The Group Leader position is a leadership role that is assumed by students in GST302.  It is a two credit (2) upper division course that involves hands on training at a community service site. Group Leaders will participate in 80 hours a semester of community service as part of their requirement. These hours include time planning and attending programs and fulfilling office hours.

Expectations for all Group Leader Positions:
• Act as a liaison between service site, CSLCS, and other service learning students
• Facilitate discussions at service site with other Service Learning students
• Partake in discussion sessions in CSLCS
• Complete all written assignments and journal entries
• Research and prepare group reflection activities
• Orient and support students at service site
• Aid in planning and preparation of special events at service site
• Give presentations to classes about Service Learning
• Administer feedback questionnaires to respective parties

Specific Job Descriptions:

Adopt-a-GrandParent (AGP): Group Leader will supervise and facilitate other volunteers and service learning students at weekly visits to local nursing homes. This project will expand our current Adopt-a-GrandParent program which is currently at capacity. The Group Leader will work closely with current AGP coordinators to organize a sustainable expansion program. Weekly visits will consist of travel to a designated nursing home and visiting with selected residents and partaking in such activities as crafts, storytelling, and companionship.

Mentor Oswego: Group Leader will orient and supervise student volunteers at various elementary schools, Oswego Middle School, or the Salvation Army: After School Program. The Group Leader will coordinate and facilitate activities, crafts, games, homework time, and discussions. Activities vary depending on the site.

Special Olympics: Group Leader will facilitate and supervise student volunteers at weekly sports practices. He/she will work closely with current Special Olympics coordinator to organize a sustainable expansion program. Previous experience working and involving people with disabilites is a plus.

Habitat for Humanity: Group Leaders will coordinate activities leading up to their Alternative Spring Break trip in which a group of students travel to build houses during their Spring Break. During the first part of the semester, there is an ample time commitment. Group Leaders will engage in fundraising activities, paperwork submission, and account recording. Those interested must be motivational, organized, willing to work closely with peers in a group setting, and be able to work with different personality types. If you’re looking to make a serious impact on your life and the life of a family in need, this position may be for you.