COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

HCCC 150-1

 

 

INSTRUCTOR

 

Christopher J. Dreyer, CSC, LCSW

168 Vincent

PH:        574.239.8383

FAX:     574.239.8323

E-mail:  cdreyer@hcc-nd.edu

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Holy Cross College advances the Gospel message by developing a personal understanding of relationships with God, others and self.  We respect and challenge one another through active spiritual and intellectual lives and through service.  We support and enlighten one another about our common responsibilities to further the Kingdom of God.

 

GOALS

 

  • To develop an awareness of the needs of others and to develop a sense of social responsibility through community service.

 

  • To encourage critical reflection and to address the ultimate values of life in which the principles of Christian thought have a central role.

 

  • To be directly involved with people in need.

 

  • To integrate the components of direct service, education and reflection.

 

  • To provide students with the necessary preparation, reflection and evaluation of their fieldwork experience in a supportive atmosphere.

 

STUDENT CONDUCT

 

Students enrolled in this course are required to comply with the Holy Cross College Student Conduct Code which “presumes a high moral character and an attitude of self-respect” and discourages “[d]ishonesty such as cheating of all kinds [including]… knowingly furnishing false information to the college, forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, records or identification.”

 

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

 

Students should be able to:

 

  • Understand the religious and moral wisdom of the past and present in the context of Judaeo-Christian tradition.
  • Articulate how Catholic teaching provides a foundation for understanding contemporary issues.
  • Analyze contemporary issues in an effort to distinguish what is good, just and true from what is evil, unjust and false.
  • Develop a respect and awareness for cultures, races and religions.
  • Interact and work cooperatively with others.

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

In order to receive one (1) credit for the course, students must:

 

  1. Complete at least thirty (30) hours of supervised, verifiable involvement with a non-profit agency or organization;

 

  1. Write a final paper reflecting on their community involvement and the readings;

 

  1. Keep a journal recording their community involvement hours.

 

Students who successfully complete the requirements earn a Satisfactory (S) grade;  those who do not earn an Unsatisfactory (U) grade.

 

SERVICE HOURS (see possible opportunities below)

 

  • Students must be involved with a non-profit agency or organization;  direct service for relatives, family, or friends cannot be included in the required hours.

 

  • Performing community service as a result of legal sanctions and/or disciplinary sanctions cannot be included.

 

  • Hours for concurrent, service-learning courses at Holy Cross College (i.e. courses in English, sociology or psychology) can be included.

 

CLASS ATTENDANCE

 

Because this is an “independent study” type of course, attendance during the regularly scheduled course is not required.   It is the students’ responsibility to contact the instructor regularly throughout the semester to arrange for information regarding placements, journal and final paper.

 

READINGS (on reserve in the library)

 

Bellah, Robert N. Habits of the Heart.

 

Kendall, Jane C. and Associates.  Combining Service and Learning.  A Resource Book for Community and Public Service, Volume 1.  National Society for Internships and Experiential Education.

 

Luks, Allan.  “Reading, ‘Riting, ‘Rithmetic – and Required Service” in Sojouners.

 

Morton, Keith.  “Reflection in the Classroom” in RETHINKING TRADITION:  Integrating Service with Academic Study on College Campuses.

 

Nouwen, Henri.  “The Monk and the Cripple” in America.

 

Ostrander, Susan A.  “Teaching about Philanthropy and Service in an Academic Setting and Building a Community of Difference” in RETHINKING TRADITION:  Integrating Service with Academic Study on College Campuses.

 

Robinson, Gail.  “Stepping Into Our Destiny:  Service Learning in Community College” in Community College Journal, December 1999/January 2000.

 

Stanley, Mary.  “Community Service and Citizenship:  Social Control and Social Justice” in RETHINKING TRADITION:  Integrating Service with Academic Study on College Campuses.

 

8/01/06


AIDS Ministries
201 S William
South Bend
234-2870

Purpose: To create understanding and compassionate support for individuals and families infected or affected by HIV or AIDS.

Volunteer Opportunities

v     Companionship - visit with clients (training provided)

v     Direct Service - shopping service, providing transportation, children’s activities, plumber, electrician, assist with moving, painting, etc.

v     “Buddy” -  work with HIV affected children at Camp Unahilya; usually the last weekend in May

v     Translator -  work on forms and pamphlets translating English/Spanish

v     Fundraising Worker -  help with various fundraising events

v     AIDS Educator - training provided; participate in presentations or simply be a resource for your friends

v     Receptionist - answer phones, make referrals to staff or other agencies

v     Clerical - help with office duties and bulk mailings

v     Library - organize and maintain resource library

v     Technical Support - computer experience required

Adoptions Alternatives
1117 W Beardsley Ave
Elkhart
294-2131 

Purpose: Licensed not-for-profit child placement agency offering a full range of services

Volunteer Opportunities: