CDFS 419- Serving Families- Best Start Central Long Beach (BSCLB)At — Long Beach Forward

Students will partner with Best Start Central Long Beach (BSCLB) to support ongoing community leadership, partnership, and family programs. Under the guidance of community leader, 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

• Assist with preparation for monthly Leadership Team Meetings (e.g., phone banking, materials prep)

• Support Leadership Team Meetings on site (attendance, logistics, note-taking, set-up/clean-up)

• Help prepare and staff Community Partnership Meetings (in-person and virtual), including guest speaker sessions and family education activities

• Contribute to the Fathers First Program by assisting with prep days, program logistics, and family engagement activities

• Reflect on how community-based work builds leadership, equity, and civic participation

Time Commitment & Schedule

• Leadership Team Meetings: Monthly Tuesdays (3:00–6:30pm) | 3.5 hrs | 3 students needed per meeting

• Prep Days for Leadership Team Meetings: Flexible | 3 hrs | 2 students needed

• Community Partnership Meetings:

  • Prep Days (Mondays before events) | 3 hrs | 2 students

  • Virtual Meetings (Aug 28, Sept 25, Oct 30 | 4:00–7:00pm) | 3 hrs

  • In-Person Meetings (Nov 20, Feb 26, Apr 30, June 25 | 12:00–8:00pm including prep/breaks/dinner) | 8 hrs

• Fathers First Program:

  • Prep Days (Sept 9, 11, 18, 25) | 3 hrs

  • Session Days (Saturdays Sept 1, 13, 20, 27 | 9:00am–1:00pm) | 4 hrs