With generous support from the State Farm Companies Foundation, Youth Service America is offering the annual State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant for youth-led community improvement projects across the United States and Canada (Alberta, Ontario, and New Brunswick provinces only). These grants of up to $1,000 support teachers and service-learning coordinators in engaging students (ages 5-25) to implement service-learning projects for Global Youth Service Day, April 24-26, 2009. We encourage semester-long projects that are launched on Martin Luther King Day on January 19, 2009 and extend through Global Youth Service Day. To learn more, download our NEW electronic application, grant guidelines, and budget spreadsheet at www.YSA.org/awards.  Questions?  Please contact goodneighbor@ysa.org.  Extended deadline: October 30, 2008 

Need a Ride from Charlotte Airport to Montreat on Sunday, November 9

Weekly Update

3 October 2008

[1] Meeting Registration

[2] Bonner Congress

[3] Bonner AmeriCorps Reminders

[4] Bonner Network Wiki Notifications

[5] This Week’s Wiki Highlight

[6] Voting Resource

[7] A Student Conference on Civic Engagement

[8] National Service-Learning Conference Update

[9] Green Jobs Now

[10] AmeriCorps VISTA positions in Wisconsin

[11] Student Programs Manager Position

[12] Florida Campus Compact Positions

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[1] Meeting Registration

We apologize for all of the difficulties with our on-line registration system. It seems to be working again. If you continue to get error messages, please let us know!

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[2] Bonner Congress

BONNER CONGRESS MEETING - ENGAGING OUR WORLD - OCTOBER 24-26, 2008

This fall’s congress meeting being held at West Virginia Wesleyan is weeks away!

Detailed information regarding registration and schedule is available on the web: http://www.bonner.org/meetings/congress/home.htm

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[3] Bonner AmeriCorps Reminders

Thanks for continuing to send in enrollments, summer paperwork, and exit forms. We’re processing everything as fast as we can!

Despite what the enrollment workbooks say, we can only accept government issued photo ID in order to run the background checks. Our office no longer accepts a school ID. You must submit a driver’s license, passport or state ID. Please note this important change!

As always, if you have any AmeriCorps questions, please reach out to a member of our staff.

The Bonner AmeriCorps Team: Gretchen, Annie, Christen, Becky, Janet and Miriam

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[4] Bonner Network Wiki Notifications

Are those Wiki update emails cluttering your inbox? This is just a reminder that you can turn off the automatic email notifications that are sent out each day when pages are edited in the Bonner Network Wiki (bonnernetwork.pbwiki.com). You do this by going into your Account settings (top right of the screen if you're logged in) and then selecting Notifications & RSS.

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[5] This Week’s Wiki Highlight

Election season is most definitely here and there is much to engage our students in regarding service and politics. The Bonner Network Wiki has lots of great resources on this topic.

Be sure you look at the “Get Out the Vote” curriculum that addresses voter education as well as voter registration. It is available on the wiki under the list of our training resources:

http://bonnernetwork.pbwiki.com/Training+and+Enrichment+Activities

If you’re looking to expand the conversation, there’s an entire handbook dedicated to connecting service and politics:

http://bonnernetwork.pbwiki.com/Connecting-Service-and-Politics

Remember, you can always add your resources for sharing as well. Please join us in expanding our resources and finding best practices in engaging our students.

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[6] Voting Resource

“Holler Back – [not] Voting in an American Town” the new documentary about youth participation in politics is now available for school, campus and community screenings. It includes candid interviews with non-voters discussing why they don't participate, as well as exploring election reforms such as same day voter registration, changing the Electoral College, public financing of campaigns, voting equipment security, and the need for greater dialogue. The film has been made available inexpensively to encourage as many schools and groups to screen it as possible. Go to www.hollerbackfilm.com and click on BOOK THE FILM for more info. A pdf about the film is attached to this email.

"I believe that is film is so much more than an interesting film about voting; it’s a means to open discussions with non-voters and future non-voters.  I strongly encourage making Holler Back available to community organizations, learning institutions, and nonpartisan voter education groups so that those who need to see this film most will be able to see it." - Rita A. Nini, Habitat for Humanity, Trenton New Jersey Development Coordinator

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[7] A Student Conference on Civic Engagement

November 7-8, 2008

The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio

Website:  http://www.ohiocampuscompact.org/page.cfm?ID=96

"Dream the Possible" brings students, staff, and year of service individuals together to learn about all of the great community work occurring in our state. This gives campuses a chance to connect, share ideas, and offer information to develop students into service leaders. 

