Get Engaged: Become a Service Leader

Published: June 26, 2013 | Read Time: 3 minutes

Interested in making a difference in the Thunderbird community and beyond? Southern Utah University’s Community Engagement Center (CEC) is looking for bright and compassionate students to act as service leaders for the 2013-14 academic year.

Being a service leader is a rewarding experience that not only allows for students to give of themselves in aid to others but also to experience growth and progress as individuals and community leaders. The position also provides real world leadership experience and professional opportunities that can boost a student’s marketability with future employers.

Service leaders work as a team to plan and carry out campus and community service events, strengthening the relationships between SUU, the surrounding Cedar City community and populations afar. Each leader is responsible for coordinating one major event and assisting with the CEC’s annual events, the Volunteer Fair and Thank You Reception.

“Many of our Service Leaders have said that their involvement with the center was one of the greatest experiences they had at SUU,” said Pam Branin, associate director of the Community Engagement Center. “They often report that they learn as much in service leadership as they do in any of their classes. It’s a great opportunity.”

A $100 book stipend is offered to Service Leaders each semester, along with a T-shirt and an occasional meal. Leaders typically invest four to six volunteer hours per week, sometimes more depending on the position and the Center’s schedule of events. Service leaders are also

Eligible students must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 and maintain a 2.75 during each semester of service. They must also keep a minimum of two in-office hours each week.

A total of nine Service Leader positions are available in a number of categories:

After School Sports

Coordinate with local organization Youth and Families With Promise to identify potential youth participants. Plan and oversee weekly physical activities for middle school-aged youth including securing location, recruiting volunteer help and providing snacks. Provide occasional enrichment activities for youth to encourage academic success.

Alternative Breaks – Humanitarian Service

With the help of the ASB advisor, plan and execute alternative break service missions including fundraising, student recruitment, travel arrangements, liability management and on-site activity planning. May include coordinating with Habitat for Humanity, Via International or other service organizations. Service trips are typically 7-8 days in length and occur at the end of Fall Semester and during spring break in March.

Paiute Center Tutoring

Coordinate with local Paiute Center to provide reading assistance and tutoring for four afternoons each week. Recruit other volunteers to participate and assist with incentive programs for Paiute youth.

SAIL (Student Alliance of Interfaith Leaders)

Work to plan events in relation to SUU’s Food and Faith Initiative, an effort focused on bringing diverse individuals together to address issues of food scarcity. Recruit additional participants and coordinate with existing Food and Faith-related events and organization such as the HOPE Pantry, International Food Fair, Multicultural Club, Cedar City Interfaith Alliance and various religious organizations.               

Service Club

Coordinate one or two monthly service events and participate as a club in both on and off campus events. Recruit additional Service Club members.

SUU Discover—A Book is More Than a Cover

Coordinate with the Cedar City Public Library to arrange weekly story hours geared toward K-3 aged children.  Plan weekly, age appropriate stories and activities and recruit other SUU volunteers.

Wee Swim

Coordinate with area Head Start preschool and SUU swimming pool managers to arrange swimming lessons for children. Help advertise to Head Start parents and recruit Red Cross-certified swim instructors.

The CEC maintains partnerships with more than 70 local and national organizations who work through the center to locate volunteers. The center also sponsors student-led programming and helps place volunteers in service opportunities that align with their talents and interests.

To be considered as a Service Leader for the 2013-2014 academic year, please complete an online application. Positions will remain open until filled but application submissions are encouraged now. 

For more information about SUU’s Community Engagement Center, contact Pam Branin at 435-865-8335, or visit suu.edu/siel/cec/.

---

Contact Information:

435-586-5400
Contact the Office of Marketing Communication