Civic Ambassador Network

Engaging & Developing Student Leaders

Civic Ambassador Network Creation VISTA Leader: Colin Studer

Program Advisory Board model Researched a variety of programs

Wanted to give back to student participants Provide professional development Mentor on projects Connect campuses across the state

2013-2014 Academic Year First year of program

Nomination process

Focus on Social Change Wheel

Open for students to guide program

Program Goals Civic Ambassadors will…

Strive to be Active Citizens contributing to social change

Engage with Iowa Campus Compact as ambassadors and advisors.

Develop and implement campus or community civic engagement project, program, or event

Fall 2013 Retreat Established mission as group

Discussed social change wheel

Shared common issues on campuses

Brainstormed CA projects

Participant Breakdown 15 participants 6 campuses 8 projects

ASB, issue awareness, student involvement

Challenges Very enthusiastic at Fall Retreat

Good participation October conference call

Almost 100% participation November 1:1 phone calls

~30% participation in webinars (December, January)

Lack of communication from majority of CAs

Brainstorming Met with student member of State Farm Youth

Advisory Board

Discussed possible options for moving forward 1 theme for all CA projects 1 project for all CA members Senior Ambassadors More competitive application/nomination process

Award Winning First Year!

Bethany Welsh Senior, University of Iowa Outstanding Contribution to a

Greater Community Meet the Challenge Award –

Engage 

Emily Rouse & Lisa Langenberg Seniors, Central College Bridge Builder Awards

Spring 2014 Retreat Students presented their projects

Discussed relation to social change wheel

Reflected on CA experience

Suggestions for next year’s program

Reviewed IACC strategic plan

Evaluations Q: Describe at least one way that your

experience in the Civic Ambassador Network has impacted you.

“This program has given me leadership skills that I didn’t know I had.”

“I’ve found a passion for helping others and being involved in my community that I never knew was important.”

“The Civic Ambassador Network has helped me really use other ideas and think more critically.”

“I have become a more aware person on my campus. I learned about a problem I never would have thought of.”

Evaluations Q: Describe at least one thing you have learned from your

Civic Ambassador Network Experience about civic engagement and/or social change.

“Civic partnership and collaboration is absolutely the most efficient way to create social change and promote empowerment.”

“Civic engagement/social change requires flexibility, vulnerability, and hard work/effort.”

“It has really helped me explain what civic engagement is. It helped me show folks how easy it is to get involved.”

“How much impact I can have on my community.”

2014-2015 Academic Year 2 Senior Ambassadors

Returning CA members Main contact for Civic Ambassadors Liaison between CA and VISTA Leader

2 Civic Ambassadors per member campus Application process Projects on campus or in community

Fall & Spring Retreat

Questions?