This conference experience will help to increase student development, social action, and leadership through civic engagement and to raise awareness of service opportunities during and after college. We invite you to join Ohio Campus Compact and its member institutions at The Ohio State University to "Dream the Possible: Learn.Lead.Change." Participants will be engaged in a variety of ways including innovative student-led workshops, inspiring key-note speakers, a graphics competition, and an opportunity to receive grant money for a new project/program through the "Seeds of Change Initiative."

Flyers, registration options, and the conference schedule are available at: http://www.ohiocampuscompact.org/page.cfm?ID=96

For More Information Contact:

Brandon Donelson-Sims

Ohio Campus Compact VISTA Leader/Program Director of Student Outreach

740-587-8568

occleader@alink.com

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[8] National Service-Learning Conference Update

from September 23, 2008

Planning for The National Service-Learning Conference is in full swing. In addition to attending the conference, there are many other ways for you and your organization to get involved. Please consider taking advantage of these additional opportunities to partner with the conference and to connect with other conference attendees.

Nominate someone for an award: Nominations are currently being accepted for the State Farm® Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership and Youth Leadership for Service-Learning Excellence Awards. The awards will be celebrated at The State Farm® Awards Celebration on Friday, March 20 during the 20th Annual National Service-Learning Conference. The event will honor youths and adults for their commitment to education, service, community, and service-learning. Please consider applying or nominating someone in recognition of his or her leadership and commitment to service-learning. The nomination deadline is November 5, 2008.

Become a Conference Exhibitor: The Exhibit Hall is the epicenter of educational innovations and activities and provides an interactive center for resources and materials. Conference participants are interested in the latest educations, communications, and consulting tools and techniques to enhance educational programming in K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, and community-based organizations. Application deadline is December 1, 2008.

Become a Conference Affiliate: Affiliate Sponsors are a crucial link between the conference and attendees, helping us reach diverse audiences. As an affiliate, you get exposure to an international audience of educators, state and federal officials, youth leaders, program coordinators, policy-makers, and representatives from community-based organizations involved in the service-learning movement. Application deadline is December 1, 2008.

Learn more about all of these opportunities by visiting their website at www.nylc.org/conference.

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[9] Green Jobs Now

Green Jobs Now was a National Day of Action (held September 27, 2008) to empower everyday people to stage hundreds of grassroots events throughout the country. You can read about the Green Jobs Now initiative here: www.greenjobsnow.com

Green for All (www.greenforall.com) is a national organization dedicated to building an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. By advocating for local, state and federal commitment to job creation, job training, and entrepreneurial opportunities in the emerging green economy – especially for people from disadvantaged communities – Green For All fights both poverty and pollution at the same time.

Service-Learning and the Environment: Selected Resources

http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/bibs/cb_bibs/environment/index.php

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[10] AmeriCorps VISTA positions in Wisconsin

Help close the achievement gap in low-income schools across Wisconsin by forming partnerships between schools, families, and local communities.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is recruiting for AmeriCorps*VISTA positions in Dodgeville, Madison, Shawano, Rhinelander, and Lac du Flambeau! Deadline to apply is October 15th, 2008.

Member Duties:

The Wisconsin DPI seeks to close the achievement gap and to help all children succeed in our schools by involving parents and the community at large in the educational process. One way the DPI is going about this is through our VISTA program. Our VISTAs facilitate and enhance school partnerships with their communities by developing and implementing effective partnership practices.

This isn't really a cookie-cutter program, so what you will actually doing looks different at every site, but some examples of the work you could do as a VISTA follow:

* Help develop staff and parent development workshops.

* Help establish an effective and comprehensive communication system for the school community.

* Help families understand school structure and to feel welcome in the school.

* Coordinate the recruitment and training of tutors and/or mentors.

* Help in offering learning activities and events for the whole family.

* Include parents and other community members in facilitating children's learning outside of school activities.

* Recruit families and other community members to volunteer in school events, after school, and tutoring programs.

* Encourage parents to participate in school activities, including attending school board and site council meetings.

* Involve local service groups in the school.

* Promote school partnership efforts through various media, such as local newspapers, radio stations, or community bulletin boards.

* Write grant proposals to support partnership activities.

* Start an after-school program.

