CDFS 419/Serving Families: Best Start Central Long Beach (BSCLB)At — CSULB Center for Community Engagement
Students will partner with Best Start Central Long Beach (BSCLB) to support ongoing community leadership, partnership, and family programs. Under the guidance of community leaders, students will gain hands-on experience in grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and family-focused programming. Students will contribute to leadership meetings, community forums, and the Fathers First program, while developing real-world skills in communication, event coordination, and community-based problem solving.
Student Roles and Responsibilities
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Assist with preparation for monthly Leadership Team Meetings (e.g., phone banking, materials prep)
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Support Leadership Team Meetings on site (attendance, logistics, note-taking, set-up/clean-up)
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Help prepare and staff Community Partnership Meetings (in-person and virtual), including guest speaker sessions and family education activities
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Contribute to the Fathers First Program by assisting with prep days, program logistics, and family engagement activities
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Reflect on how community-based work builds leadership, equity, and civic participation
Time Commitment & Schedule
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Leadership Team Meetings: Monthly Tuesdays (3:00–6:30pm) | 3.5 hrs | 3 students needed per meeting
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Prep Days for Leadership Team Meetings: Flexible | 3 hrs | 2 students needed
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Community Partnership Meetings:
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Prep Days (Mondays before events) | 3 hrs | 2 students
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Virtual Meetings (Aug 28, Sept 25, Oct 30 | 4:00–7:00pm) | 3 hrs
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In-Person Meetings (Nov 20, Feb 26, Apr 30, June 25 | 12:00–8:00pm including prep/breaks/dinner) | 8 hrs
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Fathers First Program:
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Prep Days (Sept 9, 11, 18, 25) | 3 hrs
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Session Days (Saturdays Sept 1, 13, 20, 27 | 9:00am–1:00pm) | 4 hrs
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By participating in this service learning opportunity, students will:
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Develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in community-based settings.
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Apply course concepts to real-world challenges in civic engagement and family support.
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Gain experience in planning, logistics, and facilitation of public meetings.
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Strengthen cultural humility and understanding of diverse community perspectives in Long Beach.
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Reflect on the role of community partnerships in fostering equity and social change.
Students will learn how to effectively engage with community partners and create impactful media contentStudents will receive guidance in storytelling through visual media and creating compelling contentStudents will have the opportunity to collaborate with classmates and receive feedback on their work
Students interested in participating with Best Start Central Long Beach (BSCLB) should:
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Review the Opportunity Details
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Confirm that you are available for the required dates/times listed for Leadership Team Meetings, Community Partnership Meetings, and/or Fathers First Program.
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Consider your transportation needs for in-person meetings and Saturday sessions.
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Approval Process
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Speak and confirm with your faculty instructor (Dr. Sarah Taylor) and the Community Partner Supervisor (Nubia/BSCLB staff) for approval.
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Once approved, you will receive confirmation in S4 and may begin signing up for specific shifts.
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Onboarding & Orientation
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Attend a brief orientation with BSCLB staff (time will be scheduled after approval).
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Review any required policies, safety procedures, or confidentiality guidelines.
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Participation & Tracking Hours
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Record your service hours directly in S4 after each meeting or event.
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Ensure all hours are verified by the BSCLB supervisor.
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Complete all assigned reflection activities as outlined by your course instructor.
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Contact for Questions:
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Community Partner: Nubia (Best Start Central Long Beach)
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Faculty Instructor: Dr. Sarah Taylor
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 20 | hours per placement |