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Last Update: June 27, 2008

ICCE Home Page >> Students - Working with Community Partners

Working with Community Partners

Here are some helpful hints on how to better communicate with community agencies.

 

1. Before your first phone call, know when you are available to devote service time with them, and have something prepared as a way to introduce yourself. For example:

	Hi, my name is __________. I am currently enrolled in a Community Service Learning course at San Francisco State University. I found your organization listed in the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement’s database, and I am very interested in volunteering some time to your cause. When can I meet with someone to discuss this further?

2. If you have to leave a message, do not assume that the next move is theirs, call again. When you do leave a message, let them know when you will be available by phone and when during the week you are available to meet with them.

3. When you initially meet with a community-based organization, it is important to start your working relationship the right way. Treat the initial meeting as an interview; it is good practice. Definitely bring your resume and create one if you don't have one.

 

4. Be on the lookout for situations or conditions that would not work for you. This could be anything from the location of the organization, the hours they would need you, or the type of work you would be doing. Our first priority is your safety. If you don't feel comfortable for any reason, then you should probably eliminate that organization from your service choices. Valuable time can be saved if you eliminate as many of these potential obstacles before the first meeting. If you are fairly certain you are uninterested in what you would be doing, decide as soon as possible, time is valuable, both theirs and yours!

5. Placement within community programs is an educational opportunity and a privilege. When you are at the site, it is critically important to San Francisco State University, whom you represent, that you conduct yourself in a highly professional manner:

	Show respect for the community-based organization you work for Treat everyone with courtesy and kindness Be flexible

Student conduct is discussed in greater detail when you create your student profile in the Community Connections Database.