Boston University Community Service Center

Boston University Community Service Center

First-Year Student Outreach Project

2010 Staff Application

Application Deadline: Thursday, March 18, 2010

This application must be typed. Please deliver completed application to the Community Service Center, to the attention of the FYSOP Program Manager, and sign up for an interview by Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Personal Information:

Name:BU ID:

Birth Date: //Age:

Local Address:Home Address:

Cell Phone:Home Phone:

Gender: MaleFemaleEmail Address:

School/College:Minor:

Major:Year as of 9/2010:

Are you a returning Staff Leader?YesNo

Are you currently studying abroad?YesNo

Are you applying to be a Resident Assistant for 2010-2011?YesNo

(You will not be able to do both FYSOP and RA Training.)

Please note any dietary needs, health concerns or other allergies of which we should be aware of:

Emergency Information:

Contact Person in case of emergency:

Relationship:Home Phone:

Cell Phone:

Issue Areas:

Please rank in order of preference (1-highest, 10-lowest)

ChildrenDisabilitiesEldersEnvironment

Gender FocusHIV/AIDS AwarenessHomelessness and Housing

Human Rights HungerMystery (TBA)

Project Committees:

Please rank in order of preference (1-highest, 3-lowest)

Info FairPhotographyOffice Assistant

Are you interested in being a driver for FYSOP?YesNo

You must have a valid driver’s license and should feel comfortable driving a full-sized van with 12-15 passengers. Van training will be provided.

If yes, have you already been CSC van trained? YesNo

For more information, contact:

Community Service Center

775 Commonwealth Avenue 4th Floor

Boston, MA 02215 617-353-4710

Personal Statement:

1. Describe an experience that required you to work as part of a team. How would you describe your role on the team? How will these skills help you be an effective FYSOP Staff Leader?

2. Provide three words that best describe you.

3. Please attach a resume that includes your community service involvement. Please refer to for help in formatting your resume.

4. List the names, departments, and phone numbers of at least three people who may be contacted to provide references. Include at least one Boston University faculty/staff member.

BONUS: Express your concern for your first choice Issue Area by creating an artistic interpretation. BE CREATIVE!! BE REALLY CREATIVE!!!

Volunteer Information:

Provide your previous community service experience / S 07 / F07 / S 08 / F 08 / S 09 / F10 / S 10
ASB
Afterschool
Children’s Theatre
FYSOP
Joining Hands
Making Music
MAPP
Project Hope
Siblings
Student Studio
Student Food Run
Voices from the Middle
Wizards
PLEASE INDICATE WHICH EVENT: / AND WHICH SEMESTER:

DID YOU PARTICIPATE IN ANY ONE-TIME EVENTS?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

This is to certify that the information provided herein is true and my own. I understand that incomplete or false information may subject me to disqualification from a position as a FYSOP Staff Leader. I have read the summary of the Staff Leader job description and I understand the responsibilities of the position for which I am applying. If selected, and accepted for the position, I will carry out the responsibilities and will serve for the entire length of the Boston University First Year Student Outreach Project.

Signature:Date:

FYSOP Staff Leader Job Description

Function

To serve as an integral part in the implementation of the First-Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP) and to uphold the ideals and objectives of the Community Service Center

Reports To

Community Service Center professional staff, Program Manager, and Program Coordinators

Responsibilities

•Staff Leaders are required to attend all training and program days starting Wednesday, August 18th, through Friday, August 27th, 2010. Any unexcused absence will result in dismissal from the program.

•Staff Leaders must be present for all programs during the FYSOP week and Staff Training, including Opening Ceremonies, Education Day, Program Night, Social Events, Closing Ceremonies and site visits.

•Each Staff Leader is assigned an Issue Area (Children, Disabilities, Elders, Environment, Gender Focus, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Homelessness & Housing, Human Rights, Hunger, or Mystery). If hired, your position as a Staff Leader is guaranteed, but your Issue Area placement is subject to change.

•Staff Leaders will be assigned a responsibility (Info Fair, Photography, or Office Assistant) on their off-site day.

•Staff Leaders are role models who are expected to identify and address any problems/conflicts and to keep the Community Service Center Staff informed of any such situations.

•Staff Leaders work with 2 or 3 other staff members as a team in leading a group of 12-15 volunteers.

•Staff Leaders lead the participants in reflecting about their experiences during FYSOP.

•As of now, there is no participation fee for Staff Leaders. We do have high expectations for staff members to honor all commitments to the FYSOP program. This is subject to change in the future.

•Staff Leaders must abide by the Boston University rules and regulations regarding alcohol and drugs. All FYSOP Staff will refrain from using alcohol from August 18th–August 27th, 2010 regardless of age. FYSOP has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy.

• On-campus housing will be provided during training, and early move-in to University fall residences will occur on Monday, August 23rd, 2010. Meals will be provided during the week of FYSOP.

FYSOP Issue Areas

CHILDREN - 23.6% of the population of Massachusetts is under 18, and 16.4% of those under 5 live in poverty. The Children’s issue joined FYSOP in 1999 in response to the growing needs of children in the community. The groups will address issues such as child abuse, terminal illness, homelessness, education, adoption, violence, divorce, and disabilities. Activities may include tutoring, mentoring, and physically improving community centers and Boston schools. Past volunteers worked with Horizons for Youth, Linking Hands, Salvation Army Day Care and The Home for Little Wanderers.

DISABILITIES - A recent study by the National Organization on Disability found that over the past decade, the quality of life has improved for many people with disabilities - but the work is far from over. The Disabilities Issue Area focuses on the needs of children and adults living with disabilities, from health care to employment to transportation. Groups work to provide services and mentoring both to adults and children living with a range of physical and mental disabilities. Past Disabilities volunteers worked with the Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian Farm and Greater Boston Guild for the Blind.

ELDERS - Despite the population of Americans over 65 surpassing the teenage population in 1985 and continuing to be the most rapidly expanding age group, the elderly are often considered second class citizens with little to contribute to society and undeserving of attention. In order to promote awareness and commitment toward this important community, the Elders Issue Area provides the opportunity to connect with elders as people through serving senior citizen centers in the Greater Boston area. These relationships help volunteers understand the needs of the community while also providing valuable service to each individual and to the senior centers as a whole. In the past, students have worked with organizations such as Ethos, Rogerson Communities, and the Goddard House.

ENVIRONMENT - The world population is now over 6.1 billion and is increasing by 90 million a year. The worldwide population is expected to grow to between 8 and 11 billion before leveling off later in the 21st century. The Environment Issue Area seeks to address urban environmental concerns, such as sustainable development, in addition to traditional environmental preservation. Service may include environmental restoration, managing wildlife, and clearing trails. In the past, volunteers worked with agencies including the Esplanade Association, Drumlin Farms, and the Earthworks Urban Orchards Program.

GENDER FOCUS - The way we view ourselves has a profound effect on our quality of life. The Gender Focus groups work to understand many of the factors that influence our self-esteem such as domestic abuse, eating disorders, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, Gender Focus hopes to encompass issues pertaining to both genders, including body image and discrimination, through personal discussion and service. Past Gender Focus volunteers worked to understand many of these issues through visits to Mass Equality, Second Step, and Dress for Success.

HIV/AIDS AWARENESS - While the aspects of contracting and living with HIV/AIDS are more commonly understood today, every five seconds, someone in the world still becomes infected with the AIDS virus. Further, the basic needs of people with HIV/AIDS are often ignored, leading those who live with the disease to face discrimination, malnutrition and poverty. Past volunteers addressed a variety of issues associated with the disease, from prevention and education to serving agencies such as the Children’s AIDS Program, Lifelines, and Community Servings, which provide food, clothing, and shelter to those currently living with AIDS.

HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING – Nearly every major US city cites the lack of affordable housing as the primary cause of homelessness. The Homelessness and Housing Issue Area, in order to understand and address the issues associated with the lack of housing, will work with agencies throughout Greater Boston that provide assistance and shelter for low-income and homeless families. Projects may include painting homes and community housing developments, working on organic farms that support homeless shelters and visiting with homeless individuals. Past teams visited The Food Project, the New England Center for Homeless Veterans and the Casa Nueva Vida Committee in Boston.

HUMAN RIGHTS – Human rights refers to the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. Examples of rights and freedoms include civil and political rights, such as the right to life and liberty, freedom of expression, and equality before the law; and social, cultural and economic rights, including the right to participate in culture, the right to work, and the right to education. The Human Rights Issue Area focuses on promoting peace, equity, and awareness of Human Rights. It will address issues such as the eradication of poverty, cultural and racial equity, and access to healthcare.

HUNGER-Over 1 billion people in the world are currently suffering from hunger and malnutrition. But it’s not just in poverty stricken countries, even here in Boston more than 40 % of families serviced by the Greater Boston Food Bank have been forced to choose between eating dinner and paying rent. Volunteers in the Hunger Issue Area will work to understand the causes and issues associated with local, domestic and global hunger, malnutrition, obesity and food waste. The work ranges from food preparation to farm maintenance to food distribution. Past volunteers visited the Greater Boston Food Bank, The Food Project and Heifer Project International.\

MYSTERY-TBD. This issue area is to be determined by the FYSOP Program Manager and Coordinators this spring.