San Luis Obispo High School

Service Learning Handbook

Giving Back to Your Community!

 

 

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Table of Contents

	PAGE
Introduction	2
Definition of Service Learning	3
How to Use This Guide	3
Before You Begin	4
Volunteer Responsibilities	5
When You Have Completed Your Service	6
Acknowledgements	6
Volunteer Center of the Redwoods	7
AREAS OF SERVICE
Arts and Museums	8
City/County Services	9
Clerical and Office Work	11
Day Care/After-School Programs	13
Disabled Services	14
Education and Tutoring	16
Environment	17
Food and Meal Programs	19
Health	21
Hospitals	23
Recreation/Leisure	24
Senior Citizens	25
Support Services	26
Thrift Shops	27
Youth Programs	28
INDEX	30

INTRODUCTION

An important part of your year at San Luis Obispo High School is the opportunity you have to become a volunteer. This "hands-on" experience with an organization of your choice will help you to strengthen your education and make a connection with your community. You will be chanllenged to learn what part you can play in making a positive difference in your community.

IMPORTANT: You must discuss your project with your instructor before you begin.

Not only do you give when you participate in service, you also receive a lot in return. There are many reasons to volunteer such as:

- to have fun
- to meet new people
- to gain a sense of accomplishment
- to get to know more about your community
- to look good on college and job applications
- to feel good about yourself
- to do something new
- to develop job skill experience

San Luis Obispo is a great community with a variety of organizations. They welcome assistance from youth volunteers and offer many different ways in which to get you involved with your community. By taking action, you can make San Luis Obispo an even better place to live.

DEFINITION OF SERVICE LEARNING

Service Learning:

- is a method whereby you learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized community service experiences that meet the needs of the community.
- is coordinated with schools, institutions of higher education, community service programs and the community.
- helps foster civic responsibility.
- is integrated into and enhances your academic curriculum.
- provides structured time for you to reflect on the service experience.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

This guide lists a variety of organizations in order to help you find a place to volunteer. The organizations are arranged by topics. An index of all the organizations is at the back of the booklet. Look through the guide to locate a volunteer opportunity that appeals to you. You can locate the topic areas in the "Table of Contents" in the front of the book.

 BEFORE YOU BEGIN

This handbook provides some suggestions of service sites in your community. Each site knows you may call and truly wants your help. You may also want to pursue your own ideas for other possibilities. You are requested to complete 10 hours of service during your Economics class. This assignment must be discussed with your Economics Teacher before you begin your project.

Call the organization and ask for the contact person or Volunteer Coordinator. Express your interest in volunteering and ask for more information about ways to volunteer. They might have a job description or brochure they can mail to you.

Make an appointment and visit the organization. It is very helpful to visit the organization to get a feel for what it would be like to volunteer there. The Volunteer Coordinator may also want to interview you before you start volunteering.

Things to find out:

- What does the organization do?
- What type of work do volunteers do?
- Are there job descriptions?
- Is there training?
- Who would be your supervisor?
- What days of the week and time of day do they need help?
- Do you need to commit for a certain length of time?
- Is there public transportation to the site?

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

As a San Luis Obispo High School student, you have certain basic responsibilities:

Be Dependable: If you say you will be somewhere on a certain day and time, be there. If you are unable to make your commitment because of illness, call your agency supervisor. Every once in a while other activities will conflict with your scheduled volunteer time. In these situations we simply ask that you give your agency supervisor as much advance notice as possible.

Communicate Your Needs: If you are not clear about your job duties or have concerns about your station, do speak up! Most often you will find agency staff eager to accommodate your needs.

Respect the Confidentiality Needs of Your Agency: Many of you will be working with clients or processing information that must be kept strictly confidential. Your cooperation in this area is essential.

Report Your Hours: As a volunteer, you are responsible for submitting a time sheet of volunteer hours to your Teacher. Hours must be verified by your Site Supervisor.

WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR SERVICE

At the end of the volunteer period, you need to turn in a time sheet to your Teacher that shows the number of hours of volunteer service you have completed and is signed by your Supervisor. During your assignment, you will also need to provide your Supervisor with an evaluation form that they will need to fill out and return to your Economics Teacher. An evaluation form should be turned in for each volunteer site.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks to Eureka High School's Project Serve and Marge Crichton for advice and technical support in the development of this booklet. Thanks also to AmeriCorps Member Josh Scotto for his assistance.

