The Community Engagement Center (CEC) at Sacramento State helps students become aware of, and respond to, local and global community issues through Service Learning, Volunteerism and Academic Internships. The CEC is one of many resources on campus which provides students with opportunities to participate in volunteer activities with local community organizations, including organizations that focus on anti-poverty organizations such as Sacramento Mutual Housing, NeighborWorks Sacramento, River City Food Bank, Soil Born Forms and Sacramento Area Congregations Together. Currently, there is no centralized system on campus where students can find off and on campus volunteer opportunities or where community organizations can connect with Sacramento State to recruit volunteers among its students. The new VISTA member will build on the work of the previous VISTA and implement the newly created volunteer system for the campus to help students find both off and on campus volunteer opportunities.
Service Activities
Obtain donation of goods/services for 5 volunteer events (e.g. paint, tools, food); Plan/coordinate/evaluate 5 CEC volunteer events that positively impact family/children; Assess volunteer engagement and needs from local community partners; Strategize plan with Sac State colleagues and community partners to formulate volunteer system; Develop infrastructure for creating volunteer opportunities; Develop/maintain volunteer tracking system on CECconnect.
Community Need Addressed
Sacramento has high rates of homelessness, crime, violence, poverty, food insecurity, low education test scores, and high number of youth in foster care. Daily, hundreds of community-based organizations serve our region's families and children but often lack resources or staff to do so.
Position Outcomes
The goal of the member is to better connect our students to our region’s community-based organizations and Sacramento State students.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Housing assistance up to $300 per month.
Education Benefits
College Degree, Credential or Certification
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment