Sonoma State University's Service Collaborative was recently granted $40,000 by the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism (GOSERV) to carry out children's service learning projects in honor of the late labor leader.
The program of teacher training and children's service learning projects will be showcased at the Second Annual César Chavez Celebracion de Salud, a health fair on the Roseland School grounds in Santa Rosa, on April 6.
A teacher training on March 6 will demonstrate ways to encourage children to study community needs and to formulate projects that address those needs. Throughout the month of March the children of the COOL SCHOOL academic after school programs will be choosing and carrying out their service projects.
"An important aspect of this years' grant is the addition of funds for bus transportation, which will enable the children to go to sites such as community gardens where they can perform their service," said Julie McClure, Director of Service Programs at the university.
The Health Fair, which will repeat last year's popular event that served 500 children and families with free testing and referrals for health, safety, and immigration needs, will feature services by the Latino Service Providers and Roseland Children's Clinic. It is being facilitated by the AmeriCorps and VISTA leadership of SSU's COOL SCHOOL and Project SCHOLARS where 250 SSU students serve as literacy tutors and after school mentors.
Youth and older children will be encouraged to act as service learning mentors for the elementary students. A Youth Conference sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County will bring young Latino leaders for workshops and service projects illustrating Cesar Chavez' motto, Si, Se Puede! (Yes, You Can!). The Conference will be held in conjunction with the Health Fair on April 6 at the Roseland School grounds.
"The grant from the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism will enable a broad coalition of community members from Santa Rosa's Latino community, the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County, Sonoma State University's service programs and community agencies such as the Sonoma County Museum create a memorable event that honors the spirit of Cesar Chavez by engaging children and youth in the community," McClure said.
