Service Learning Community 2010

What is a CAP?

Community Action Project Culmination of what is taught at the

service site and what is needed by the service site

SLC students will use their resources and expertise to implement a program or project by April

All students must complete a CAP to pass SLC

Type 1: CAP for Community Partners

Designed to meet a specific need identified by the community partner

Students will use the expertise and resources available on campus or

research skills and energy to find the best way to address the need or

problem

Type 2: CAP for the Villanova Community

Implement an educational program at Villanova about an issue students have

become aware of, and passionate about, through their service experience

Guidelines

The program must be designed so the CAP can be implemented before the end of Spring Semester.

Completion of the project and implementation must be by April 15

Each group will be given funds to support the project, not exceeding $100. Fundraising for more expenses is allowed, with supervision.

CAP Groups Your van to your fall semester service =

your CAP group CAP project groups will meet every other

week (in the van) with additional meetings as needed

Each CAP group will have a leader, who will report progress to the CAP mentor, call meetings, keep small groups on tasks and resolve problems in the group to continue improving and progressing on the project.

CAP Group Members

“Many parts, one body.”

Each one of you has unique traits and

talents which make your team stronger Teams will be divided according to abilities and

preferences so that each person has a specific role

Put your all into that role in order to contribute to your team and work cohesively

Each part is vital to the body’s functioning as a whole– everyone should be included and appreciated as such

For example… Ears – There is often a group member who is great at listening and

taking it all in, interpreting the many ideas that are thrown out there and compiling them into a unified plan.

Mouth – One group member might be able to articulate ideas well and delegate tasks or disseminate information. Often it is this person’s job to send out the emails and keep everyone in the loop.

Brain – This person often finds the solutions to tricky problems, good at getting the team out of a jam. This individual also is great a turning mixed signals into a logical approach.

Feet – Takes the group where they need to go, always pointing ahead and carrying the group to one goal. Keeps people on track (makes sure everyone shows up to meetings, ensures that deadlines will be met and work is on schedule, etc.)

Hands – This person is a “doer”… likes to always stay active and have a project to work on. Could also apply to the team scribe/secretary; a person who is organized and likes to compile ideas on paper.

September - October

Step 1: Set up groups

Your van group = your CAP group Groups of 5-12 – some van groups may

need to combine Establish roles and responsibilities in the

group Select a team leader Know your CAP mentor

October – November – December

Step 2: Identify a need with your Community Partner Set up a meeting with the Community Partner

to discuss the needs that could be addressed over the course of a semester

As many students from the group as is possible should be in attendance

If there are a lot of students in a particular group, a representative team from each of the CAP groups can meet and identify several possible ideas from your community partner

Notes must be taken so that when students return to their CAP group, they are clear on the needs expressed by the Community Partner

October – November – December

Step 3: Identify Realistic Action

CAP groups will meet and discuss how they will implement a project for the

Service Site

October – November – December

Step 4: Define Your Project Brainstorm possible actions to address the

need expressed by the Community Partner, or other ways in which you can implement the project given by the Service Site Liaison

Create a Research and Action PlanWhat are the underlying issues related to the

identified need? What questions do you have about this issue and

how can the need by addressed with the population? Research assignments are delegated among

group members

October – November – December

Step 5: RESEARCH!

Each member of the CAP group will research the need presented by the

Community Partner and come up with three ways of addressing that need.

Seek out experts as resources or guides to resources and research!

December – January – February – March

Step 6: Submit a Proposal CAP Groups will decide what they want

their project to be The Secretary will write up a proposal to

be approved by the CAP Mentor, Instructor and Community Partner and have each member of the group sign his or her name to the project

Once the proposal has been approved, CAP groups may move forward on their project

December – January – February – March

Step 7: Complete Project Design GOAL: BEFORE SPRING BREAK!!! CAP groups will make a final plan for

implementation, including:A title for the projectDelegation of roles in the groupGathering materialsPracticingSecuring a date for implementation through the

Community PartnerEmail date of implementation to Noreen Cameron

Design a three-slide PowerPoint presentation for the Celebration Dinner and elect a Spokesperson

April 1-15

Step 8: Implementation and Reflection If suitable, you may implement your project

during Community Partnership Day Your project must be implemented by April

13 (Community Partnership Dinner) Reflection:

What did you learn by doing this project?If you were to go one step further and had no

resource limitations, what would you like to do about this issue/problem?

Would you like to see the continuation of your project at the service site?

April 13, 2011

Step 9: Presentation at the Celebration Dinner CAP groups, or an elected

spokesperson, will give a 3-minute overview with 1-3 slides that explain the goal and outcome of your project

The PowerPoint presentation should include:The title and purpose of your CAP ProjectThe need that was addressedWhat you learned

Please wait for instructions!