VOLUNTEER CENTER OF THE REDWOODS

The Volunteer Center of the Redwoods (VCOR) was established in 1994 by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program to assist people in finding a volunteer placement in our surrounding community. The center has a broad range of volunteer opportunities that provide valuable service to agencies and/or address issues all over Humboldt County. Theyplace people that are fourteen years of age or older.

VCOR also runs ads in the McKinleyville Press and in the Wish List column of the Times Standard. Opportunities will also be posted in the Career Center office if you will like to take a look.

If you're having trouble finding a volunteer placement and would like some help in finding just the right spot, then you should give the Volunteer Center of the Redwoods a try.

ARTS AND MUSEUMS

- HSU NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Wells Fargo Hall, Humboldt State University
Contact: Spring Garrett at 826-4479
Email: sag1@axe.humboldt.edu

Assist with the care, feeding and holding of live animals. This type of care helps the animals be prepared for exhibits at schools. There are also opportunities for you if you have woodworking skills to help with changing exhibits in the museum.

- HUMBOLDT BAY MARITIME MUSEUM, INC.

423 1st Street, Eureka
Contact: Leroy Zerland or Dalene Hills at 444-9440. Hours: Tues. - Sat. 12-4pm
Email: madaket1910@aol.com

Work as a Docent, greeting the public and pass on our wonderful maritime history. The museum is located in Old Town, Eureka.

CITY/COUNTY SERVICES

- McKINLEYVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

1705 Gwin Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Traci Ferdolage or Katie Merz at 839-9003
Email: tferdolage@aol.com

This is a fun opportunity if you like being outdoors, because volunteers help to keep our town looking its best. There are a variety of locations and jobs available.

- McKINLEYVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2195 Central Avenue, McKinleyville
Contact: Donovan Diaz at 839-2449
Email: mckcofc@northcoast.com

You may assemble packets containing local information for new people moving into the area and update the service club directory. There are special projects throughout the year.

- HUMBOLDT COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

1034 2nd Street, Eureka
Contact: Brenda Tuel or Brenda Holmes at 443-5097
Email: info@redwoodvisitor.org

Answer the phone and greet visitors to our great county. There are large projects at different times during the year involving bulk mail plus some computer work.

- McKINLEYVILLE LIBRARY

1606 Pickett Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Joy Moore at 839-4459

Help with children's programs, various clerical jobs, and some computer work. Friends of the Library volunteer group needs assistance with their book sales.

- SEQUOIA PARK ZOO

3414 'W' Street, Eureka
Contact: Gretchen Ziegler at 441-4229
Email: gzig@humboldt1.com

Help is needed with educational displays, assisting with various Zoological Society tasks, and other non-animal-contact zoo jobs depending on the season.

- HUMBOLDT COUNTY ELECTIONS DIVISION

Contact: Lou Leeper at 445-7678
Email: lleeper@co.humboldt.ca.us

Here is an opportunity to see democracy in action by serving on your local precinct board. Help is needed on election day, 6:30am until the polls close.

CLERICAL AND OFFICE ASSISTANCE

- HUMBOLDT COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION - HERC

901 Myrtle Avenue
Contact: Peg Gardner at 445-7077
Email: pgardner@humboldt.k12.ca.us

Volunteers are needed for different jobs such as photo-copying, pricing materials, re-shelving of books and videos borrowed by all of the schools. Accuracy is required.

- McKINLEYVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT

1656 Sutter Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Sharon Denison at 839-3251
Email: mcsd@humboldt1.com

These folks need help with a variety of clerical tasks such as filing, copying, and bulk mailing.

- CASA OF HUMBOLDT

1545 7th Street, Eureka
Contact: Susan Snyder at 441-0136

This court appointed special advocate program for children in the court system needs assistance with various clerical tasks through the year.

- VECTOR HEALTH PROGRAMS, INC.

2121 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka
Contact: Carolyn Mangan at 442-6463

Vector needs ongoing clerical help for business office and some special events throughout the year.

DAY CARE/AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

- KID'S CLUB

Morris Elementary School, McKinleyville Ave.
Contact: Katie Merz at 839-9003

This after school program serves children in the 1st-5th grade. Tutors are needed to help with homework and build reading skills. Volunteers can also have fun by playing games and doing art projects with the kids.

- DAY CARE OF ROSE'S

1241 Perini Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Judi Rose at 839-4868

Help is needed after school to play with 2-5 year olds. If you love little kids, this is the place for you!

- HUMBOLDT CHILD CARE COUNCIL - KID'S PLACE

On campus at McKinleyville Middle School
Contact: Dena Battin at 839-0706

An opportunity to play. Help Day Care Center staff after school.

