Workshop Descriptions

2011 Regional Service Learning Conference

“Planting Seeds of Learning”

Friday, March 4, 2011 @ Humboldt State University

Workshop Descriptions

Session 1: 10:00-10:50

“Introduction to Service Learning” Jennifer Tarlton, HSU, Natural Resources

Do you want your students to be actively engaged in the classroom? Come enjoy an interactive session exploring the nuts and bolts of service learning. Identified as an effective strategy that helps students experience success in the classroom, service learning connects academic content with meaningful community engagement. This fun, hands-on workshop will lead participants through the key elements of high quality service learning projects that integrate curriculum, service, student leadership, community partnerships, diversity, reflection, evaluation, and celebration. Examples and resources will be abundant.  Room SH108

“Service Learning in the Afterschool Arena” Catrina Scheffler, AfterSchool Program Coordinator, Lafayette Elementary School.

Service learning is taking a role in after school programs all over the nation. We will share the methods we use to successfully incorporate meaningful Service Learning activities into After School activities. Participants will see real examples and gain lots of tools enabling you to walk away ready to implement Service Learning with youth in after school programs.  Room SH110

“Teaching With Trash: Minimizing Waste While Maximizing Education” Mayra Gutierrez and Jennifer Humphreys, HSU Service Learning Center

The workshop will begin with a brief overview of the amount of waste created in Humboldt County, the state of California, and the entire country, and where that waste goes.  We will then provide tactile-examples of methods some of that waste can be reused in a classroom environment.

We will provide 2 hands-on activity choices, both made from plastic bags (grocery bags, bread bags, miscellaneous shopping bags): making jump ropes or making rugs (which can also serve as blankets for the homeless—keeping them warm and dry in a very wet climate!)

An information sheet or pamphlet with additional ideas and resources for materials will be provided.  Room NHE106

“Service Learning in the New Classroom Environment” Beth Foster, Teacher-Grant Elementary School; Brad Albee-Teacher, Alice Birney Elementary School

Participants will explore what service learning can look like with today’s students, standards, and classroom expectations. We will define service learning, describe curriculum standards, and present past projects within Eureka City Schools. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how projects can draw students into the curriculum and learn through service.  Room SH117

“Using Online Tools to Reach Your Audience” Cathy Dickerson, Coordinator of Resources, Humboldt County Office of Education

Explore free interactive web-based technology for communication and collaboration such as Prezi for presentations, DIMDIM for online meetings, Doodle polls and others.  Room GH218

“Understanding the Hand We’re Dealt” Joe Robles, Youth Educational Services

Through an interactive activity utilizing playing cards, this workshop is designed to help people understand the impact of unequal access to resources. This is a great activity to utilize in a service-learning classroom in conjunction with working with underprivileged populations. Participants will leave with an understanding of how to facilitate the activity and a copy of the lesson plan.  Room NHE119

“Beyond Curriculum: Connecting Environmental Education to Community Service” Erika Stowe-Madison, Ryan Spencer, Stephanie Brindle, Watershed Stewards Project

Explore ways to fuse environmental education with restoration-based service projects. Team leaders from an AmeriCorps Program share how they are accomplishing just that while implementing the principles of service learning. This presentation introduces the Watershed Stewards Project, its unique real science curriculum, and its member-based individual service projects. By taking part in a hands-on scenario, educators will develop tools to link classrooms with community.  Goodwin Forum

“Resume Workshop” Internship Peer Advisors, HSU Career Center

This workshop will help you develop your resume and cover letters to highlight your qualifications for your fields of interest.  Room FH108

“Job Search and Interview Skills” Barbara Peters, HSU Career Center

This workshop will provide tips for successful interviewing and information about job-hunting techniques and resources.  Room NHE113

Session 2: 11:00 – 11:50

“Turning Highly At-Risk Youth Around Through Community Service: A Success Story” Greg Aslanian, Humboldt State University, School of Education, former Eureka City Schools Administrator

