USD Magazine, Spring 1993

The Humanics Touch

One in 13 jobs today is in a non-profit field, says Linda Linstrom, assistant to the dean, U SD School of Education. Addi– tionally, studies have shown that only one in 10 American workers actually likes his or her line of work. " If you can find a job that pays you for what you like to do, you 're fortunate," Linstrom says. With statistics such as these - and a university miss ion centered around values and respect fo r every human being - it makes sense to encourage and support students who want to pursue a career in human service. To that end, U SD is one of only 15 universities nationally that offers American Humanics, a 20-unit pro– gram that foc uses on leadership develop– ment in community service. In the three years since Linstrom began directing the program, participation has grown from four students to 22. Students fulfill the program require– ments while they study their academic major of choice. American Humanics can– didates take 12 units of academic course– work focusing on leadership, six units of volunteer internship and two units of a leadership seminar, including attending at least one fo ur-day AH Management Insti– tute conference. For senior Paula Matteucci, last year's conference in Arizona was a turning point. " I found my niche," she says. " I found that I could contribute something to humanics. That confe rence connected with me because it wasn't just the busi– ness of running a non-profit - it was the human relations side of it, and that's the area I connect with. I understand human– ics now, and if I go to work for a non– profit - I'll know what it means to contribute to that agency. I'll give it my best in the areas that I think are my strong points, probably around human relations." After earning certification, students' photos and resumes are published in a nationally distributed report each year. Recipients include the 11 national agen– cies affiliated with American Humanics, such as American Red C ross and YMCA of the USA. Linst rom says that though the program naturally attracts students who are already committed to community service as a way of life, it nevertheless enhances their development. "They have a confi– dence that they will be able to make a dif– ference," she says.

hours. The advocacy part is actually get– ting down to the bare issues so that, once they're solved, the problem is solved com– pletely." The evolution toward advocacy will begin with two basic changes designed to expand the two director of community service positions. First, the students filling these positions for the 1993-94 academic year will advise and take part in activities in all of the volunteer programs. This direct involvement will give them insight into the community's social issues and help them advise the volunteers and pro– ject coordinators. Second, the advocacy: The two student leaders will focus on the national issues that apply to these commu– nity service programs, keep the volunteers educated and work toward more pervasive change. "Together, it's quite a powerful combi– nation," Jason says. For Paula Matteucci and Celeste, the future and its impending change has come much too quickly, but they will adjust. Paula personally recruited some students who will continue to care for her friend through Senior Outreach. But that won't end Paula and Celeste's relationship. "I know we will keep in touch," Celeste says. "This wasn't just a volunteer thing. It was a bonding of special people." Paula says she is returning to Albu– querque a better person. "Maybe the greatest thing that volunteer work can do is break some little walls that are inside you, that put you in touch with who you are. It puts you with other people in whatever situation they are in. You have this contact, and you'll never be the same. I know I won't."

Community Spirit

The following are ongoing community ser– vice projects sponsored by USD and oper– ated through Associated Students or an academic/administrative area. (In addition to these regular communi– ty service acti.,ities, independent projects are sponsored periodically by individual residence halls, clubs and organizations, and academic and administrati.,e depart– ments. Students, faculty and administra– ti.,e staff .,olunteer time directly with community agencies as well.)

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS American Indian Outreach BandAIDS Best Buddies Binational Project Family Learning Center Homeless Outreach

Linda Vista Kids Project Migrant Worker Outreach Newcomers Saturday School Senior Citizen Outreach Single Mothers Tutoring Program Special Olympics Basketball Tournament Tijuana Orphanage Project Urban Plunge

Volunteers for Youth Workplace Literacy

CAMPUS MINISTRY Catholic Worker Soup Kitchen Tijuana House Building

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT Southeast San Diego Tutoring Project

SCHOOL OF LAW/ PRO BONO LEGAL ADVOCATES AIDS Project* Domestic Violence Prevention Project* Kearny High School Mentor Program Small Claims Court Mediation Program Supplemental Security Income Project*

*For privacy, the last names of community service recipients have been omitted.

*In conjunction with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program.

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