Carlson Civic Fellows
The Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center supports the next generation of leaders through the Civic Fellows program. Each Civic Fellow serves by making a commitment to a community-based organization and leads by engaging other students in public service, through service learning, one-day service projects, and community events.
“Being a Civic Fellow allowed me to experience service from the inside out. I was able to work on a project in its infant phase and gain first-hand knowledge of the kind of effort that is needed to make a project successful. The seminars broadened my perspective of civic engagement and provided me with leadership skills that will definitely be useful in all aspects of my life. This entire experience has played an important role in shaping my future goals.”
Kelly Ward, 2007 Civic Fellow
Community Project:
Central Area Youth Council
Program Purpose
The specific purpose of the Carlson Civic Fellowship is to enable all students--no matter what their economic situation--to make a commitment to community leadership. Students are freed from additional work commitments and provided with the time needed to work effectively in the community. Through Carlson Fellows, the Carlson Center will work closely with community-partner organizations to facilitate increased involvement of University of Washington students in the work of the organization.
Community-based Organizations: Hosting a Carlson Civic Fellow
Carlson Center is pleased to invite community-based organizations to host a University of Washington student through the Carlson Civic Fellowship program for the 2009-10 academic year. Through this Fellowship, the Carlson Center aims to build deeper partnerships with community-based organizations and to meet community needs while supporting students to develop tangible leadership skills. Project proposal applications include basic information about the community based organization and the project mentor; there are a series of seven short answer questions that address components of the program. All proposals are due by 5PM on Thursday, September 10th. For additional information about the Community Project Application process, please download our Request for Proposals (RFP) and Project Application below.
Civic Fellows commit to six months of service and leadership development by:
- Acting as a liaison for a community partner organization and the Carlson Center, on campus and throughout the Seattle area
- Expanding the capacity of the community partner in ways specified by the organization
- Engaging student volunteers in reflection about their work
- Deepening their own understanding of current issues and expanding advocacy skills
Each Civic Fellow will engage in the following:
- Work at a local community-based social service organization on projects to be determined by the Carlson Center, the community partner, and the Civic Fellow, but may include volunteer recruitment, program delivery, or assessment of services
(10 hours per week) - In addition, each Civic Fellow will be responsible for researching a social issue area and helping to develop service-learning opportunities in that area.
(approximately 2 hours per week) - All Civic Fellows will participate in a Leadership Seminar together, focused on skill development and reflection.
(2-3 hours per week)
*MUST BE AVAILABLE TO ATTEND ORIENTATION ON FRIDAY, NOV.16, 4-8pm.
Educational & Financial Benefits:
- Gain a fuller understanding of skills and strengths and ways to contribute to our community
- Deepen understanding of social issues
- Expand advocacy skills
- Improve time-management skills and project planning
- Gain experience in building community/university partnerships
- Students may earn GEN ST350 academic credit for participation as a Civic Fellow when completing an additional academic project.
- Work-study eligible students may also qualify to earn an additional educational award of $1000.
The 2007 Carlson Civic Fellows
(pictured above with program coordinators Kyla Lackie & Michelle Cruver)
