Independent+Community+Service

= INDEPENDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE = toc

Image by [|Baratunde]

OVERVIEW
The Independent Community Service program is an excellent option for Crefeld students who are motivated to pursue a volunteer experience outside of the school's structured program. Students develop their own placements with qualifying agencies and perform two hours of volunteer work anytime during the week. They leave campus on Wednesday afternoons either to volunteer or to end their school day early. Like other Crefeld students, independent student volunteers are evaluated and receive grades on their report cards.

GOALS
The Independent Community Service program has 4 goals for student participants:

1. Knowledge. Students will increase knowledge about the social issue that is addressed by their agency. 2. Service. Students will contribute to the common good through their volunteer service. 3. Empowerment. Students will become empowered to make a difference. 4. Reflection. Students will reflect upon their volunteer experience.

ELIGIBILITY
Students must arrange their own transportation to and from the community service agency, and they must be able to leave campus on Wednesday afternoons. In addition, students who have failed a previous quarter of an independent community service, or who have exhibited disciplinary problems, are not eligible.

GRADES
Students receive quarterly evaluations from their on-site supervisor, and then a letter grade is determined based on this feedback and the number of hours completed by the student.

AGENCIES
I n all but rare exceptions, an eligible agency must be a **not-for-profit organization** with a clear mission of service. In most cases, the agency will already use volunteers, and they will be able to describe job content and expectations. Here is a sampling of past and current placements:

[|Philadelphia Mural Arts Program]

[|Fox Chase Cancer Center]

[|Philadelphia Zoo]

[|Woodmere Art Museum]

[|Neighborhood Bike Works - Philadelphia]

[|Musicopia- Educational Adventures in Music]

[|Last Chance Ranch]

[|Philadelphia Free Library (Chestnut Hill Branch)]

[|Mallery Recreational Center - Philadelphia (See ASAP link)]

[|The Wayfinder Experience]

[|Whitpain Recreational Association]

[|Chestnut Hill Hospital]

[|Philadelphia SPCA]

[|Neziner Hebrew School]

[|Nationalities Service Center]

[|Chestnut Hill Business Association]

[|Wissahickon Valley Public Library]

**GETTING STARTED**
First, students should develop a plan with their parents. Although there are other important factors, first and foremost should be //interest//. The most successful placements occur when students care about the mission of the agency and enjoy the content of the work. So families should consider the following as they "shop" for a placement:

1. STUDENTS' INTEREST IN THE MISSION - Does the student care about the cause? 2. JOB DUTIES - Is it a good fit for the student's abilities & preferences? 3. LOCATION / TRANSPORTATION - Can the student get to the volunteer job consistently? 4. THE AGENCY'S VOLUNTEER PROGRAM - Is the agency set up to effectively use volunteers?

Next, students should make contact with the agency and determine if the agency needs volunteers. The following document will guide students through the FIRST CONTACT.

Finally, after students have contacted the agency and determined that the organization is a good fit, they should complete this permission sheet with their parents and turn it in as soon as possible to the coordinator of the Independent Community Service program.

RESOURCES
Below are two links that may help you locate volunteer opportunities in your area.

[|VolunteerMatch]

[|Philadelphia Cares]

You can also search by topic area and location. For example, use //Google// and type "homelessness Philadelphia" and this will bring up websites of local organizations who are seeking volunteers.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please feel free to contact me. I am happy to assist you with questions or recommendations for placements.

Ann Croxson, Coordinator acroxson@crefeld.org 215-242-5545, ext. 16