Program Benefits:

Monthly living stipend of $833-865 per month

Childcare assistance (if eligible) of $400 per month

Relocation allowance

Health coverage

Training and conference opportunities monthly

Option of Education Award of $4,725 or Cash Stipend of $1,200 at the end of service

10 personal days and 10 sick days

Option for life insurance

Loan deferment

Non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs

Skills:   

College degree and previous community service

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Willingness to take initiative to promote partnerships

Entrepreneurial skills (to seek funding)

Relationship-building, teamwork, and leadership skills

Patience, willingness to learn, and open-mindedness to differing perspectives and ideas

Excellent organizational and computer skills

Commitment to the mission of the project and its impact on schools and communities

Apply now through the My AmeriCorps portal: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do 

FIND our program with the following search criteria:

Program Type: VISTA

Program State: Wisconsin

Program Name: WI DPI

All positions start December 2, 2008. Full year commitment is expected. VISTAs cannot be enrolled in school or hold another job while they are serving.

For more information/questions, contact:

Betsy Prueter, WI Department of Public Instruction

betsy.prueter@dpi.wi.gov

608-267-7290

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[11] Student Programs Manager Position

The International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership (IPSL) is looking to hire a full-time Student Programs Manager. The ideal candidate will have experience working with diverse populations and possess excellent student relations, organizational and educational management skills in order to ensure the smooth and effective execution of IPSL’s mission.

IPSL, founded in 1982, is a not-for-profit educational organization serving students, colleges, universities, service agencies, and related organizations around the world by fostering programs that link volunteer service to the community and academic study.

IPSL’s mission is to engage students, educators, and community members in the union of service, learning and leadership, so that all may become more civically engaged, interculturally literate, internationally aware, and responsive to the needs of others. Please see our website for more information www.ipsl.org.

IPSL is relocating from New York City to Portland, Oregon this fall and is forming a partnership with Portland State University, Oregon’s most diverse four-year higher education institution.

The Student Programs Manager works closely with the President and the Dean of Academic Programs to create systems that allow for a seamless transition of students from recruitment to admission into an IPSL program, successful completion of a program, and becoming alum of IPSL. This consists of working with students as well as IPSL partners & faculty in the U.S. and abroad.

The position includes but is not restricted to:

·       Working with students, study abroad advisors, and parents to successfully guide the student through the process of application, enrollment, financial aid, and payments

·       Supporting the student’s (both undergraduate and graduate) experience abroad by providing complete orientation and pre-departure materials

·       Working closely with the Academic Dean on programmatic issues

·       Insuring that education institutional and service agency contracts are signed and in place      related to the university and community engagement for each program

·       Working closely with in-country program partners to manage issues related to safety and security

·       Manage the process for developing and delivering an online re-entry from overseas study program that will assist the student’s process of readapting to the home environment and campus and enabling the student to bring the learning full circle

·       Bringing students into the IPSL alumni group

·       Foster alumni networking and career development opportunities

·       Developing strategies to encourage IPSL alumni’s active participation in the organization 

Required Qualifications, Experience and Skills

·       Bachelor’s degree required

·       Minimum of 3-5 years experience in international student or education abroad program    management

·       Enthusiasm for IPSL’s mission

·       Demonstrated experience in managing multiple student programs

·       Experience advising students

·       Experience developing and managing education or training programs

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Access, Outlook, and/or similar programs

·       Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with diverse internal and external audiences

·       Ability to work collaboratively in a faced-paced, deadline-driven, innovative and entrepreneurial work environment

·       Experience collaborating with senior-level management

Preferred Skills

•       Master’s preferred

•       Non-profit experience

•       International education experience

•       Service-learning or voluntary service experience

•       Ability to create and manage budgets

Training

This position will start early-mid November in Portland, Oregon

Compensation

Full-Time, 12 month position, Salary in the $40,000’s, plus benefits

To Apply

Please email a letter of interest, resume and names of 2 references to:

Peter Criswell, Interim President

International Partnership for Service-Learning and Leadership

E-mail: jobs@ipsl.org

No phone calls please

Review of applications begins 10/13/08 and remains open until the finalist is identified.

IPSL is committed to diversity and intercultural capacity; we particularly encourage members of historically under-represented groups to apply.

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[12] Florida Campus Compact Positions

How To Apply: If qualified and interested in a specific vacancy as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://jobs.fsu.edu.  Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and references with on-line application. Review of applications will begin October 9, 2008.

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Job Title: Full-Time Program Specialist

Job ID: 26211

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Apply On Or Before: 10/08/2008

Salary Range: Maximum:  $30,000.00 firm

Qualifications: A Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a Bachelor's degree in education, communications, social science, or related field and two years experience working with community-based learning in higher education and/or a nonprofit or government setting, or significant community service, writing and presentation experience.

