HDF 190: FLITE (FIRST-YEAR LEADERS INSPIRED TO EXCELLENCE)

URI MINOR IN LEADERSHIP STUDIES, CENTER FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

CORE REQUIREMENT FOR THE LEADERSHIP MINOR
SPRING 2016

SERVICE LEARNING & LEADERSHIP CONTRACT DRAFT

Goal: To identify and utilize my Strengths (Gallup Talents/StrengthsQuest and/or VIA
Character Strengths) in an organizational/interpersonal setting that aligns with the
mission, vision, values and sponsored programs and activities of URIs Center for
Student Leadership Development.
Activity: I hope to become a Civic Engagement Leader. This would allow me to get
hands-on experience with planning, organizing, and leading multiple community service
opportunities throughout the school year. This would also allow me to put my leadership
skills into action as I work to encourage the entire URI student body to get involved with
service. Similarly, this opportunity would give me the chance to experience service
related to my career path, as I am interested in working specifically with the Education
Team of Civic Engagement Leaders.
Evidence: I was accepted into the Civic Engagement Leader Class of 2016, and
specifically have been accepted into the Education Team. I completed my first day of
training on April 17, 2016 and also received an acceptance letter.
Annotation:
The Civic Engagement Program first began in 1995 with the goal of integrating
community service with academic study. This was meant to be a mutually beneficial
experience for both the students and the greater community. At URI, The Civic
Engagement Program focusses primarily on involving first-year students with community
service. Each class of Civic Engagement Leaders is separated into special interest teams,
which are as follows: education, environment, health, and human services.
Because I am interested in a career in education policy law, I applied to join the
education team of civic engagement leaders. After completing two rounds of interviews, I
was accepted into this program.
My first training experience as a Civic Engagement Leader was on April 17,
2016. On this date, there was a Multiple Sclerosis walk in Narragansett, Rhode Island.
The entire Civic Engagement Leader class of 2016, including the interns, attended this
event. We served by working the rest stops. We cheered those who participated in the
walk on, provided them with water and granola bars, and educated ourselves on multiple
sclerosis. Overall, this experience allowed us to get to know one another. Specifically,
this experience allowed us to recognize the strengths of one another. It was our first time
working as a team, and we learned how to combine each of our leadership styles in a way
that was effective and collaborative. Similarly, this experience allowed us to keep our

service in perspective, making those we were serving and our understanding of the topic
of MS a priority.
During this experience, I noticed my empathy, individualization, and input
strengths all in action. Throughout the day, I got to know many people effected either
directly or indirectly by MS. My empathy allowed me to understand the importance of
the event from their perspective, which helped me to keep the priorities of myself and my
team in check. My individualization strength allowed me to get to know my team well.
Immediately, I began creating strong relationships with individuals I had not met before
this event. I got to know many members of my team personally and quickly. Similarly, I
immediately began to notice the strengths of those around me. This allowed me to help
organize my team efficiently. Finally, my input strength came into play as the awareness
component of the event began. As information about MS was offered, I became very
interested in it. I believe that it is important to fully understand this issue a leader is
serving. As a result, I paid careful attention as the information was offered and
participated fully in the awareness activities.

Instructor Signature: ____________________________________________

*Will sign once they have reviewed your draft idea due 2/16/16.
Student Signature: ______________________________________________