iacc civic ambassador network: engaging and developing student leaders
DESCRIPTION
Iowa Campus Compact implemented its new student-focused program, the Civic Ambassador Network, as a way to engage students in IACC programs while also providing them with professional development opportunities and project assistance. The Civic Ambassador Network will begin its second year this fall. Monique Ellefson VISTA Leader Iowa Campus CompactTRANSCRIPT
Civic Ambassador Network
Engaging & Developing Student Leaders
Civic Ambassador Network Creation VISTA Leader: Colin Studer
Program Advisory Board model Researched a variety of programs
Wanted to give back to student participants Provide professional development Mentor on projects Connect campuses across the state
2013-2014 Academic Year First year of program
Nomination process
Focus on Social Change Wheel
Open for students to guide program
Program Goals Civic Ambassadors will…
Strive to be Active Citizens contributing to social change
Engage with Iowa Campus Compact as ambassadors and advisors.
Develop and implement campus or community civic engagement project, program, or event
Fall 2013 Retreat Established mission as group
Discussed social change wheel
Shared common issues on campuses
Brainstormed CA projects
Participant Breakdown 15 participants 6 campuses 8 projects
ASB, issue awareness, student involvement
Challenges Very enthusiastic at Fall Retreat
Good participation October conference call
Almost 100% participation November 1:1 phone calls
~30% participation in webinars (December, January)
Lack of communication from majority of CAs
Brainstorming Met with student member of State Farm Youth
Advisory Board
Discussed possible options for moving forward 1 theme for all CA projects 1 project for all CA members Senior Ambassadors More competitive application/nomination process
Award Winning First Year!
Bethany Welsh Senior, University of Iowa Outstanding Contribution to a
Greater Community Meet the Challenge Award –
Engage
Emily Rouse & Lisa Langenberg Seniors, Central College Bridge Builder Awards
Spring 2014 Retreat Students presented their projects
Discussed relation to social change wheel
Reflected on CA experience
Suggestions for next year’s program
Reviewed IACC strategic plan
Evaluations Q: Describe at least one way that your
experience in the Civic Ambassador Network has impacted you.
“This program has given me leadership skills that I didn’t know I had.”
“I’ve found a passion for helping others and being involved in my community that I never knew was important.”
“The Civic Ambassador Network has helped me really use other ideas and think more critically.”
“I have become a more aware person on my campus. I learned about a problem I never would have thought of.”
Evaluations Q: Describe at least one thing you have learned from your
Civic Ambassador Network Experience about civic engagement and/or social change.
“Civic partnership and collaboration is absolutely the most efficient way to create social change and promote empowerment.”
“Civic engagement/social change requires flexibility, vulnerability, and hard work/effort.”
“It has really helped me explain what civic engagement is. It helped me show folks how easy it is to get involved.”
“How much impact I can have on my community.”
2014-2015 Academic Year 2 Senior Ambassadors
Returning CA members Main contact for Civic Ambassadors Liaison between CA and VISTA Leader
2 Civic Ambassadors per member campus Application process Projects on campus or in community
Fall & Spring Retreat
Questions?