During the 1992-93 school year, Eureka High School and the community of Eureka received its introduction to gangs.  What the rest of California had been experiencing for years finally breached the Redwood Curtain.  The high school and the greater Eureka Community was so successful in addressing the burgeoning gang activity that their efforts gained state and national recognition as a model for other schools and communities.  Service Learning was a key component in this success. Come and hear about the power community service can have in changing lives and communities. Goodwin Forum

“Citizen Science: Local Action for Global Amphibian Conservation” Amber Neilson, Coordinator of Education, Sequoia Park Zoo

Interested in amphibians? Have you ever thought about being a biologist or field researcher? Here is your chance to learn about an exciting new Citizen Science program called FrogWatch USA. Sequoia Park Zoo’s FrogWatch Chapter is seeking volunteers to help monitor local species of frogs.  Data collected from our FrogWatch chapter will be integrated into a global database and used by scientists to monitor and manage amphibian species around the world. This workshop will introduce participants to the current status of amphibians around the world, local frog species and habitats and give a brief overview of the FrogWatch USA Citizen Science program.  In order to become a FrogWatch USA volunteer you will need to attend an additional training session that will be announced at this workshop.  Room SH110

“State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grant Opportunities” Jennifer Howell, State Farm Youth Advisory Board and HSU Service Learning Center

Do your students have a service learning project idea, but don’t have any funding for it? Come learn about $5 Million Dollars in SL Grants available through the State Farm Youth Advisory Board (SFYAB). $25,000-$100,000 Grants available for student driven service learning projects. Grants are chosen by a group of 30 youth from around the country. The workshop is put on by Jennifer Howell, a recent member of the grant selection board. We will be going through the steps of the grant application process, tips about important things to include and/or exclude and answering any questions that you may have.  Room GH218

“Developing Effective Community Partnerships” Stacy Becker, HSU Service Learning Center Community Partner Liaison

Developing effective and sustainable community partnerships is an important element to the success of your service learning projects. In this session, we’ll explore the three stages to developing and maintaining an effective community partnership for your service learning experience. The workshop will take participants through a World Café style activity to brainstorm the considerations needed for connecting with, building and maintaining a strong community partnership. Handouts will provide information on the steps and essentials to building strong partnerships, questions to ask during all stages of the service learning experience, and examples & resources for making effective local connections.   Room NHE118

“Reflection For Service Learning” Stephanie Jackson and Kristie Christiansen, Eureka High School Teachers

Join Model Practitioners and high school teachers for this interactive workshop. Participants will be introduced to Reflection as a tool for students to develop their higher order critical thinking skills and gain more insight into their service projects. Participants will take away active, hands-on activities that create a dynamic environment.  Room SH117

“Deconstructing Myths About Incarceration Through Service Learning” Ashkan Nahreini and Jessica Romo, Youth Educational Services

Fun Experiences Adventures and Teamwork (F.E.A.T.) and Juvenile Hall Recreation Program (JHRP) are two programs of Youth Educational Services at HSU that both provide service to populations dealing with incarceration. JHRP volunteers visit youth in Juvenile Hall as mentors and role models. FEAT is a brand new program aiming to serve children of parents in prison, on probation or parole.

In this workshop you will hear first hand from volunteers about their experiences with service learning with these programs. Participants will also explore and deconstruct mainstream images of prisoners and their experiences while incarcerated.  Room NHE 106

“Slow Down and Breathe…Stress Management” Brian McElwain, HSU Counseling and Psychological Services

 When we are stressed, we often find ourselves breathing rather rapidly and shallowly.  Simple awareness of one’s breath in the present moment can be a powerful stress management tool. This experiential workshop will introduce participants to a variety of simple, relaxing breath-centered practices. Supplementary tools such as attention to bodily tension, guided imagery, and biofeedback will be introduced as time allows.  Room SH108

“Merging Service Learning With Curriculum Standards” Brandy Asher and Sue Muraoka, HSU Service Learning Center

This workshop will give participants the chance to examine the service learning model and find ways to integrate the K-12 standards into service learning projects. Participants will examine curriculum, find strengths and weaknesses and evaluate the quality of the projects through the curriculum standards lens. Environmental justice and water issues are the primary foci of the curriculum examples.  Room NHW 232