Requirements: Basic knowledge of, or the ability to learn, theory and methodology associated with experiential, community-based, or service-learning in higher education.  Ability to establish effective partnerships in a wide-range of environments among collegiate faculty, staff, students, governmental entities, funders and community organizations throughout the state of Florida.  Ability to develop appropriate materials to promote the scholarship of engagement (community-based curriculum).  Ability to work collaboratively and professionally in both structured and unstructured environments, with all types of people from students and faculty to private funders and governmental officials.  Excellent oral, written, networking and organizational skills.  Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Internet research.  A proven track record that demonstrates a high degree of capability, integrity and responsibility in the conduct of diverse professional duties.  Ability to assimilate and stay current on a large body of research, developing subject matter expertise.  A valid driver's license (include number on application).  This position requires a police background check. Submit a cover letter, resume and references with on-line application.

Preferred: A proactive, independent worker who is not only self-directed but one who also takes the initiative to offer creative ideas, solutions and problem solving for the benefit of the entire organization.  A person motivated to provide only the highest level of customer service to all.  A team-player who is passionate about collegiate service and civic engagement, who is willing to support the overall mission of Florida Campus Compact through multiple and diverse initiatives.  Experience in training, public speaking, curriculum development, event planning, grant management, grant writing and other related areas.

Other Information: This position is located off-campus in the Woodcrest Office Park on John Knox Road, in Tallahassee, Florida.  Travel and overtime will be required during conferences or to meet project deadlines.

Responsibilities: Florida Campus Compact is responsible for promoting best practices of engaged scholarship on college and university campuses across Florida.  As part of the overall mission, this position may include writing, speaking, training, fundraising, and/or grant management in order to help colleges and universities in Florida to develop, implement, and enhance teaching/learning through service and civic practice.

Recommends to academic administrators and faculty, policies and practices regarding the institutionalization of service-learning on campuses throughout the state of Florida; recommends the incorporation of service-learning and community-based learning activities to personnel and faculty members; recommends recognition of exceptional institutional and individual practice;  recommends the redesign of collegiate curricula to department heads and staff; suggests infrastructure and policies regarding student and community development through engaged scholarship; assists FL/CC Associate Director with overall direction for the organization and advises on national initiatives as they relate to furthering the role of Florida Campus Compact in preparing students to be engaged citizens and professionals.

Organizes conferences, trainings, workshops, awards, media events, and meetings to foster the exchange of information on best practices in the scholarship of engagement.

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Job Title: Full-Time Admin Support Assistant

Job ID: 26214

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Apply On Or Before: 10/08/2008

Salary Range: Minimum:  $19,700.00 – Maximum:  $24,614.79

Qualifications: A high school diploma and four years of experience.  Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Requirements: Proven skills in general office administration, basic accounting principles and customer service.  Knowledge of Windows XP, including MSWord, Excel and Outlook.  The successful candidate must be detail focused and extremely organized; able to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced environment while staying on task and maintaining a professional and positive attitude; able to effectively communicate in both written and verbal interactions; able to be flexible as well as diplomatic; and be a proactive self-directed team player.

Preferred: Knowledge of University policies and procedures, including OMNI Travel and Expenses, eProcurement and Reporting/Query modules.  Knowledge of FileMaker Pro.  Experience in event planning and providing logistical support for conferences, workshops, meetings, banquets and special events.  Experience with higher education and familiarity with the concepts of collegiate service-learning, volunteerism and civic engagement, bookkeeping and/or fiscal management experience.

Other Information: This position is located off-campus in the Woodcrest Office Park on John Knox Road, in Tallahassee, Florida.  Travel and overtime may be required during conferences or to meet project deadlines.

Responsibilities: This position performs all primary fiscal administrative functions essential to the daily operations of Florida Campus Compact (FL/CC).  Researches, coordinates and confirms all staff and non-employee travel arrangements.  Submits all OMNI travel authorizations, reimbursements and purchase requisitions; and manages same through approval process to payment.  Keys all fiscal transactions in FL/CC's ledger accounting system; maintains budget balances using OMNI; and reconciles same.  Maintains all budget files, including compiling and copying necessary documentation.  Assists with grant administration, including:  proper paper submission, budget summaries and amendments, signature authorizations, invoicing/payment procedures, and various other tasks relating to receiving, releasing and sub-contracting award/grant funds.  Maintains and files all subcontracts, invoices and progress reports.  Primary assistant to Office Manager for fiscal support; generates correspondence, answers telephones, faxes, copies, files and directs student workers in tasks.

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Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information.  Applications must include work history and all education details (if applicable) even if attaching a resume. Review of applications will begin on October 9, 2008. Equal Employment Opportunity. An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action Employer.