Summer Links changed the way he now interacts with the world, particularly his community here in Chicago, “I want to take the train, I want to see what changes as I ride north, south, east and west” said Leonard.

“Summer Links heightened my awareness of my own footprint, made me ask ‘why do I matter?’ Made me realize I do matter” said Hannah Birnbaum a third year in the College. In addition, Summer Links “opened me out…complicated my world in a good way” said Birnbaum.

Wallace Goode, director of the University Community Service Center, believes Summer Links makes you try to answer the questions, “What part of the movement are you going to contribute to, and now what?” It is important to ask “and now what?” in order to never lose the critical perspective and deep reflection gained through the Summer Links experience, and to continue the conversation.

Summer Links challenges you to stretch yourself beyond your own parameters, to break out of your comfort zone, and to think outside the box. The end result of this transformative internship can, in fact, be monumental. You do not – some would argue you cannot – look at the world in the same way afterwards. Caroline Weisser, current fourth year in the College, and former Summer Links program coordinator said, “Answers are not given to you at the end of the summer. The product is a new process of thinking.”

Jaqueline Love, who works at Sullivan House, touched upon the ‘bringing diversity’ aspect of the Summer Links program. “[Our Summer Links intern] taught our youth to look at ‘other’ as not always a negative; taught our youth to look at race in a more positive way.” The summer, she said, was a journey for all involved – “there were lines our youth were afraid to cross; they crossed those lines with [the Summer Links intern].”

Summer Links is a key and invaluable component of the University of Chicago. It challenges students to go beyond the readings; to expand their definition of ‘readings’ to include relationships, interactions, and experience, a challenge to reverse these perspectives – to extend the classroom to the community, to put theory into practice, and then to become the link once they return to classes in the fall. Emma Scripps put it, “I approach texts differently, I can put stories behind the things I read.”


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, Real Men Do Real Service







EVENTS
A Tent of Hope
Monday Nov. 17th – Tuesday Nov. 24th
10:00am – 3:00pm
The Hutchinson Courtyard
The African and Caribbean Students Association (ACSA) and Partnership for the Advancement of Refugee Rights (PARR) host an University of Chicago fundraising initiative that draws attention to the genocide in Darfur through decorating a canvas refugee tent at the Hutchinson Courtyard. The tent will be set on display for community members to paint/sign on messages of hope. The tents will then be shipped to Darfur as a new temporary home for a family afflicted by the shelter crisis. Direct any additional questions to aruj@uchicago.edu

Teach-in Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Thursday, November 20
3:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
McCormick Lounge, Reynolds Club, 1135 E. 57th Street
As part of the world-wide celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the University of Chicago Human Rights Program will present a teach-in on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Chicago faculty and students present historical, theoretical, and practical perspectives on the context and legacy of the UDHR.


Watoto Wa Mitaani: Children of the Streets
Thursday, November 20
6:00pm
5710 South Woodlawn
The Liwalo Na Liwe Foundation & The African and Caribbean Students' Association present a film that explores the experience of 5 street children in Tanzania, Africa followed by discussion from film maker Michael Stewart. Free Senegalese food from Yassa will be provided.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
UCSC Presents the Autumn Day of Service
Saturday, November 22
8:00am-1:30pm; Registration begins at 8:00am
Meet at the Reynolds Club
It will be an opportunity to meet new people, see Chicago, and engage in the great work that hunger-related organizations are doing around the city. Please RSVP by email to Brooke Fallon at bfallon@uchicago.edu or ucsc@uchicago.edu with Attn: Brooke in subject line.

High School chemistry tutors needed for afternoon 1-on-1 sessions. If there is anyone who is willing to assist in this area, please contact Ms. Brazelton at 312-886-0396.

The Dearborn REALTIST Board, an advocate for education concerning public housing matters ensuring Democracy in Housing for all. They are looking for any direction in obtaining volunteer assistance in updating their current website, www.dearbornreb.com. Please contact Tracey Taylor at 312-980-5182.

November is Chicago Arab Heritage Month and the city is hosting many events throughout November. For information about these events, check out http://www.chicagoarabheritage.com.


Family Focus Englewood is looking for volunteers who can assist with the design and construction of the Children's Peace Statue. They can specifically use art, architecture, engineering, and interior design majors or just anyone who is willing to volunteer their time to make a difference in the community. For more information, contact Mary E. Usdrowski at 773-962-0366 extension: 213.