DISABLED SERVICES

- EASTER SEALS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

3289 Edgewood Road, Eureka
Contact: Eddie Morgan at 445-8841
Email: emorgan@northcoast.com

There are special projects throughout the year like lunch with Santa at the Eureka Inn. They also sometimes need help with clerical work and fundraising. Assisting kids with disabilities (swimming, arts, and crafts)

- HCAR/LEISURE COMPANION PROGRAM

525 7th Street, Eureka
Contact: Kristi Patterson at 443-1428

Volunteers are needed to be "leisure companions" to work one-on-one with disabled adults helping them gain access to recreational and social activities. You must be 18 years old to be a "leisure companion". If you are under 18, HCAR has need for help with other supervised outdoor activities.

- HUMBOLDT ACCESS PROJECT

955 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka
Contact: Gay Larsen or Carol McNeill at 445-8404
Email: humboldtaccessproject@bayview.net

HAP needs assistance with their newsletter, inventory, and other projects.

- REDWOODS UNITED

45 Ericson Court, Arcata
Contact: John Gullam at 822-7070

This agency has a wide variety of services in Arcata and Eureka. Help is needed in several different areas such as assisting in a children's center or serving a meal to a homebound senior citizen, plus many more projects. Redwoods United clients are only in attendance until 3:45 each day, but they would like to have your help on in-service days and/or during school holidays (not open on national holidays).

EDUCATION AND TUTORING

- MORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2375 McKinleyville Avenue, McKinleyville
Contact: Mr. Parisi, Principal at 839-1529
Email: tparisi@nohum.k12.ca.us

Tutoring is needed for a variety of ages. Call for more information.

- DOW'S PRAIRIE SCHOOL

3940 Dow's Prairie Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Douglas Oliveira at 839-1558
Email: doliveira@nohum.k12.ca.us

This is a great opportunity to help younger students be successful learners. Sometimes help is needed for special projects and events.

- McKINLEYVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

2285 Central Avenue, McKinleyville
Contact: Janice Nelson at 839-1508
Email: jnelson@nohum.k12.ca.us

Help student by volunteering in classrooms. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available here.

- HUMBOLDT LITERACY PROJECT

428 'C' Street, Suite D, Eureka
Contact: Judy Hedgpeth at 445-3655
email: humlit@northcoast.com

Volunteers are needed to help with tutoring and reading projects to adults.

ENVIRONMENT

- HUMBOLDT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Contact: Mike Margenau at 441-1006
Email: habitat@humboldt1.com

Habitat provides some home retrofit services and builds afortable housing. This is a great opportunity to help build houses right here in McKinleyville. We also have organizational volunteer jobs. There are many ways to get involved. Leave a message and they will call you back.

- MANILA BEACH AND DUNES/FRIENDS OF THE DUNES

1611 Peninsula Drive, Manila
Contact: 444-1397
Email: fod@arcatanet.com

This is a nature conservancy with the goal of beach restoration. The third Saturday and Sunday of each month is restoration work day on the dunes from 10-noon. You can just show up at the Manila Community Center on those days or call and leave a message. Someone will get back to you. Restoration projects, biological inventory, removal of exotic vegetation, fund-raising and docents are all projects that need help.

- YOUTHSERVE AMERICORPS

Contact: Cindy Porter at 839-9892
Email: cporter@ccc.ca.gov

AmeriCorps Members need assistance in McKinleyville on a variety of projects throughout the year (including organizing community service projects, cross-age tutoring and mentoring, and other service learning activities).

- JONSTEEN TREES

2006 Woody Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Steen Christensen at 839-1067
Email: jonsteen@northcoast.com

We have tree work… transplanting, weeding, and watering. Also, we will be doing some landscaping this fall. We have a relaxed outdoor environment. Check out our web site at www.jonsteen.com .

- REDWOOD COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

904 'G' Street, Eureka
Contact: Jan Mathews at 269-2064

The Natural Resource Department has projects that include tree plantings, trail construction, stream cleanup, and bicycle surveys. Some projects are right here in McKinleyville.

- NORTHCOAST ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

879 9th Street, Arcata
Contact: Connie Stewart at 822-6918

We need help with fundraising, mailings, and other office help.

FOOD AND MEAL PROGRAMS

- EUREKA RESCUE MISSION

110 2nd Street, Eureka
Contact: Matt Magill 445-3787 or Dennis Gagnon at 443-4551
Email: mission@northcoast.com

Serving meals daily and Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, sorting clothes, baby-sitting, tutoring school age children plus craft and playroom activities for younger children are many of the opportunities at the mission.

