Community Service Information 2010/11

Community Service Coordinator:
Melissa Ambrose, Office 12; mambrose @ juhsd.net

WHAT IS COMMUNITY SERVICE AND WHY DOES OHS BELIVE IT IS IMPORTANT?

Community service is volunteer time intended to enhance the greater community
Community service gives students an opportunity to meet Outcome 5, "Respectful and Responsible Citizens"
Community service gives students a chance to gain job skills, increase maturity, and improve problem solving and critical thinking skills, and self-esteem
Community service allows students an opportunity to understand the issues in their communities and to feel connected to others
Students who earn 250 hours (prorated at 62.5 per year of attendance) earn a silver cord as an honors at graduation
Community service is an excellent addition for college and job applications, and there are scholarships available for students who earn the silver cord honors

HOW MANY HOURS ARE REQUIRED?

Each student must complete 25 hours for each year of attendance at Oceana. Hours are prorated at the rate of 12.5 per semester for transfer students.
All incoming students (9th and transfer) may bring in 25 hours from previous experience with proper documentation.
At least 50% of required community service hours must be performed off campus and ALL service must be done outside of the regular school day.

WHAT KIND OF SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS QUALIFY?

All community service must be completed at a non-profit agency or organization. Such organizations include schools, hospitals, libraries, city agencies, public TV and radio stations, soup kitchens and food banks, boys & girls clubs, park and recreation departments, and many other places.
Community service may NOT be done for any for-profit businesses OR individuals, even if you are not getting paid.
Service done at religious organizations (churches, temples, mosques, etc…) is only allowed when the work is non-religious. Additionally, the work must be intended to benefit the greater community and not just to promote the religion. •
Any kind of religious instruction or participation in worship services do not qualify.
Community service credit for political work will only be given if the work is non-partisan (voter registration, working the polls, etc.)
30 hours of community service will be given for Outdoor Education during Interim week.
If you have ANY questions or concerns about an agency or organization, first checkwith the Community Service Coordinator BEFORE you start working so that you can be sure your time will be counted!

HOW DO I FIND A COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY?

Many current community service opportunities are listed in the bulletin and fliers are posted around school. This information can also be found on our website: http://ohs.juhsd.net/
Ask your advisor for ideas, ask your friends, too
Come to the Community Service Coordinator and ask for ideas
Go to these websites for ideas and opportunities:
San Francisco Bay Area Volunteer Information Center
The Volunteer Center

HOW DO I TURN IN HOURS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE RECORDED?

It is important to make sure the log sheet is properly signed and all the necessary information is provided. Letters from agencies must be on that agency's letterhead and contain the same information as the log sheets.
Students should make a personal copy of all community service log sheets or letters before turning them in. Give the extra copy to your advisor to file. Blank log sheets are available outside of Office 12 in the Counseling Hall.
Hours are updated every month or two and are given to advisors. Check with your advisor to see your current hours.