Common Threads, a non profit organization that runs an after school cooking program for children throughout the city of Chicago, is looking for volunteers who are willing to devote a few hours, once a week for their 12-week program. Cooking experience is not required but they are looking for individuals who enjoy working with children and are committed to making a difference in their community. For more information e-mail Elsa Soto at intern@commonthreads.org.


Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center is looking for Mandarin speakers to help with legal intakes for Chinese kids. It would mean going to the International Children’s Center (in Rogers Park) every two weeks for about two hours. Contact Alexandra Fung, afung@heartlandalliance.org or 312-660-1330.

Tutors and mentors are needed by Chicago Youth Centers to work at Bret Harte School for Mondays from 2:50-4:20pm and Tuesdays from 2:50-4:00pm. If interested, please contact Patricia Flax at patricia.flax-hatch@chicagoyouthcenters.org.


INTERNSHIPS, JOBS, AND BEYOND...
Human Rights Internship
The Human Rights Internship Program offers a select group of Chicago students the opportunity to learn the skills and understand the difficulties inherent in putting human rights into practice. The Internship Program is unique in its flexibility, awarding $5000 grants to afford all interns the freedom to explore their interests. Apply and learn more at http://humanrights.uchicago.edu.


Echoing Green Fellowship
Due: 12-01-2008
Awards two-year fellowships to emerging social innovators with innovative ideas for creating new models for tackling seemingly unsolvable social challenges. Individuals: up to $30,000/year for two years. Partnerships: up to $45,000/ year for two years. For more information, visit: http://www.echoinggreen.org/fellowship

Global Engagement Summer Institute 2009
Due: 1-15-2009
The Global Engagement Summer Institute (GESI) is a two-course summer study abroad program focused on community development in a global context and will send 60 students to La Plata, Argentina; Udaipur, India; or Jinja, Uganda. For more information, visit www.mycge.org or contact Ryan Pederson (ryan-pederson@northwestern.edu).

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Due: 02-15-2009
Sponsors six-to-nine month fellowships for recent college graduates (including graduate students) in Washington, DC. Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members working on peace and security issues, at participating organizations. Includes a stipend of $2,100 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington DC. For more information: http://scoville.org/.

Federal Work Study (Off-Campus)
UCSC seeks out and posts part-time and summer work-study positions with Chicago area nonprofit and public sector organizations. Opportunities are geared toward identified interests and skills of our College, graduate and professional school students. View this list for the most current off-campus works study positions.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Real Men Do Real Service
Rachel Cromidas, Staff Writer

Fourth-year Luke Rodehorst has a busy weekend ahead of him: from Thursday to Sunday he will be teaching reading skills to local elementary school boys, serving dinner at the Living Room Café, and leading a Day of Service team. But this community service-heavy schedule comes as no surprise for Rodehorst—after all, he is the director of Men in Service.

According to Rodehorst, Men in Service is unique among the University Community Service Center’s fourteen student-run programs because its chief goal is to encourage more University men to engage in service opportunities. As such, Men in Service members make monthly trips to a number of Chicago non-profits, for example the Living Room Café, where they serve a meal during the organization’s “sober living hours” and spend time talking and watching movies with its community members.

This coming Thursday, the men are also volunteering for Real Men Read, a Chicago Public Schools program that places men in elementary schools to promote reading.

“A lot of times kids in the school thing reading isn’t a cool thing to do, especially for guys. So MIS decided to take part in that,” said Rodehorst.

According to Rodehorst, one of MIS’s strengths is the programs ability to translate the members’ ideas into real projects.

“If somebody sees something in the community or an issue, we can rally together to create a program that address that need,” he said.

One example is the college prep program MIS implemented last spring at Hail Franciscan, a local all-boys high school. The school was looking for male role models to encourage their students, Rodehorst said, and MIS was a good fit.

For fourth-year Chris Hansman, the best part of being a member of MIS is spending time at the Living Room Café on a regular basis.

“While it is exciting to go off and do a service project for a few hours or a day, you often never really interact with those people again,” he said. “The Living Room Café is close by, so we interact with the same people and start to develop a relationship with them. It feels like you’re making connections with real people.”

In addition to MIS’s core group of members, the group routinely partners with the University’s male sports teams, fraternities and other undergraduate and graduate organizations to create service project experiences. Hansman remembers one trip MIS took with twenty other students to clean up a beach on the Northside.

“I had a really good time because we all went out together, got really dirty and even convinced the bus driver to stop at Chipotle on the way back—there was a lot of camaraderie.”

Luke Rodehorst would encourage any man on campus to join the group for a service project: “If they’re down to do some service, they should get in touch.”

Rodehorst can be contacted at lsr@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