- FOOD FOR PEOPLE/THE FOOD BANK

307 W. 14th Street, Eureka
Contact: Doug Moyer at 445-3166
Email: foodbank@quik.com

Volunteers are needed on a part time basis Monday-Friday after school until 4:45pm for distribution of food for eligible individuals and several times during the year for help with large food drives. These drives take place on a Saturday and/or Sunday, and volunteers help sort food after it is collected.

- ARCATA ENDEAVOR

501 9th Street, Arcata
Contact: Amanda Burton at 822-5008

These folks provide free food for hungry people. You can help.

- ST. VINCENT dePAUL MEAL SITE

35 West 3rd Street (between 'A' and Commercial), Eureka
Contact: Chuck Kircher at 445-9588

We serve a free hot meal daily from 11am-1pm including Saturdays and Sundays. Please call to make arrangements with the contact person.

HEALTH

- AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

2942 'F' Street, Eureka
Contact: Kim, Sylvia, or Susan at 442-1436
Email: sjutila@cancer.org

Volunteers are needed to help with clerical work and special projects during the year like the Great American Smoke Out and Daffodil Days.

- AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

716 'I' Street, Eureka
Contact: Maureen Burke at 443-6336

Various volunteer opportunities are available including clerical work, taking blood pressures, helping with the Heart Association booth at health fairs, and helping with fund raisers throughout the year.

- AMERICAN RED CROSS

406 11th Street (11th and 'E'), Eureka
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10-6pm, Fri. 10-4pm
Contact: John Gladding at 443-4521
Email: hcarc@northcoast.com

The American Red Cross is offering disaster workshops for high school students. The workshops will teach you different methods of disaster preparedness. With this training you could assist at the local shelter after a disaster. Volunteers are also needed for a variety of office work and other tasks, as this agency has a broad range of services.

- HOSPICE

2010 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka
Contact: Stephanie Fowler at 445-8443
Email: hospofhumb@jps.net

A variety of help is needed. We help families who are dealing with the death of a family member. Many times during the year there are special projects to work on, such as "Light-Up-A-Life" during the holiday season. Call for more information.

- SIX RIVERS PLANNED PARENTHOOD

2316 Harrison Avenue, Eureka
Contact: Debbie Hartridge at 442-2961

Volunteers are needed for various tasks including assisting at an education table at health fairs on many occasions. There are always new projects in the works, so give them a call to see where they need assistance.

HOSPITALS

- MAD RIVER HOSPITAL

3800 Janes Road, Arcata
Contact: Kay Hofweber at 822-7220 ext. 4133
Email: khofweber@humboldt1.com

Our Junior Volunteer Program offers training but you must make a one year commitment. This is a great opportunity for anyone thinking of a career in health care.

- ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL

2700 Dolbeer Avenue, Eureka
Contact: Marilyn Ziblich at 445-8121 ext. 7530

Student volunteers are needed in medical offices doing data entry, and doing garden work with "Care-A-Lot" Program at Evergreen Lodge. The hospital also provides a long term commitment with their Junior Volunteer Program.

RECREATION/LEISURE

- McKINLEYVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

1705 Gwin Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Traci Ferdolage or Katie Merz at 839-9003
Email: tferdolage@aol.com

We offer loads of fun programs. We need assistance with our roller skating sessions, basketball and roller hockey leagues, and gym supervision. There are special volunteer opportunities during the holidays. Give us a call as the programs change throughout the year.

- EASTER SEALS SWIM PROGRAM

3289 Edgewood Road, Eureka
Contact: Eddie Morgan at 445-8841
Email: emorgan@northcoast.com

Volunteers are needed to work with handicapped children in a therapeutic water activity. A training session is required. This is great placement if you enjoy children and the water.

- REDWOOD ACRES FAIRGROUND

3750 Harris Street, Eureka
Contact: Barbara Darst at 445-3038
Email: ninthdaa@pacbell.com

This large leisure time location has a broad range of needs from help with gardening and landscaping to clerical work. Give them a call as the requests vary with the weather.

SENIOR CITIZENS

-VOLUNTEER CENTER OF THE REDWOODS

Address: 3300 Glenwood, Eureka
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am - 12:00pm 1pm - 4:30pm or by appointment
Contact: Ross Mackinney at 442-3711 ext. 214
Email: vcoradmin@a1aa.org

The volunteer Center of the Redwoods has an intergenerational visiting program that will match youth volunteers and RSVP volunteers to visit frail elders in their homes. This program brightens the lives of many people while providing work experience and service learning hours for students.