“Resume Workshop” Barbara Peters, HSU Career Center

This workshop will help you develop your resume and cover letters to highlight your qualifications for your fields of interest.  Room NHE113

Session 3: 1:00-1:50 pm

“Student-Led Sustainable Service Learning – Now!” Jennifer Johnson and Ron Perry, Eureka High School Teachers, California Certified Service-Learning Trainers

At Eureka High School, innovative student led service-learning projects have become inspirational community-wide traditions. EHS went from basic service activities to creating student-led sustainable service learning projects. A simple idea can bring a community together and transform a high school. Discuss details with students and teachers and build a plan for your school.  Room SH110

“Peace Corps Information Session: Understanding Cultural Norms” Jennifer Clowers, Peace Corps Regional Recruiter

Peace Corps Recruiter, Jennifer Clowers, will discuss the Peace Corps experience, the benefits of service, and the application process. She will also host two activities: a cross-cultural training activity and a language lesson. Participants will gain a better understanding of Peace Corps training, learn about how our cultural values influence our perceptions of other cultures, and the many advantages of Peace Corps service.  Goodwin Forum

“Puentes: Diversity Among the Latino Community” Ivan Mendez, Youth Educational Services

Puentes is an HSU student-run program that works with the Latino community in efforts to bridge the gap between students and Humboldt County residents. Puentes volunteers participate at several sites including elementary and middle schools and non-profit organizations. In this workshop Puentes volunteers will share personal experiences of the Latino culture/community and invite participants to do the same. The goal of the workshop is to overcome stereotypes and to educate others about the depth and breadth of Latino experiences.  Room FH108

“Golden Years: The Elderly Are Us” Susan Lin, Youth Educational Services

Golden Years is an HSU student-run program that works to lessen isolation and loneliness of the elderly.  Volunteers participate at several sites including retirement communities and individual’s homes. They enjoy the opportunity to play games, provide assistance and create special bonds with seniors. This workshop will begin with a panel discussion of Golden Years volunteers sharing about their experiences and answering audience questions. Then through a hands-on activity, participants can gain a glimpse into the reality of having physical limitations that many elderly experience in one form or another.  Room FH125

“Job Search and Interview Skills” Internship Peer Advisors, HSU Career Center

This workshop will provide tips for successful interviewing and information about job-hunting techniques and resources.  Room NHE106

“Hunger 101” Jennifer Howell and Madalyn Walker, HSU Service Learning Center

This interactive curriculum is a great way to learn about hunger issues in our community. In this project, participants will take on the life of someone living with hunger and have to utilize the resources that are available in order for them and their families to receive the necessary amount of calories for the day. During the reflection, we will discuss the Plant-A-Row for the Hungry campaign that is being launched as a way to take action against hunger and promote healthy eating habits in our community.  Room GH218

“The Science of Happiness” Laurie Andrews, Student Services Coordinator, Regional Occupation Program, HCOE

Did you know there are 3 specific types of happiness?

Have you heard that your brain has a special “happiness” area that requires activation?

That specially designed smiles and thank yous are actual happiness tools?

Do you know your personal “hardwired” signature strengths that automatically increase your well being?

Come learn the “science” of a happier life and simple strategies to increase yours.

Complimentary chocolate, kindness and think-sheets provided.  Room NHE113

“Reflection and the Structure Trap” Lorena Boswell, California Service Learning Certified Trainer, Youth Educational Services, HSU

Reflection is well established as an essential part of a meaningful service-learning experience. However, sometimes our best intentions can fall short. Both through presentation of a case study and discussion, participants will explore a concept dubbed the structure trap. The presentation will identify the nature of the trap, synthesize issues that contributed to falling into the trap and analyze a complexity of factors that need to be considered in order to avoid the trap. Ultimately participants will be asked to reflect on their own experiences leading and/or participating in service-learning reflection and how to deepen students’ reflection experiences.  Room SH117

NHE – Nelson Hall East

NHW – Nelson Hall West

FH – Founders Hall

SH – Siemens  Hall

GH – Gist Hall

Goodwin Forum is in Nelson Hall East