- SUNBRIDGE CARE HOMES

-GRANADA-
2885 Harris Street
Contact: Shirley Emmons at 443-1627

-PACIFIC-
2211 Harrison Avenue
Contact: Kris Dockerty at 443-9767

-SUNBRIDGE CARE AND REHAP FOR EUREKA- (Sunset)
2353 23rd Street
Contact: Patricia Coonrod-Reis at 445-3261

The contact person above is the Activity Director for each site. Residents love to listen to people who share their musical talent, whether it is playing the piano or guitar to the harmonica. You may interact with residents by playing checkers or cards, reading to them, helping them to participate in craft activities or going on an outing and just being a friend.

SUPPORT SERVICES

- HOMELESS FAMILY SHELTER

Redwood Community Action Agency
904 'G' Street
Contact: Simone Taylor at 269-9590 ext. 202
Email: simonetaylor@aol.com

Volunteers are needed to give one-on-one time to preschool and school-age children at the shelter home. Activities would include reading out loud, playing games and art work. Parents may be present. A training session is required.

- HUMANE SOCIETY

6073 Loma Avenue (King Salmon exit)
Contact: (Director) at 444-8551

Help is needed with a variety of duties, general cleaning and sometimes working with the animals. You must be 18 or older.

- ARCATA HOUSE

Contact: Jim Phoenix at 822-1048

We have two houses for homeless families. Volunteers can help in many ways like mowing lawns, painting, reading to children, gathering used clothing and books, and playing games with the children.

THRIFT SHOPS

- CENT SAVER

Grace Good Shepard Church
1450 Hiller Road, McKinleyville
Contact: Sally Dale at 839-8841
Email: sallydale2580@yahoo.com

Help people right here in McKinleyville. They always need help on Saturdays.

- YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU THRIFT SHOP

McKinleyville Shopping Center (behind Ramone's Bakery)
Contact: Claudia Vitgenos at 839-4204
Email: ysbthrift1@earthlink.com

The money raised by this store helps homeless and run-away teens.

- TAILWAGGERS HUMANE SOCIETY THRIFT SHOP

2904 'F' Street, Eureka
Contact: Marilyn Buheit at 445-5837

This store's profits help homeless animals.

- DISCOVERY SHOP OF THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

2942 'F' Street, Eureka
Contact: Pam McKnight at 443-2155
Email: pmcknigh@cancer.org

Volunteer here to help raise money for cancer patients.

YOUTH PROGRAMS

- BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS

932 'C' Street, Eureka
Contact: Maureen Burke at 445-4871
Email: bbbs@humboldt1.com

Volunteers are needed to help out at activities or events. There is also a need for office assistance. If you're interested in a longer commitment, mentoring is a great opportunity for you.

- BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY

3117 Prospect Avenue, Eureka
Contact: Cristina Russ or Executive Director Susan Hendry at 442-9142
Email: suzhy@northcoast.com

Help is needed to supervise and assist with games and art projects in which youngsters (ages 6-12) are involved after school.

- CAMP FIRE BOYS AND GIRLS

939 Harris Street, Eureka
Contact: Amber Neilson at 443-8019
Email: amber@humfire.org

Teens volunteer once a month on projects they choose. They also have one fun activity a month.

- 4-H CLUBS IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY

5630 South Broadway, Eureka
Contact: Elaine Fenton at 445-7351
Email: mefenton@ucdavis.edu

This community-based agency has special projects during the year like Red Ribbon Week where they need lots of help.

- TEEN COURT

Humboldt County Probation Dept.
2002 Harrison Avenue, Eureka
Contact: Maureen Johannsen or Hilda Ranton at 268-3310
email: hranton@humboldt1.com

Teen Court needs Jury Members, Lawyers, Judges, Clerks, and Bailiffs to hear cases about teen crimes. Volunteers participate in all aspects of the judicial system.

- YES-YOUTH EDUCATIONAL SERVICE: HSU

Humboldt State University
YES House #91, Arcata
Contact: Mary Stuart at 826-4965
Email: yes@axe.humboldt.edu

When you contact YES, be sure to identify yourself as a student from McKinleyville High School so that the Volunteer Coordinator will give you a full description of the 15 programs that are run through YES. There are many opportunities to work with HSU student activities.

INDEX